Genesis 44:13 Commentary and Bible Study

According to the terms set by the steward, they were all free to go and continue their journey, and only Benjamin must stay as Joseph’s servant, but they would have none of it. They all return to the city with Benjamin; they will not leave him. At each step we should compare their conduct in this time of extremity with the way they had treated Joseph over twenty years previously. The Scripture is drawing our attention to this change, and it is exactly this that Joseph intends to bring about.They rent their clothes; previously they had stripped Joseph of his coat of many colours. They go back with Benjamin to Joseph’s house, previously they had abandoned Joseph to the Ishmaelite traders in total disregard. If Benjamin is going to be forced to stay, then they will all stay with him. They have become jointly responsible for him. They are changed men.Evidently, Judah is the leader now, for Moses refers to ‘Judah and his brethren.’ He had earlier spoken up for all of them before his father, and he does so again before Joseph. Joseph has been waiting for them to return, wanting to bring matters to a head and knowing this was going to be the moment of crisis. Again they fulfil the dream by falling to the ground before him. As they lie there he repeats the charge, and reminds them that he has gifts of divination, which is true, though that does not account for what has happened; he is acting as if he was an Egyptian diviner. Judah doesn’t defend himself; he admits his guilt. He can say nothing to Joseph. He cannot defend himself. Why not? Was he not innocent; were they not all innocent of the theft of Joseph’s cup? There is something more at stake than just the matter of theft. ‘God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants‘, that is, the past iniquity. ‘What we did to our brother: it has been on our minds and now we are under divine judgment , because this impossible thing, that we cannot have done, has actually happened. Benjamin, the one they dare not fail to bring back to their father, is to be made a slave in Egypt. Therefore they will all stay in Egypt as Joseph’s slaves.’Why does Joseph do this? Because he understands that God is holding them guilty for a crime, and they are guilty. They may not be guilty of the crime which he has charged them with, but they are deeply guilty of another crime which is far worse. They believe God is now punishing them for that other crime, even though they are innocent of theft. Joseph finally says one more thing which is designed to bring out Judah’s most urgent plea. Only Benjamin, the one found with the cup, should stay; the rest can go back to their father. He says this as if it would be an acceptable outcome for them; he appeals to their selfishness. But this will draw out new, honourable, just, honest feelings which God is working in their hearts. He knows that they cannot do this, for he judges correctly that this would break Jacob’s heart and that the sons know this and will not let this happen.