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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 330

"For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether." Psalm 139:4

Text: Genesis 44:1-34

CONFESSION OF WRONGDOING

The sons of Israel could not come up with any plausible explanation to explain how the silver cup ended up in Benjamin’s sack. He could only think of one thing. It was God punishing them for the wrong they did to Joseph.

“How shall we clear ourselves?
God has found out the iniquity of your servants…”
GENESIS 44:16b

He did not expect Joseph to understand what he was saying, thus he did not attempt to explain what he meant at all. Judah accepted the judgment of God. Speaking on behalf of his brothers, he offered all of them to be enslaved with Benjamin. If there was to be any punishment to be meted out, the brothers would bear them with Benjamin, if not for him.

“Here we are, my lord’s slaves,
Both we and he also with whom the cup was found.”
GENESIS 44:16c


REJECTION OF OFFER

Joseph rejected Judah’s suggestion. He wanted only the culprit to be enslaved.

“Far be it from me that I should do so;
the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave.
And as for you, go up in peace to your father.”
GENESIS 44:17

How final and frightening those words were! This was the most powerful man in Egypt next to the Pharaoh! Could anyone change his mind, once it was made up? The offer of Joseph was “tempting”. Only one brother would be detained, the rest would go free! They could ALL have been made slaves! Wasn’t there some consolation in Joseph’s offer?


AN IMPASSIONED PLEA

The idea that Joseph suggested could not be accepted! How could they make this Egyptian official understand their predicament? Judah decided that he would appeal for mercy, since he could not plead for vindication on behalf of Benjamin. With everything he had, Judah made an impassioned plea to Joseph!

“O my lord, please let your servant speak a word
in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn
against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh.”
GENESIS 44:18

With due deference, and in great humility, Judah began his speech. He was well aware of the position that Joseph occupied. He was “like Pharaoh” himself! He did not need to bother himself with sob stories of foreigners. His time was valuable. Nevertheless would he be given a chance to explain things in some detail?