Genesis 44

In life, there are many different kinds of tests…true & false, multiple choice, essay. But there are also tests of our faith—tests that don’t require pencil and paper.

1 Peter 1 talks about these kinds of important tests: “…though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ… (1 Peter 1:6-7). These are the types of tests that Joseph took throughout his life.

But there were also tests that Joseph gave. He gave them to his brothers to draw them towards confession and repentance. It looks like Joseph was conspiring…and he was—not against his brothers, but for their ultimate benefit. His brothers needed to have their collective consciences revived and awoken to be sensitive to sin once again.

In Genesis 44, Joseph presents the final test to his brothers, waiting to see if they have really truly have had a change of heart, or if they were just playing a part to buy some grain.