INTRODUCTION: In Genesis 43:34, Joseph tested his brothers to see if they were still controlled by envy. In this chapter the test became more rigorous. Did they really love Benjamin? Were they willing to go free and leave him in bondage? The test proved them to be truly changed men. Judah especially seems a transformed man.I. FURTHER TESTING - verses 1-5.
Not revenge but a desire to really know his brothers was the motive behind Joseph's scheme. He played his part well and displayed great strength of character and self-control. Joseph would have been foolish to open up to his brothers before learning their character.Often in Scripture we are warned against putting trust in those whose character we do not know [Proverbs 11:15]. Those ordained to the gospel ministry are to be especially tested [I Timothy 3:6]. Only trials can truly expose men's hearts [Deuteronomy 8:2].
The meaning of verse 5 is somewhat disputed. Perhaps the word "divineth" was used because the Egyptians were not familiar with the concept of true prophecy. On the other hand, Joseph may have carried the deception too far by pretending to be a pagan diviner.
II. CAUGHT IN JOSEPH'S TRAP - verses 6-13.
What despair the brothers felt. They knew that they were innocent, but seemed to feel that these trials were a judgment of God upon their former sins. Joseph no doubt placed the money in their bags so they would know that Benjamin was innocent. They would see that someone else had been tampering with the bags.III. PASSING THE TEST - verses 14-17.
The brothers were convinced that these trials were their just deserts even though they were innocent of this particular deed. They did not blame Benjamin, but seemed to see a higher hand at work. Patience under judgment is a work of true repentance [Psalm 51:3-4].In verse 17 Joseph forced the issue and put them to the real test. Would they stand by Benjamin at the risk of their own futures.
IV. JUDAH INTERCEDES - verses 18-34.
No lawyer ever made a greater plea than Judah. Martin Luther wished he could pray to God as Judah plead before Joseph. For manly eloquence and touching pathos this speech is unequaled. Even the thought of causing his father pain was intolerable to Judah. He was truly a changed man. He really became the leader of his brethren [Genesis 49:8-12].V. INTERESTING PARALLELS:
We have often felt that Judah's part in this history, parallels the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Note some of these great gospel truths that are here made known when we view Judah as a type of Christ:A. Both Judah and the Lord Jesus were of the tribe of Judah [Genesis 49:8-10; Revelation 5:5]. Judah was of course the father of the tribe.
B. Judah became a surety for his younger brother [Genesis 43:8-9]. The Lord Jesus became a surety for His younger brethren [Hebrews 7:22 and 2:11; Romans 8:29].
C. Judah became a surety to his father. He agreed to be responsible for Benjamin and thus answer to his father for Benjamin's safety. Jesus Christ became our surety to the Father. He took responsibility for His people. This is illustrated in the teaching concerning the Good Shepherd [John 10:11-14, 28-29].
D. Judah became a surety for Benjamin before he ever got into trouble or came into Egypt (a type of the world). The Savior became our surety before we were ever born into this world or before we ever sinned [Ephesians 1:4; I Peter 1:18-20].
E. Judah went with his younger brother into Egypt. This is where Benjamin fell into trouble. The Lord Jesus followed His people into this world where they would need redemption [Hebrews 2:11-15].
F. Judah willingly took the penalty of his brother's guilt [verse 33]. Jesus Christ paid for our sins [Isaiah 53:6].
G. Judah interceded for his brother on the basis of his suretyship [verse 32]. The Lord Jesus intercedes for His people on the basis of His suretyship for them [John 17:6 and 9; Romans 5:10; Romans 8:33-34].
H. Judah was successful in his efforts to save Benjamin. Jesus Christ our Lord became our surety, died in our place, and now lives to intercede for us. He is absolutely successful in the work of saving His people. All of His sheep will be gathered into the fold [John 10:27-29] and all of the children will be gathered home [Hebrews 2:10 and 13].
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