“Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.”
In order to understand the context of this verse, let’s explore the surrounding verses and the overall narrative of Genesis 44. This chapter tells the story of Joseph’s brothers returning to Egypt to buy grain during a famine. Unbeknownst to them, Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, is now a high-ranking official in Egypt. Joseph devises a plan to test his brothers’ character and their repentance for their past actions.
In Genesis 44, Joseph orchestrates a situation where he plants a silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and accuses him of theft. The brothers, unaware of the setup, are devastated and return to Joseph’s presence in an attempt to prove Benjamin’s innocence and save him from punishment. This sets the stage for the events described in Genesis 44:13.
In this verse, we see that when Joseph’s brothers discover the silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, they “rent their clothes.” This act of tearing one’s garments was a common expression of grief, shock, or intense distress in ancient times. It was a visible sign of extreme sorrow or anguish.
Their reaction indicates the deep concern they feel for Benjamin, their younger brother, as well as the gravity of the situation. They are willing to go to great lengths to ensure Benjamin’s safety and secure his release.
Furthermore, the verse states that the brothers “laded every man his ass.” This phrase means they loaded their donkeys or pack animals, likely with the grain they had purchased, and prepared to return to the city of Egypt. Their immediate response is to go back to the city, likely because they are aware that they need to face the consequences and address the situation with Joseph directly.
From a broader perspective, this verse highlights the continued development of the character of Joseph’s brothers. They display a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty to their family, particularly Benjamin, as they willingly bear the burden of the situation. This contrasts with their previous actions when they had callously sold Joseph into slavery.
In conclusion, Genesis 44:13 portrays the brothers’ intense distress and grief upon discovering the planted silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. They respond by tearing their clothes and prepare to return to the city to face Joseph, highlighting their newfound sense of responsibility and loyalty. This verse serves as a crucial moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers, leading to the eventual reconciliation and redemption that takes place later in the narrative.
