Paul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 43:15 - 43:25

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Paul Kretzmann Commentary - Genesis 43:15 - 43:25


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The Brothers before Joseph

v. 15. And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.
The journey is thus again disposed of in just a few words.

v. 16. And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house,
to his chief steward,Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon. The presence of Benjamin in the midst of his brothers was to Joseph proof positive that they had practiced no treachery upon him, and so the order that they should dine with him at noon was a special favor.

v. 17. And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men in to Joseph's house.
The strangers from Canaan were simply bidden to follow.

v. 18. And the men were afraid because they were brought in to Joseph's house;
their former treatment caused them to suspect that they might again be thrown into prison. And they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in, the punishment of a thief, if he was unable to make good the loss, consisted in his being sold as a slave; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, suddenly surprise and overcome them,and take us for bondmen, and our asses. This they wanted to avoid, if possible, since in the matter of the money, at any rate, they felt guiltless.

v. 19. And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
before they ever consented to enter,

v. 20. and said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food;

v. 21. and it came to pass, when we came to the inn,
to the place where they camped for the night,that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. They summarize the two discoveries at the opening of the sacks, and prevent any accusation by declaring that their silver, in rings or pieces, had been there in full weight; and we have brought it again in our hand.

v. 22. And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food; we can not tell who put our money in our sacks.
Thus the brothers, with hearts full of fear, protested their innocence.

v. 23. And he said, Peace be to you, fear not; your God and the God of your father hath given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.
With all gentle kindliness the steward, who may have known the true God through the teaching of Joseph, calmed their fears and bade them not to worry, since their money had come to him in due payment. And he brought Simeon out unto them, thereby bringing about a happy reunion.

v. 24. And the man brought the men in to Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.
He showed them every attention that is given to honored guests.

v. 25. And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon; for they heard that they should eat bread there.
They laid out the various items that made up the present for the Egyptian lord that he might see them at once upon entering and thus be inclined to look upon them with favor.