I never really understood this passage. Why was Joseph doing this? Why not come out and tell them who he is? So, I referred to my trusty Bible Knowledge Commentary, and found this interesting thought: that Joseph was testing his brothers to see if their concern for themselves would at last be set aside in favor of concern for another. Did it work? I think so: Judah's pleas to remain in Benjamin's stead are pretty selfless. He seems only concerned for Benjamin's welfare, especially in respect to Jacob's welfare. He knew his father might just give up and die in his grief, to lose this last shred of connection to his beloved wife Rachel. Rather than resent Jacob's attachment to Benjamin, Judah desires to protect it, even to the point of taking Benjamin's punishment. Judah has proven that he, at least, has matured into a man.
Tomorrow's Reading: Genesis 45:1-28
No comments:
Post a Comment