Genesis 44 continues the story of Joseph and his brothers. They get their sacks filled and they are sent on their way toward home. The steward had hidden Joseph’s personal chalice in Benjamin’s bag of grain and had again put all the money in each of the brother’s bags with their grain. Not long after they left, Joseph sends his steward after them to recover his chalice. He does and brings them all back. The rest of the chapter is about the interaction between the brothers and Joseph. Judah steps up as spokeman and tells the story to Joseph who plays along not letting them know he knows well father Jacob and the entire story.
Judah pleads to stay as slave so Benjamin could be returned home. You may recall that when they left, Jacob was less than thrilled with letting them take Benjamin. They had promised his safe return pledging their own children and lives if he did not. Now there was a very real chance that might not happen. They continue to tell the lie of Joseph’s demise – that he “was missing and had been ripped to pieces”. Judah’s plea becomes more intense – he knows they cannot return to Jacob without Benjamin or Jacob would die from the grief. Guilt is running deep with the brothers and they know that they can’t come home with a message of another lost son to Jacob. This is a picture of true intercession – when Judah puts his life between Joseph and the slavery of Benjamin. We need to learn the power of intercession. It is how Jesus often prayed and the lifestyle He lived. Scripture shows us other great examples like Moses. Intercession is powerful and effective. The story continues…..
