Genesis 44:24

Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him.

Study Bible

When we returned
This phrase indicates a journey back, a return to a previous state or place. In the Hebrew context, the word for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which often implies repentance or turning back to God. This return is not just physical but also spiritual, as the brothers are returning to their father with a heavy heart, aware of the gravity of their situation. It reflects the broader biblical theme of returning to God and seeking His guidance and forgiveness.

to your servant my father
The use of "your servant" here is a mark of humility and respect. In the Hebrew culture, addressing someone as "your servant" was a way to show deference and acknowledge authority. This phrase underscores the brothers' recognition of their father's authority and their own subordinate position. It also highlights the familial bond and the respect due to a parent, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's father and mother.

we relayed your words to him
The act of relaying words is significant in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew root for "relayed" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This conveys the importance of communication and truthfulness. The brothers are acting as messengers, conveying the words of Joseph, which carry weight and authority. This reflects the biblical principle of being faithful in delivering messages, especially those that carry divine or authoritative significance. It also points to the responsibility of accurately transmitting God's word, a task entrusted to prophets and leaders throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
- The governor of Egypt, who is testing his brothers to see if they have changed since they sold him into slavery.

2. Judah
- One of Joseph's brothers, who is speaking to Joseph in this passage, recounting the events to their father, Jacob.

3. Jacob (Israel)
- The father of Joseph and his brothers, who is deeply affected by the loss of Joseph and the potential loss of Benjamin.

4. Egypt
- The land where Joseph has risen to power and where the brothers have come to buy grain during the famine.

5. Canaan
- The homeland of Jacob and his sons, where they return to relay Joseph's words.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Communication
Judah's recounting of events to Jacob highlights the necessity of clear and honest communication within families, especially in times of crisis.

Repentance and Change
The brothers' willingness to return to Egypt and face potential consequences shows a change of heart from their earlier betrayal of Joseph. True repentance involves a change in behavior and attitude.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the brothers' past actions, God uses the situation to bring about His purposes. Believers can trust that God is sovereign and can work through even the most difficult circumstances.

Family Unity and Responsibility
Judah's role as a spokesperson and his willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin's safety reflect the importance of family unity and taking responsibility for one another.

The Role of Testing in Spiritual Growth
Joseph's testing of his brothers serves as a means to reveal their character and growth. Similarly, God may allow tests in our lives to refine and strengthen our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Judah's recounting of events to Jacob demonstrate the importance of communication in resolving family conflicts?

2. In what ways do the actions of Joseph's brothers in Genesis 44 show evidence of repentance and change from their past behavior?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of Joseph and his brothers, and how does this encourage us in our own lives?

4. What responsibilities do we have towards our family members, and how can we apply Judah's example of taking responsibility in our own family dynamics?

5. How can the testing of Joseph's brothers be compared to the tests we face in our spiritual journey, and what can we learn from their experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 42-43
These chapters provide the background of Joseph's brothers coming to Egypt for grain and Joseph's initial interactions with them.

Genesis 37
The account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, which sets the stage for the events in Genesis 44.

Genesis 45
The subsequent revelation of Joseph's identity to his brothers, showing the culmination of the testing and reconciliation process.

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, which also deals with themes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation within a family.