Genesis 44:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 44:1-17

Joseph heaps further kindnesses upon his brethren, fills their sacks, returns their money, and sends them away full of gladness; but he also exercises them with further trials. Our God thus humbles those whom he loves and loads with benefits. Joseph ordered his steward to put a fine silver cup which he had (and which, it is likely, was used at his table when they dined with him) into Benjamin's sack's mouth, that it might seem as if he had stolen it from the table, and put it here himself,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 44:17

And he said, God forbid that I should do so ,.... This would be doing an unjust thing, Joseph suggests, should he take them all for bondmen, for the offence of one: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant ; not die, as they had supposed, but become his servant: and as for you, get ye up in peace unto your father ; they had leave, yea, an order to return to their father in the land of Canaan, with their corn and cattle, in peace and plenty; there being no... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 44:17

Verse 17 17.God forbid that I should do so (174) If Joseph intended to retain Benjamin alone, and to dismiss the others, he would have done his utmost, to rend the Church of God by the worst possible dissension. But I have previously shown (what may also be elicited from the context) that his design was nothing else than to pierce their hearts more deeply. He must have anticipated great mischief, if he had perceived that they did not care for their brother: but the Lord provided against this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 44:1-34

Joseph's artifice to detain Benjamin, or the story of the silver goblet. I. JOSEPH 'S STRATAGEM ( Genesis 44:1-13 ). 1. The formation of the plot ( Genesis 44:1-5 ). 2. The execution of the plot ( Genesis 44:6-12 ). 3. The result of the plot ( Genesis 44:13-16 ). II. BENJAMIN 'S SENTENCE ( Genesis 44:17 ). 1. Exceedingly severe . He became a bondman. Remark upon the sadness of slavery, even when most mitigated. 2. Circumstantially... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 44:1-34

Character built on faith. This chapter continues the same thread of Joseph's policy, and the same lessons are in it. I. PRACTICAL WISDOM THE FRUIT OF PIETY . The true man is the strong man. With a deep knowledge of the human heart, Joseph felt quite sure that the only way to move Jacob from Canaan was to detain Benjamin. II. THE SANCTITY OF THE AFFECTIONS . Real religion their only safeguard in the world's hardening and perverting influences. Joseph did apparent ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 44:14-17

And Judah —who is recognized as the leader in this second embassy to Egypt ( Genesis 43:8 )— and his brethren came to Joseph's house; for he was yet there :—"awaiting, no doubt, the result which he anticipated" (Murphy)— and they fell before him on the ground. The expression indicates a complete prostration of the body. It was a token of their penitence, and a sign that they craved his forgiveness. And Joseph said unto them ,—in a speech not of "cruel and haughty irony" (Kalisch),... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 44:14-34

The conversion of Judah. I. THE EVIDENCE OF IT . 1. The unexpected confession of guilt which he makes. "God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants." 2. The sensitive appreciation of the terrible blow which Benjamin's loss would be to Jacob. "When he seeth the lad is not with us he will die." 3. The noble sacrifice he proposes to make for Benjamin. "Let thy servant abide instead of the lad, a bondman to my lord." II. THE CAUSE OF IT . 1. The memory of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 44:1-34

- The Ten Brothers Were TestedJoseph has had the satisfaction of seeing his brother Benjamin safe and well. He has heard his brothers acknowledging their guilt concerning himself. He resolves to put their attachment to Benjamin, and the genuineness of their change of disposition, to a test that will at the same time expose Benjamin to no hazard.Genesis 44:1-5And my cup. - Besides returning each man’s money as before, a silver cup of Joseph’s is put in Benjamin’s bag, after which, when daylight... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 44:1-34

Joseph and his brothers (42:1-45:28)When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, Joseph recognized them but they did not recognize him (42:1-8). Rather than make himself known to them immediately, Joseph decided to test them to see if they had experienced any change of heart over the years. Joseph was not looking for revenge. His apparently harsh treatment of them, mixed with kindness, was designed to stir their consciences. They realized they were being punished for their unjust... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 44:14-17

"And Judah and his brethren came to Joseph's house; and he was yet there: and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? know ye not that such a man as I can divine? And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's bondmen, both we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found. And he said, Far be it from me that I... read more

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