01.19.2016 Old Testament: Gen 44.24–26

To read the Bible in a year, read Genesis 44–45 on January 19, In the year of our Lord 2016

By Don Ruhl

Joseph wanted to keep Benjamin in Egypt, but Judah explained that the brothers had to bring Benjamin back to their father in the Land of Canaan,

“So it was, when we went up to your servant my father, that we told him the words of my lord. And our father said, ‘Go back and buy us a little food.’ But we said, ‘We cannot go down; if our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us’” (Genesis 44.24–26). 

Judah asked if he could speak to Joseph (not knowing that he was Joseph, but simply the Egyptian in charge), and received the opportunity to speak. Judah had asked his father to bring Benjamin to Egypt, and Jacob gave permission, so Judah took his youngest brother.

Judah spoke honestly with his father and with Joseph, and as you will discover in the text, it paid off.