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Why did Joseph's brethren fall "before him on the ground"? Prostration is the Eastern mode of signifying profound respect, complete submission.
What is the meaning of "divine"? In this sense, to look into the future; to see what is hidden from ordinary people.
Does Joseph claim explicitly to have this ability? No, he merely suggests it, probably to impress them with the idea of his power.
What does Judah mean by "the iniquity of thy servants"? Doubtless he has in mind the wrong that they committed years before, in selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites and deceiving their father. Verses 21 and 22 of the 42nd chapter of Genesis go to show that the consciousness of this sin was ever before them.
What was Judah's attitude toward the accusation brought against them? He frankly confesses the guilt of all—not of Benjamin only.
Why do you think he adopts this attitude, when he must have been sure that all were guiltless? He perhaps believes that they are victims of a conspiracy, the object of which is to place them in the power of this Egyptian governor, and he thinks that this submissive attitude is best calculated to secure mercy at his hands.
How do you account for Joseph's apparent desire to keep Benjamin in Egypt, with himself? Probably he thinks this the best means of inducing his father, Jacob, to come to Egypt. However, he may not really intend to keep Benjamin at all. He may be making the threat only to test Judah. It may be remembered that it was Judah who had counselled the selling of Joseph years before. Joseph may now be trying to see if Judah is the same kind of man he was when the selling into Egypt took place—whether he will sacrifice Benjamin in this extremity as he sacrificed Joseph himself.
If the latter is Joseph's object, how does the experiment succeed? It proves that Judah is a different man, that the years that have elapsed have produced a remarkable change in his character.
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