Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comThrough the Bible Day by Day - Genesis 42:18 - 42:18
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Simeon Held; the Others Sent Home
Gen 42:18-38
The behavior of this great Egyptian official-for so the brethren deemed him-must have seemed very hard and tyrannical to the trembling shepherds from the far land of Canaan. They had no idea that he understood what they said, and turned away to weep. But we can read his inner meaning. He must secure their return, so he kept Simeon bound. He wanted to see the beloved Benjamin, and to test their behavior to him, so he threatened that they should not see his face unless their youngest brother accompanied them. He gave to them of his kindly care in the gift of provisions and the return of their money. It was natural that the old father heard their story with failing-heart-“All these things are against me.” Nay, in all these things was the life of the Spirit, and in all these things we are more than conquerors. See Rom 8:37.
“Judge not the Lord with feeble sense,
But trust him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.”