TEST & TESTIMONY – Genesis 44:1-17

The record of Joseph's rule and reign continues in chapter 44 as we read of the next step in Joseph's elaborate design to test his brother's heart and character. Joseph's rule is moving men to heart change, restoration of conscience, personal responsibility, sacrifice, honoring of parents, truth, honesty in covenants, sanctity of life, provision, family reconciliation, covenant hope, and succession. Not only is Joseph a great example of leadership ideals applied, he is being used by God to encourage others to godly roles in leadership as well. This is certainly evident in Judah's case in chapter 44. What Judah had pledged in 43:9 would now be tested. He had assured his father concerning the safe passage of Benjamin to and from Egypt: “I will be a pledge of his safety.” While Joseph could not have known of Judah's promise to Jacob by ordinary means, nevertheless, the hand of Joseph proves to be an extension of the Lord's as the circumstances unfold. Evidence of significant heart change is increasingly apparent as we read. The brothers might have just as easily left Benjamin captive in Egypt and never returned home. Judah had certainly abandoned his family commitments and connections before. Their father would probably assume they had encountered trouble along the way. This would have been a strategy in keeping with their actions and intentions of 22 years ago. Instead, we witness a profound change of heart. This chapter considered alongside Judah's apostasy recorded in chapter 38 serves to illustrate a significant contrast. The purposes, scope and power of God's redemptive plan for Judah and his extended family is highlighted in these passages