Day 75 – Genesis 44:6-13
They Returned Together
Scripture Reading – Genesis 44:6-13
And he overtook them, and he spake unto them these same words.
Genesis 44:6 KJV
And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:
Genesis 44:7 KJV
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?
Genesis 44:8 KJV
With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.
Genesis 44:9 KJV
And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.
Genesis 44:10 KJV
Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack.
Genesis 44:11 KJV
And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
Genesis 44:12 KJV
Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city.
Genesis 44:13 KJV
Scripture Review
The brothers confidently deny the charge and declare that the one found with the cup should die while the rest become servants. The steward wisely reduces their rash sentence: the guilty one will be his servant and the others will be blameless. He searches from the eldest to the youngest, and the cup is found in Benjamin’s sack.
Then the brothers rend their clothes, load every ass, and return to the city together. That last word is the evidence of change: they return. Years earlier they left Joseph in the hands of merchants and carried his coat home. Now a favored younger brother appears guilty, and every man goes back with him. They do not know the accusation is part of a test. They simply know Benjamin will not face it alone.
The steward meant to carry out Joseph’s ordered search, while the brothers meant to defend their innocence and then refused to abandon Benjamin when the cup appeared.
God meant to make changed loyalty visible. The men who once returned without Joseph now returned with Benjamin, even when doing so endangered them all.
What this asks of me
I should be careful with rash vows made before the facts are known. More importantly, loyalty is proved by who I return with when trouble comes. Changed people do not repeat the old abandonment. I may not understand every circumstance, but I can decide that a vulnerable brother will not stand alone while I protect myself.
Consider
- Do I make severe promises before I know the whole truth?
- Whom am I being called to stand beside when walking away would be easier?