GENESIS 44
Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack, 2 and put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him.3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. 4 They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? 5 Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination? You have done evil in doing this.’” 6 When he overtook them, he spoke to them these words. 7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants to do such a thing! 8 Behold, the money that we found in the mouths of our sacks we brought back to you from the land of Canaan. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? 9 Whichever of your servants is found with it shall die, and we also will be my lord’s servants.” 10 He said, “Let it be as you say: he who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent.” 11 Then each man quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 And he searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city. – Genesis 44:1-13
GENESIS 44 JOSEPH TESTS HIS BROTHERS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
After the dinner with Joseph, the brothers left as soon as morning came
But Joseph decided to test his brothers and placed his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack
He wanted to see if they will still speak the truth and find out more about his father
The brothers tore their clothes and each of them returned to the city.
It must have been torture for the brothers especially Judah who made a promise to his father that Benjamin will be returned to him. Now that the silver cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, that promise will not be kept. What was Joseph’s intention keeping them in suspense like this? Was it to find out if their hearts have changed or just to avenge himself?
REFLECTION
- Why do you think Joseph tested his brothers in this account?
