Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 44

Genesis 44:1-17: Joseph’s Policy In this passage, Joseph tests his brothers one more time. He orders his steward to fill their sacks with food and secretly puts his special silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. After the brothers leave the city, Joseph’s steward chases them, accuses them of stealing the cup, and searches their bags. The cup is found with Benjamin. The brothers are shocked and sad, returning to Joseph to plead for mercy. This event is meant to test their honesty and see if they have changed since the days they sold Joseph. God sometimes uses trials to reveal what is in our hearts and to help us grow.v. 1-2: Joseph tells his steward to fill his brothers’ sacks with as much food as they can carry and to return their money again. He also instructs him to put his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack (v. 1-2 ).

v. 3-6: In the morning, the brothers leave, but Joseph sends his steward after them. He accuses them of repaying good with evil and stealing the cup that Joseph uses for drinking and divining. The steward catches up with them and repeats these words (v. 3-6 ).

v. 7-10: The brothers strongly deny the accusation. They remind the steward that they brought back the money they found last time and ask why they would steal silver or gold now. They say that if the cup is found with any of them, that person should die and the rest become slaves. The steward says only the guilty one will be a servant, and the rest can go free (v. 7-10 ).

v. 11-12: The brothers quickly open their sacks, and the steward searches them from oldest to youngest. The cup is found in Benjamin’s sack (v. 11-12 ).

v. 13-14: The brothers tear their clothes in sorrow and return to the city. They go to Joseph’s house and fall to the ground before him (v. 13-14 ).

v. 15: Joseph asks them why they have done this and reminds them that someone like him could find out the truth by divination (v. 15 ).

v. 16: Judah admits they cannot defend themselves and says God has found out their guilt. He offers for all of them to become Joseph’s servants, not just Benjamin. This shows humility and a change of heart from the brothers (v. 16; Genesis 37:8 ).

v. 17: Joseph says only the one with the cup—Benjamin—will be his servant. The rest can go home in peace. Joseph is testing whether the brothers will abandon Benjamin or stay loyal to him. This is a test of their love and faithfulness (v. 17 ).

Genesis 44:18-34: Judah’s Appeal on Behalf of Benjamin In this moving passage, Judah bravely steps forward to speak to Joseph, pleading for Benjamin’s release. He reminds Joseph of their family situation and how much their father, Jacob, loves Benjamin. Judah is deeply concerned about the sorrow it would bring to their father if Benjamin did not come back. He even offers to take Benjamin’s place as a slave. This speech shows Judah’s changed heart, his care for his family, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his brother. It also demonstrates the power of true repentance and love within a family.v. 18: Judah respectfully asks Joseph for permission to speak and begs him not to be angry. He recognizes Joseph’s authority, saying, “you are even as Pharaoh.” Judah’s approach shows both humility and wisdom (v. 18 ).

v. 19-20: Judah explains that Joseph himself had asked about their father and younger brother. He describes Benjamin as the youngest, a child of Jacob’s old age, and the only son left from Rachel, since the other brother (Joseph) is believed to be dead. Judah points out how much their father loves Benjamin (v. 19-20 ).

v. 21-23: Judah reminds Joseph that he demanded Benjamin be brought to Egypt, and that they were told they would not see Joseph again unless they brought their youngest brother. Judah is careful in his words, showing respect and not repeating any harsh things previously said (v. 21-23; Genesis 43:5 ).

v. 24-29: Judah tells Joseph how they explained everything to their father, and how Jacob was afraid to let Benjamin go because he had already lost Joseph. Jacob said if anything happened to Benjamin, it would bring him great sorrow to the grave (v. 24-29 ).

v. 30-31: Judah explains that if they return home without Benjamin, their father will be so heartbroken that he might die. Jacob’s life is closely connected to Benjamin’s life (v. 30-31 ).

v. 32: Judah reminds Joseph that he promised to take care of Benjamin and would bear the blame forever if he failed. He takes personal responsibility for his brother (v. 32 ).

v. 33-34: Judah offers to stay as a slave instead of Benjamin and begs Joseph to let Benjamin go back with his brothers. He says he cannot bear to see the pain it would cause his father (v. 33-34 ). Judah’s self-sacrifice shows true love and repentance.