Tested בָּחַן

We are in chapter 42 of Genesis with our word for today. בָּחַן test metals by melting, to examine, put to the test. It is used 28 times in the Old Testament. God is the one who tests his creation. Psalm 7:9 Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who וּבֹחֵ֣ןtest the minds and hearts, O righteous God! Psalm 11:4-5 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids יִ֝בְחֲנ֗וּ test the children of man. The Lord יִ֫בְחָ֥ןtests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Psalm 26:2 בְּחָנֵ֣נִי Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. Psalm 66:10 For you, O God, have בְחַנְתָּ֥נוּ tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord וּבֹחֵ֖ן tests hearts.A good example of our word is Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has בְּ֝חָנַ֗נִיtested me, I will come forth as gold. This shows the original context of the word for testing metals applied to Job’s character that God would see Job’s true nature. So this sense of our word (to be put to the test in order to ascertain the nature of someone, including imperfections, faults, or other qualities) is exactly how it is used in our chapter today. Genesis 42:15-16 By this you shall be תִּבָּחֵ֑נוּ tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be וְיִבָּֽחֲנוּ֙tested, whether there is truth in you. Or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.” Now Joseph knew they were not spies but his brothers because he recognized them right away. Joseph is using that discernment he learned from all his challenges to test his brothers character to see if they will face the evil they have committed against him. Because that is the best thing for them. God wants to move us to gladness ultimately. When we sin against God and others God is compassionate enough to allow us to feel the emotion of guilt which if we trust God with that feeling, it will lead us to forgiveness. And forgiveness allows us to feel gladness. Joseph wants that for his brothers as well as having their relationship reconciled as well. But that would not be possible until his brothers go through the hard work of facing what they have done and allowing themselves to feel guilt. I’ll close with David’s psalm where he asks God to test him for this very purpose. Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! בְּ֝חָנֵ֗נִי Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!