Genesis 44:4 Commentary and Bible Study

Fuller suggests that the brothers would now all be very happy: ‘Simeon is restored, Benjamin is safe, and they are well laden with provision for the family. They would now be ready to anticipate the pleasure of seeing their father, and easing his anxious heart.’ But Joseph is not finished with them, and neither is the Lord.Joseph sends his steward after them with very clear instructions. The steward has to act his part and accuse the brothers, even though he knows that they are not guilty. He must feign outrage at their theft, and determination to find out who is the culprit. He must emphasise the value of what has been taken – it is the special cup by which Joseph practices divination. They are already in awe of Joseph because of the way he has discerned their ages. The steward also draws attention to their ingratitude in doing such a thing after being treated so hospitably by Joseph. All this is calculated to make Joseph’s response seem reasonable, and so make it hard for them to argue against him when he requires that Benjamin should remain in Egypt. He trusts his master, Joseph, and carries out his orders to the letter without understanding why he is being told to do this. He believes that there must be some good reason why they are being falsely accused, but it has yet to come to light.So there is to be a further assault on their consciences. Lawson says, ‘Although charity thinks no evil, it may assume the appearance of severity to work a salutary change, or bring forth evidences of it.’ They will be falsely accused. How will they react?