Genesis 44:1-5

That Joseph practiced divination is not clear from Genesis 44:5 or Genesis 44:15. He may have, but this seems inconsistent with his character as a man of faith in Yahweh. It also seems unlikely since Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams (divine revelations) from God. If anyone needed to resort to divination it would not have been Joseph. Some interpreters, however, believe Joseph’s claim was just part of his ruse. [Note: E.g., Waltke, Genesis, p. 559; and Mathews, Genesis 11:27-50:26, p. 799.] The first statement made by Joseph’s servant may have been a lie (Genesis 44:5). The second statement made by Joseph did not claim to practice divination (Genesis 44:15). Joseph said that such a person as he could do it. Leon Wood believed that Joseph meant that he had information not available to ordinary people. The Hebrew verb in both Genesis 44:5; Genesis 44:15 is nahash (to whisper, mumble formulations, prophesy), not qasam, the word normally translated "to divine." [Note: Wood, The Prophets . . ., pp. 32-33.] These references to divination seem intended to impress Joseph’s brothers with the value of the cup that had disappeared. The Hebrew word translated "cup" here, gabia’, refers to a chalice or goblet, not to a common drinking cup, a kos. The brothers inferred that Joseph used it for purposes other than simply drinking.