So long…farewell…(click to see video). Another day has escaped us and as has the Sun. Before we visit our beds, we turn back to wrap up the ancient story of Joseph.
Today covers the brothers return to Egypt, Joseph revealing himself to his brothers, the trick of the silver cup, and Joseph reuniting with his father Israel (Jacob). Once again the story pretty much speaks for itself, so my notes are brief:
In 44:5 and 44:15 the word divination is mentioned, (most likely in this case hydromancy which means interpreting the water movements) and is connected to Joseph; however, JM notes that if looked at in context, one can clearly see that Joseph did not practice this pagan art.
Firstly, Joseph was always very careful to give the one true God credit for everything; he would not be doing so if he were gaining insight via demons through a pagan practice. Secondly, he was disguising himself as an Egyptian in front of his brothers and this practice was common about his people, hence the mention of it.
In Gen 44:18-34, Judah pleads with Joseph to take him prisoner instead of the youngest Benjamin; Joseph wept at this because he knew this Judah was much different than the one who threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery.
