Unit Theme: Jewish Human History (Genesis 12—50)
October 8, 2023 (Lesson 6)
JOSEPH REUNITED WITH HIS BROTHERS
1. Joseph Tests His Brothers (Genesis 44:1-17, 30-34)
2. Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers (Genesis 45:1-15)
3. Jacob’s Family Saved and Restored (Genesis 45:16-28)
Central Truth: God desires for families and the family of God to be unified around His Word.
Focus: Review the restoration of Joseph’s family and prayerfully seek healing of broken relationships.
Evangelism Emphasis: The unity of brothers and sisters in Christ can attract others to God’s family.
Golden Text: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
Introduction
Genesis 44 and 45 bring Joseph’s brothers and his dreams back into focus. In 37:6-9, Joseph had two dreams. In his first dream, his brothers’ sheaves bowed down to Joseph’s sheaf. In the second dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. The interpretation of the dreams seemed clear to his family: Joseph desired to rule over them. However, after these dreams, the plot moved in an unexpected direction.
As the story continued, the dreams became a distant memory, even forgotten. In our last lesson, we learned the great famine Joseph had spent seven years preparing for had finally come to Egypt. However, the famine was not only in Egypt. It had spread to the surrounding nations, including Canaan, where Joseph’s father and brothers were still dwelling. Accordingly, the brothers must travel to Egypt to buy food. Little did they realize they would come face-to-face with the brother they had plotted to kill and eventually sold into slavery. They did not recognize him, but their hope for survival now rested in the hands of this brother.
Conversely, Joseph recognized his brothers (42:7); and suddenly, he remembered his dreams (v. 9). So many years and events had happened since his dreams, they had faded from his memory. But the memories he had tried to forget were now remembered at the sight of his brothers. Joseph did not disclose himself to them, but rather spoke harshly to them (v. 7), accusing them of being spies (v. 9), and even imprisoned his brothers for three days (v. 17). To prove they were not spies, Joseph proposed a test. One of the brothers must remain imprisoned in Egypt while the others returned to Canaan. Then they must bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt. The purpose of the test was to ensure Benjamin was brought to Egypt. The brothers agreed, and Simeon was left behind (vv. 18-24). Justifiably, Jacob refused to send Benjamin to Egypt. He had already lost one son; he would not lose another. Eventually, however, their grain ran out; so the brothers returned to Egypt with Benjamin (43:1-34).
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1. Joseph Tests His Brothers
A. Joseph’s Silver Cup (Genesis 44:1-13)
Chapter 44 begins with Joseph instructing his steward to generously fill his brothers’ sacks with food and to put their money back in the sacks (v. 1). Since such instructions were also given in Genesis 42:25, the orders demonstrate Joseph’s concern for his family. However, Joseph’s directive to plant his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack seems strange (44:2). Mention of silver reminds us of the twenty pieces of silver for which the brothers sold Joseph (37:28), and signifies something significant is about to happen.
After their sacks are filled with food, the brothers are sent back to Canaan. Shortly after their departure, Joseph orders his steward to pursue his brothers and interrogate them (44:4-5). The interrogation alleges the brothers have stolen Joseph’s silver cup. The accusation, according to the brothers, is outrageous (vv. 7-8). If they were thieves, they would not have returned the money they found in their sacks after their initial trip to Egypt. So assured are they of their innocence, they freely offer the steward to search their bags. They even propose if the cup is found in their sacks, the guilty person should be executed and the rest should be enslaved (v. 9).
The steward accepts the brothers’ proposal, but modifies their recommended punishment by saying, “He who is found with it shall be my servant, and the rest of you shall be innocent” (v. 10 ESV). The sacks are searched, and the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack (v. 12). The discovery of the cup in Benjamin’s sack causes the brothers intense emotional anguish. The brothers’ act of tearing their clothes (v. 13) echoes the responses of Reuben and Jacob after unrelated events led them to believe Joseph was dead (37:29, 34). The brothers’ collective distress signals a transformation in their character. Apart from Reuben’s outpouring of grief in 37:29, the brothers had displayed no sign of guilt or despair for selling Joseph into slavery. Here, however, the brothers are unified in their sorrow over the sentence of Benjamin. The fact all the brothers had returned to Egypt with Benjamin further indicated their devoted bond to him.
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B. Judah’s Desperate Plea (Genesis 44:14-17, 30-34)
The story’s wide lens zooms in from the group of brothers to focus directly on Judah. This is appropriate since Judah had assured his father that Benjamin would return to Canaan safely. If Benjamin did not return from Egypt, Jacob could exact from Judah whatever he deemed the appropriate retribution: “I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever” (43:9 ESV).
After the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, the brothers returned to Egypt and hurled themselves at the mercy of Joseph (44:14). Joseph’s questions charged them with guilt: “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that a man like me can indeed practice divination?” (v. 15 ESV). Joseph’s second question is surprising, especially since the practice of sorcery was prohibited in Israel (Lev. 19:26). However, there is no evidence Joseph participated in witchcraft, so we should interpret his second question as part of his elaborate scheme.
Judah knew it was impossible to prove their innocence. After all, the cup was found in Benjamin’s possession. However, Judah did not lay the blame solely on Benjamin. His language in Genesis 44:16 stresses their shared guilt (“servants . . . we . . . we”); consequently, they would all pay the penalty. Joseph rejected Judah’s plea. Benjamin alone would be punished. The rest of the brothers could depart in peace (v. 17). Judah persisted. This time he petitioned for his father’s life: “As