Genesis 44:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It obscured their understanding. "And they tore their clothes, and putting on their garments again they returned to the city."

They quickly opened their garments. The governor commenced the inspection with Reuben's robe, and upon not discovering the cup among the older brothers' robes, he lamented the impossibility of returning to his homeland. Joseph's brothers reassured him, saying, "Examine the younger brother’s robes and do so swiftly, for perhaps the cup belonging to your master will be found in your household." The steward, seemingly acting on their suggestion, reached into the vest, but found no cup and wished to cease the search. However, when Benjamin was called to have his garment examined, he carelessly reached in and pulled out the cup.

In this manner, Christ discovers within us the precious silver that He has graciously provided. We possess this silver through both our inherent nature and the divine grace granted by our Redeemer. While the gifts of Christ may be invisible to our eyes, He actively imparts and cultivates them in a hidden way. His gifts are offered to all, yet only a few manage to preserve them without loss. He does not bestow everything upon everyone; the wheat is shared among many, but the cup of salvation is granted to the one endowed with prophetic and priestly gifts. Indeed, it is only the prophet who can declare, "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord" (Psalm 115:4).