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Genesis 44 · a question people ask

Why did Joseph set this trap?

In the text

This chapter doesn't say. Earlier Joseph told the brothers he would test them, "that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you" (42:16). Here he gives them a way home without Benjamin: "go up in peace to your father" (44:17). Judah offers himself instead (44:33), and when Judah has finished, "Joseph couldn’t control himself" (45:1).

The verses

“Send one of you, and let him get your brother, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies.””
Genesis 42:16 · World English Bible
“He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.””
Genesis 44:17 · World English Bible
“Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, my lord’s slave; and let the boy go up with his brothers.”
Genesis 44:33 · World English Bible
“Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he called out, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.”
Genesis 45:1 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 44

Genesis 44: Instead of the boy

Joseph hid his silver cup in Benjamin's sack and offered to let the others go home. Instead they tore their clothes and returned, and Judah said, "God has found out the iniquity of your servants." Judah, who once said "let’s sell him", asked to stay as a slave "instead of the boy", the word used of the ram offered instead of Isaac.

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions