John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 44:1-34
The Final Test of Joseph’s Brethren2. Put my cup.. in the sack’s mouth of the youngest] Joseph evidently did this as an excuse for keeping Benjamin with him. Perhaps, too, it was a test of the brethren whether they would act as cruelly in deserting their youngest brother as they had dealt with himself. However, they came nobly out of the trial, and a complete reconciliation took place.5. Whereby indeed he divineth] Divination by means of bowls of water was very prevalent among the ancients.... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 44:18-34
Judah explained the whole story. He did not try to hide or excuse the brothers’ guilt. This is the longest speech in Genesis. Key words are "servant" (10 times), "my lord" (7 times), and "father" (13 times)."No orator ever pronounced a more moving oration." [Note: Bush, 2:329.] "I would give very much to be able to pray before our Lord God as well as Judah prays here before Joseph. For this is a perfect pattern of prayer, yes, of the true feeling which should be in a prayer." [Note: Martin... read more