Genesis 44:16

God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants— There is no doubt from the context, that Judah here speaks of the iniquity of the fact in question, which he confesses, and speaks of as the iniquity of them all, though one only was guilty. Josephus understands it in this sense, though many commentators, without sufficient reason I think, explain it of their owning the justice of God in thus punishing them for their former cruelty to Joseph.

REFLECTIONS.—After their hospitable entertainment their fears are over, their beasts loaded, and home they are travelling, little suspecting the danger which seems to threaten them. An express arrives, charges them with a theft, as ungrateful as barefaced; they deny it solemnly; search is made, the cup is found on Benjamin, and he is arrested: they dare not leave their brother, nor make any plea to excuse him. They regard God's hand in the affliction, and return to yield themselves up servants to Joseph. Thus, 1. They most eminently fulfilled their own prediction, Shalt thou have dominion over us? They are not only suitors for favour, but bondsmen for life. 2. They shewed that regard for Benjamin, and that concern for Jacob, which Joseph wished. Note; Though once bad, it may not be always so. God can change men's hearts, and make them the reverse of what they have been.