Bible Discussion Thread

This chapter continues the story of Joseph and is brothers in Egypt. Jacob and his sons did exactly as Joseph had asked of them. They brought Benjamin. Joseph devised a plan to keep Benjamin with him with the being put in Benjamin's sack.

The brothers told Joseph that their father would surely die of grief if Benjamin did not return with them. So, the drama continues!

I find it interesting that the text says that Joseph used the cup for divination. Was this part of his Egyptian training or was it part of the gift of dreams, and fore telling that God had given him?

GIGI,

We know God communicated with Joseph and turned the bad his brothers did too good, and to save the twelve tribes of Israel. I do not believe God communicated through a silver cup to Joseph but in Egypt, at that time they used cups or basins with water for divination (hydromancy), the cup was considered sacred.

That is why it is worded "whereby indeed he divineth". That was why it was so important for the men sent to retrieve the cup. With all the things God did through Joseph, the Egyptian's probably thought the cup was how he did it. We know that was not the case. Hydromancy is still done today; it is like reading tea leaves. Nostradamus did this over a basin, dark stuff.

God bless,

RLW

Thanks. It just seemed so out of place for Joseph to use those words in instructing is servant what to say to the brothers.

Gigi Perhaps divination is not the right term Deuteronomy 18:9-14 God giving information is revealed knowledge

not divination. Just sharing some word.

Thanks David,

it just struck me as odd. maybe I can find it said differently in another translation to clarify.

Gigi The reason I see why Joseph told the servant to put the cup there was god was showing him what to do to get

the rest of His family there, the true God does not use divination. Just making a point, Joseph walked with God so

God was showing Him the whole time what to do and how to do it.

I think so, too, Rick