Genesis 44:14-17 - The importance of keeping our words

Shocked, horrified and in total disbelief, the brothers made their way back to Joseph’s house. It was still early in the morning and Joseph had not left the house yet. Judah had taken on the lead and the first thing the brothers did was to fall on their faces before Joseph. Truly the two dreams of Joseph had dynamically come to pass. And the brothers were not aware of it. 

Meanwhile Joseph maintained his austere posture and sternly asked them, “What is this deed that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can indeed practice divination?” Obviously Joseph did not practice divination. Just as the whole event was staged, his words were also well rehearsed. His brothers had no doubt that Joseph had all the power of Egypt at his disposal. Unaware of how the silver cup of Joseph got into Benjamin’s sack, they were in despair as Judah said to Joseph, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? And how can we justify ourselves?” It dawned on Judah that God was behind all these. So he continued in dejection, admitting that “God has found out the iniquity of your servants; behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” 

In his admission, Judah knew it was God who had found out their guilt. Though they did not steal the cup, they were guilty. Judah could see that the whole target was Benjamin, the dearly loved son of the father, who was placed in his care. The consequence of the sin for their cruel treatment of Joseph had come to haunt them. He must have felt that they were paying for it now. Since the cruel deed was a collaborated effort of the brothers, they now committed to suffer together. So he said to Joseph, “…behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” 

Joseph could see their agony, yet he maintained his composure. There was still one thing he needed to find out. How would they treat Benjamin? Would they leave him to take the whole blame by himself? So Joseph added one last excruciating moment to their agony. Needing to find how they would respond, he said, “Far be it from me to do this. The man in whose possession the cup has been found, he shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Everything rested on what they would do to Benjamin. Joseph had successfully recreated the scene of the bygone years when he was his father’s favorite. Benjamin was where Joseph was, and was presently the father’s favorite. And Joseph wanted to see what his brothers would do in a similar situation. This time the price was more than just 20 pieces of silver. It was their liberty in question. It was the perfect scenario to betray the father’s favorite and walk away scorch free. Would they? We know the answer. 

What’s the lesson for us? It’s about the importance of keeping one’s word. Judah assured his father that he would do all he could to ensure Benjamin’s safety. He obviously did in mitigating for Benjamin. He was prepared to take the place should Joseph insisted on his way. Judah kept his word and shown his integrity. He could have fallen to the temptation to leave Benjamin to shoulder the blame and walk free. But Judah chose to keep his word to his father. He tried his best and so must we.  Remember our words are our bonds. Let’s always say what we mean and mean what we say.