Genesis 44:1 Now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house: “Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack.
Again, on its surface, this feels like just one more test by Joseph. However, at this point, I kind of see where he is coming from. Benjamin is the youngest, the favorite, the other child of his own mother. Joseph wants to be sure, one final test, that the brothers have changed their hearts.
Genesis 44:2 Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.” And he did as Joseph said.
But how do we know that this is from God and not from Joseph. Commentary seems to imply that we just know, that Joseph has changed and now he is doing God’s will, not his own, so that’s how we know it’s from God. I can sort of see it. Sort of. It still feels like there is a lot of Joseph’s will in this situation.
Genesis 44:3 As morning dawned, the men were sent on their way with their donkeys.
Precious Savior, As You can see, I’m bad at reading people, reading situations. As I can see, I clearly should not be casting judgment on others because I am bad at it. Help me to do what You have for me to do and not to do things that aren’t mine to do–like judging others in any way…their actions, their motives, their words. I am not qualified. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 44:4-5 They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil? Isn’t this the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divination? This is a wicked thing you have done.’”
Have a blessed day.