Genesis 44

Chapter 45 begins with Joseph revealing himself to his brothers.  The “revealing” cannot happen without the repentance and faith of the brothers.  That is the story of Gen. 44.

The “test” in vs. 1-13 serves to tell the brothers that God knows their secrets.  It prepares the way for them to be forgiven for the past (after they confess their sin) as well as to state their commitment now to stand up for the new “favored” son of their father.  The last half of the chapter shows this repentant faith.

In vs. 14-16 Judah confesses their sin.  First they come and fall prostrate before Joseph, in complete fulfillment of the first dream of the sheaves (37:5-8).  Joseph likely did not actually practice the water incantations that were common in the time, but rather spoke this way as part of the rouse.  We have seen Joseph determine God’s will and he had no need of these divination practices.

Judah’s words in v16 are amazing and full of instruction for us.  First, he asks “how shall we clear ourselves?”  This is every man’s question.  The term “clear” actually means “to justify”.  The word was used in Gen. 38:26 when Judah said, “she is more righteous (justified or cleared) than I am”.  The reason this is every man’s issue in life is because of the second statement from Judah: “God has found out the iniquity of your servants.”  The term “iniquity”, one of many words for sin, emphasizes the guilt or punishment that is the result of guilt.  Not only had they done wrong; they were truly guilty before God.

In vs. 17-34 Judah pleads the case of the brothers, or to be more accurate, pleads the case of his father Jacob.  Of Judah’s words here Martin Luther said, “I would give very much to be able to pray to our Lord God as well as Judah prays to Joseph here.”  Judah’s concern is not himself nor even Benjamin but for his father. Jacob loved Benjamin (v20) and would die if Benjamin did not return (v22).  He even quotes Jacob so Joseph will know his true heart (v27-29).

This is always how we are to come to God.  It is the way Christ taught us to pray: “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”  It is the way Christ prayed: “Father the hour has come.  Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You” (John 17:1).  

In vs.33-34 Judah offers himself as Benjamin’s substitute.  Again, the reason is to satisfy Jacob: lest “I see the evil that would come upon my father.”  In this regard it is now Judah who becomes for us the picture of Christ.  Isaiah 53 tells us that the Messiah would be just such a One for us.  “By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify (clear) many, for He shall bear their iniquities” (Isa. 53:11).  What Judah did for Benjamin he did for his father.  What Christ has done for men, He has done to satisfy His Father.

Have you come to acknowledge your guilt or “iniquity”?  How will you clear yourself?  Like the brothers, you can’t!  What has been done has been done.  But there is One of whom it is said: “all my iniquity on Him was laid.”  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).