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JUDAH PLEADED FOR BENJAMIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
Genesis 44:16-34

Psalm 37:1-10

 

“…the LORD knoweth the

way of the righteous…”

 

JUDAH PLEADED FOR BENJAMIN
 
Judah emerged as the spokesman for the brothers. He said: As far as the present charge goes, we are innocent! But “…God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants…” (Gen 44:16). The guilt of twenty years ago flashed back to the brothers’ minds. While they could not explain the mysterious finding of the Governor’s cup in Benjamin’s sack, they could not avoid the pangs of conscience which kept surfacing as God dealt with them through His chosen instrument. And Joseph was not going to let the brothers off without a full and fair test. The question in Joseph’s mind was: Had the brothers renounced their old ways? Were they mindful of their youngest brother? Did they care for their aged father?
 
Judah’s submission to the Governor was an expression of collective responsibility: “…we are my lord’s servants…” (Gen 44:16). Benjamin had the cup, but we identify ourselves with him: if he suffers, we suffer with him! They passed the first test! But the Governor insisted: Only the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant. The rest of you may go in peace to your father. At this, Judah made an ingenious and impassioned speech on Benjamin’s behalf. With utmost courtesy and respect, addressing Joseph as “my lord” (Gen 44:20), Judah pleaded that Benjamin be allowed to return home to their father on compassionate and humanitarian grounds, he being the child of his old age. Furthermore, argued Judah, it was only on his lord’s specific insistence that their young brother was allowed to leave home. And that was not without their father’s greatest reluctance, after Judah had offered himself as surety for him. In conclusion, he said, “Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren” (Gen 44:33). Judah had spoken for the rest of the brothers. Their unanimous plea was to preserve the bond between Benjamin and their father. In Judah’s speech, we see a forsaking of their old ways. Self was of no consequence. Their one concern was for their father and brother. Joseph saw that their repentance was genuine and complete. They had passed his test with distinction!
 
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 28:13.)

PRAYER: Help me, Father, to be transparent before Thee.

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