They prepare to leave for home and the steward is commanded to give them as much food as they can carry, plus their money back and this time Joseph’s silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. Notice the steward’s unquestioning obedience again (v2). Do we always have to ask God “Why?” when He asks us to do something?
They leave at daybreak (v3) and before they have gone very far the steward is commanded to chase after them and accuse them of theft. What must the steward have thought — Joseph’s is cracking up! It shows the utmost faith and trust he had in Joseph his master.
Picture the scene — All’s well that ends well; they are all going home with Simeon and Benjamin, Jacob will be happy, but their joy is short-lived. Most writers agree that this is THE test. How would they react to this? Remember their actions with Joseph all those years ago will they do the same with Benjamin?
When the steward arrives, he asks “Why have you returned evil for good?” they reply (v9) that whoever’s sack it is found in shall die and the rest be slaves forever. He refuses their offer and simply states that the one in whose sack the cup is found will be his slave and the rest go free. One can imagine their panic when it is found in Benjamin’s sack. Will they let Benjamin go and save their own skin? 22 years ago, they cared nothing for their father’s feelings by selling Joseph. Would they be the same again? No, not now — they all return to Egypt together. (v13) They even tore their clothes in anguish. Is this the true repentance in the brothers that Joseph is looking for?
An old hymn goes like this —
‘Tis not enough to say, “I’m sorry and repent”. And then go on from day to day just as we always went.
Repentance is to leave the sins we loved before and show that we in earnest grieve by doing them no more.’ (unknown)
Once more the brothers come and threw themselves to the ground before Joseph and he asks, “What have you done?” Judah replies “What can we say to my LORD?… God has uncovered your servant’s guilt. We are now my LORD’s slaves — all of us.” (v16) I don’t believe Judah is speaking solely of the present incident but also of their dealings with Joseph all those years ago. God has found out our iniquity — God knew all the time, now they realize that God knew.
Joseph offers a way out, leave Benjamin and the rest go free. (v17) but in v18 Judah pours out his heart to Joseph offering to stay in the place of Benjamin. He makes an impassioned plea and refers to the family and particularly Benjamin’s brother being dead. Little did he realize he was speaking to him! He reminds Joseph that he had said to bring Benjamin would kill his father. He tells him that he is surety for the lad (v32) and that he may as well stay too because of the consequences of them going home without Benjamin.
He now has great concern for his father whereas, years ago, his ‘mourning’ when they told his father what had happened to Joseph was sheer hypocrisy.
How sincere are we or are we hypocrites? Those outside the church say it is full of hypocrites and use it as an excuse not to come. We should be different. With Judah it took 22 years, but it needn’t have taken that long.
