Genesis 44 tells the dramatic story of Joseph’s final test for his brothers. Joseph, who was once sold into slavery by his own siblings, is now a powerful ruler in Egypt. He devises a plan to test his brothers’ character and determine if they have truly changed.
Joseph instructs his steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack secretly. After the brothers depart from Egypt, Joseph sends his steward to overtake them and accuse them of stealing the cup. The brothers, shocked and innocent, allow the steward to search their sacks. To their dismay, the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack.
Devastated, the brothers return to Joseph’s presence. They plead their innocence and offer to become slaves as punishment for the alleged theft. Joseph, however, insists that only Benjamin, in whose sack the cup was found, should remain as a slave. The other brothers are free to return home.
This turn of events deeply troubles the brothers. Judah, in particular, steps forward and delivers a heartfelt plea to Joseph, recounting the events to their father and the immense grief that Benjamin’s enslavement would cause. He offers himself as a substitute slave, stating that he cannot bear to see their father suffer such anguish again.
The narrative leaves the reader in suspense as Joseph, moved by Judah’s selflessness and loyalty, is deeply touched by their genuine remorse. The story will continue to unfold in the following chapters.
To delve deeper into the profound meaning and context of each verse in Genesis 44, click the links below: