The Final Test: Part 1

The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado includes the tallest sand dunes in North America. The ascent to the top can be deceptive. After what seems like an excruciating hike, the peak approaches—only to unveil another small plateau followed by another steep incline. Climbers are in fact only halfway up to the peak.

Joseph’s brothers must have had a similar feeling in today’s passage. They had Simeon back, Benjamin was safe, their grain sacks were full, and they were on their way home. The trip really could not have gone better. What they did not realize is that Joseph had carefully orchestrated this scene to lead to a final test.

As the brothers were sleeping off their sumptuous meal, Joseph had his silver cup placed in Benjamin’s sack (v. 2). This cup was not just a valuable object because it was silver; it was also used for divination (v. 5). The cup would have represented Joseph’s authority as a ruler of Egypt, his gifts of wisdom, and his wealth and status.

When accused of stealing the cup, the brothers proclaimed their innocence—and this time they were telling the truth, unlike the falsehoods they had told Jacob about Joseph’s supposed death so many years ago. They agreed to have their bags searched, and when the cup was discovered in Benjamin’s sack, “they tore their clothes,” a sign of mourning (v. 13).

Their choice to return to the city with Benjamin demonstrated their solidarity with their brother. They didn’t allow him to be carted away to save their own skins. Joseph had presented them with an easy opportunity to rid themselves of another favored sibling,at great benefit to themselves—and they refused.

Pray with Us

With hundreds of students, as well as faculty and employees to serve, our Campus Post Office employees are always busy. Ask the Lord today to strengthen Anthony Harper, Nga Tran, and Victor Perez and to keep giving them His joy.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.