Genesis 44:5

• This description would help the brothers see that the ruler knew things that other people could not know.

• Hydromancy (trying to learn hidden things by pouring water into oil) and oenomancy (trying to learn hidden things by pouring wine into other liquids) were forms of divination (seeking knowledge through supernatural means) used in the ancient Near East. A special cup was often used for these practices.

  Joseph was still pretending (see 42:7; compare 30:27; see also Leviticus 19:26; Numbers 23:23; Deuteronomy 18:10–11). He knew that only God reveals the future (see Genesis 37:5–9; 40:8; 41:16).

The brothers seemed different. They felt sorry for what they did to Joseph. They showed honor by returning the money and by bringing Benjamin. Given a chance to get rid of Rachel’s other son, Benjamin, would they do it?

Joseph did several unusual things to his brothers when they came looking for grain. The last time Joseph had been with them, they were filled with jealousy, hatred, and anger; they attempted to destroy their brother, and they deceived their father. Joseph put them through various tests, similar to the trying situations they had put him through, to see if they had changed.