Genesis 44:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As they began their journey, He instructed the steward of His household, “Go and reach these individuals, and upon finding them, ask, ‘Why have you repaid kindness with malice? Is this not the cup from which my master drinks, and does he not marvel at it? What a terrible thing you have done.’ And when the overseer caught up with them, he questioned, ‘Why have you answered your benefactor with evil? Why extend your deceit to the one who has shown you such profound kindness? Are you not ashamed of this man's generosity towards you? What treachery! What madness you have committed! Do you not realize that this is the very vessel over which my master engages in sorcery? Your actions are shameful, your plans are destructive; your intent is inexcusable, and your audacity is beyond measure, exceeding all wickedness.”

What is the significance of the phrase ‘He wrought magic upon it’ (Gen. 44:5)? To bolster the false accusation of theft, they labeled the cup as a tool for divination. Joseph himself mentioned similar words: ‘Do you not know that a man like me divines with divination?’ Yet, he did not genuinely practice divination or sorcery; instead, he used this language to fit the situation at hand. The precision of his expression is truly remarkable. Even while feigning before his brothers, he refrained from claiming any magical ability for himself, attributing it instead to another who possessed the same authority. He did not declare, ‘I am a wise man,’ but rather stated, ‘By divination, a man like me divines.’

He will indeed deduce it. Seventy translators rendered it as: He also bewitches her with sorcery. In elucidating this, it was suggested that Joseph is referring to himself in a way that aligns with the people's understanding, intending to keep his identity hidden from his brothers until the right moment. Alternatively, it was believed that he genuinely utilized the cup during sacrifices and offerings as he began to interpret dreams. However, following the precedent of the term נהש (2 Samuel 20:33), we should adjust the translation to read: he will indeed deduce it. This means that through his repeated use of the cup, he will recall it, recognize its absence, and, through his insight, will accurately infer where it should be.