Genesis 43-44
Joseph tests his brothers again, but this time Judah steps forward with a transformed heart. He offers himself to save Benjamin and spare their father more grief. His growth shows how life experience, humility, and grace can change a person. It reminds us that real change is possible when we stay open to it.
Summary
When they ran out of grain again, Jacob asked Judah to go back to Egypt and purchase more grain. Judah told his father that the governor would not see them unless they took Benjamin with them. Jacob was frustrated with the boys that they even disclosed there was a younger brother at home. Judah claimed there was nothing they could do. They simply answered the governor’s questions. Jacob relented after Judah reassured him that he would not let anything happen to Benjamin. Jacob instructed the brothers to take gifts and extra money, plus the money that was left in their sack from last time.
Joseph saw that his brothers returned with Benjamin. He instructed his staff to set up a meal and to invite the brothers. The brothers nervously attended the meal. They provided Joseph with their gifts. They bowed down to him. When Joseph spoke to Benjamin directly, he had to take a minute alone to regain his emotions. When he returned, they all ate. [It’s noted here that the Egyptians and the Hebrews did not eat at the same table.]
Joseph sent the brothers home, but had his servant set a trap. The servant put the money back in their sacks of grain and put a silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. The servant caught up with them during their travel and accused them of stealing. He stated, “[h]e with whom it is found shall be my slave, and the rest of you shall be blameless.” (Genesis 44:10). When they discovered the silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, they all went back to face Joseph.
Judah pleaded with Joseph on Benjamin’s behalf. He told Joseph the history of losing Benjamin’s brother and how heartbroken their father was. He explained that they do not want to further break his heart if he loses another son from Rachel. Judah implores Joseph to take him as a slave instead. He states that he cannot possibly go back to his father without Benjamin.
Sidebar
Can people really change? Judah was part of a brotherhood that was willing to sell his brother to Ishmaelites. He went off to have a family and endured some trauma of his own. Two of his sons died, and he inadvertently impregnated his daughter-in-law. At some point, he ended up back with his father, Jacob. Judah did not seem to care that his father was heartbroken when he was a part of the scheme to sell Joseph. However, in this story, we see Judah step up in a loyal way to protect his younger brother Benjamin and preserve his father’s feelings.
According to an article in Psychology Today, people can change over time due to life experiences and personal growth. Neuroplasticity is a term used to describe a brain’s lifelong ability to reorganize, adapt, and rewire itself. The brain doesn’t stop growing after childhood. Although changes to our brain are more rapid during childhood, there are still measurable effects that take place day-to-day throughout our life.
The biggest barriers to change are fear of change or failure, lack of motivation, and limited self-awareness. If a person really wants to change, they need to keep an open mind and be receptive to feedback. Personal growth can be achieved with therapy. Having a therapist, a good friend, or relative that you trust will help you mitigate stress (which is harmful to neuroplasticity) and manage your mental health. A great way to stretch neuroplasticity is physical activity. Even walking an hour-a-day 5 days a week can improve learning and memory skills.
Judah was a great example in the Bible of how a person can change. His life experiences seem to have lent to his personal growth. He went from jealous son and brother to noble man who wants to prevent harm to his brother and heartbreak to his father. Oprah has stated that “Every year should teach you something valuable; whether you get the lesson is up to you. Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self.” I would argue that Judah accomplished learning from his experiences throughout his life.
Intention
Try to be open to change and learn from your experiences. If you fear change or lack motivation, talk to a trusted friend, relative, or therapist. Make sure to get some physical activity in most days. Exercise does not only help physically, but it’s a huge benefit to your mind.
