gen 44

Question	Answer	Note---10-02-2016
		Note that Joseph Conspired with his servants. The servants were privy the entire time to the plot of Joseph.
		The events that follow seem to be a test of the integrity of the brothers. Joseph also wanted to test and see if the same feeling of resentment, that he knew had been present for him was also present for Benjamin.
		It also seems that he wanted to take away his brother Benjamin from the rest of them by deceit.
		44:9 Note they are confident that no one has the cup, to the point that they offer their lives if it is found with them.
		This verse is not clear. It seems to imply that joseph spoke these words. However Joseph is not documented to have gone out with the his servants in pursuit of his brothers.
Who is he in this verse? Who is doing the searching? Are we to understand that the servant and Joseph are one, since the servant was privy to all the plans of Joseph?
What was this tearing of their garments?
Should it be understood to be just tradition?
Was there a garment or a special place on the garment that was torn to represent mourning?
		44:13 The men returned to the city willingly
Why would Joseph say that he is a man of divination, after knowing fully well that it was a set up on his part?		44:15
		44:16 Note the humility in Judah’s approach. There was no speech in defense of self. It seems these men were totally surrendered.
God has found out our iniquity, why would Judah say this?		It seems that the past 13 years were torture for the brothers as much as it was torture for Joseph. The heart of Joseph was changed by his experience in Egypt, so too was the heart of the brothers changed as a result of the sorrow of their father.
		44:17 Note that the intent seems to be to hold Benjamin captive and to release the other brothers, however it seems because of the love of their father the brothers would not let Benjamin perish.
		This is such a transformation. No doubt the favoritism had not stopped however, the other brothers now joined in the protective treatment of Benjamin.
		44:18 Judah recognizes the power of Joseph.
		Judah recounts story to Joseph, it seems in tears. No doubt this is a very moving and compelling testimony.