Genesis 44:7-17

7 And they said unto him, Why saith my lord these words? In no wise should thy slaves do according to this thing.

8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan; how then should we steal out of thy lord’s house silver or gold?

9 With whoever of thy slaves it is found, both let him die and we also will be my lord’s bond slaves.

10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and ye shall be blameless.

11 Then they made haste, and each one took his sack down to the ground, and each one opened his sack.

12 And he searched and began at the eldest and finished at the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.

13 Then they rent their clothes, and each one laded his ass, and they returned to the city.

14 And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph’s house, for he was yet there; and they fell before him on the ground.

15 And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? Know ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?

16 Then Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? What shall we speak or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of thy slaves; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup is found.

17 And he said, in no wise should I do so; but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my slave; and as for you, go up in peace unto your father.

Genesis 44:7-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 44

This chapter relates the policy of Joseph in making an experiment of his brethren's regard and affection for Benjamin; he ordered his steward to put every man's money into his sack, and his silver cup in Benjamin's, and when they were got out of the city, to follow after them, and charge them with the theft, as he did; and having searched their sacks, as they desired he would, found the cup with Benjamin, which threw them into the utmost distress, and obliged them to return to Joseph, Ge 44:1-14; who charged them with their ill behaviour towards him; they acknowledge it, and propose to be his servants; but he orders them to depart to their father, retaining Benjamin in servitude, Ge 44:15-17; upon which Judah addressed him in a very polite and affectionate manner, and relates the whole story, both of what passed between Joseph and them, concerning Benjamin, the first time they were in Egypt, and between their father and them upon the same subject, when he directed them to go a second time thither to buy corn, and how he became a surety to his father for him, and therefore proposed to be his bondman now, not being able to see his father's face without Benjamin, Ge 44:18-34.