Gen. 44:5

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divineth. or, maketh trial.

Gen 44:15; *marg:

Gen 30:27; Lev 19:26; 1Kgs 20:33; 2Kgs 21:6In the East, there is an ancient tradition, that there was a Cup which possessed the strange property of representing in it the whole world, and all the things which were then doing.

The cup is called {Jami Jemsheed,} "the cup of Jemsheed," a very ancient king of Persia; and they say that it was discovered, filled with the elixir of immortality, when digging to lay the foundations of Persepolis.

The Persian poets are full of allusions to this cup, which they style {Jem jehan nima,} the cup shewing the universe; and to it they ascribe all the prosperity of their ancient monarchs.

Many of the Mahometan princes and governors affect still to have information by means of a cup.

Now, though it cannot be admitted that Joseph practised divination, yet, according to the superstition of those times, supernatural influence might be attributed to HIS CUP.