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Commentary on Genesis 43 verses 15–25
Jacob's sons, having got leave to take Benjamin with them, were observant of the orders their father had given them, and went down the second time into Egypt to buy corn. If we should ever know what a famine of the word means, let us not think it much to travel as far for spiritual food as they did for corporal food. Now here we have an account of what passed between them and Joseph's steward, who, some conjecture, was in the secret, and knew them to be Joseph's brethren, and helped to humour the thing; I rather think not, because no man was permitted to be present when Joseph afterwards made himself known to them, Gen 45:1. Observe, 1. Joseph's steward has orders from his master (who was busy selling corn, and receiving money) to take them to his house, and make ready for their entertainment. Though Joseph saw Benjamin there, he would not leave his work at working-time, nor trust another with it. Note, Business must take place of civility in its season. Our needful employments must not be neglected, no, not to pay respect to our friends. 2. Even this frightened them: They were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house, Gen 43:18. The just challenges of their own consciences, and Joseph's violent suspicions of them, forbade them to expect any favour, and suggested to them that this was done with a bad design upon them. Note, Those that are guilty and timorous are apt to make the worst of every thing. Now they thought they should be reckoned with about the money in the sacks' mouths, and should be charged as cheats, and men not fit to be dealt with, who had taken advantage of the hurry of the market to carry off their corn unpaid for. They therefore laid the case before the steward, that he, being apprized of it, might stand between them and danger; and, as a substantial proof of their honesty, before they were charged with taking back their money they produced it. Note, Integrity and uprightness will preserve us, and will clear themselves as the light of the morning. 3. The steward encouraged them (Gen 43:23): Peace be to you, fear not; though he knew not what his master drove at, yet he was aware these were men whom he meant no harm to, while he thus amused them; and therefore he directs them to look at the divine Providence in the return of their money: Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. Observe, (1.) Hereby he shows that he had no suspicion at all of dishonesty in them: for of what we get by deceit we cannot say, "God gives it to us." (2.) Hereby he silences their further enquiry about it. "Ask not how it came thither; Providence brought it to you, and let that satisfy you." (3.) It appears by what he said that, by his good master's instructions, he was brought to the knowledge of the true God, the God of the Hebrews. It may justly be expected that those who are servants in religious families should take all fit occasions to speak of God and his providence with reverence and seriousness. (4.) He directs them to look up to God, and acknowledge his providence in the good bargain they had. We must own ourselves indebted to God, as our God and the God of our fathers (a God in covenant with us and them) for all our successes and advantages, and the kindnesses of our friends; for every creature is that to us, and no more, which God makes it to be. The steward encouraged them, not only in words but in deeds; for he made very much of them till his master came, Gen 43:24.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 43:17 meticulously records the immediate and unquestioning obedience of Joseph's steward, who, at Joseph's authoritative command, brought his brothers into Joseph's personal residence. This seemingly straightforward act marked a profound shift in the brothers' experience in Egypt, transitioning them from the impersonal and intimidating settings of the marketplace and prison to an unexpected and intimate encounter within the governor's home, all meticulously orchestrated as part of Joseph's intricate plan to test, observe, and ultimately reconcile with his long-lost family.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text, "And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house," succinctly captures the immediate and efficient execution of Joseph's command. The repetition of "the man" emphasizes the steward's singular focus and promptness in fulfilling his master's directive. This act was not merely a logistical arrangement but a calculated move by Joseph, transforming the brothers' experience from one of suspicion and fear to an unexpected invitation into the governor's personal sphere.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Repetition by using "the man" twice, referring to the steward. This repetition emphasizes the steward's singular focus and the directness of his action, highlighting the immediate and efficient execution of Joseph's command. There is also a subtle Foreshadowing in this seemingly simple act; bringing the brothers into Joseph's house for a meal anticipates the deeper fellowship and reconciliation that will eventually occur, moving beyond the initial suspicion and fear. The Contrast between the brothers' previous encounters with Joseph (as a harsh governor in a public setting) and this unexpected invitation into his private home creates a sense of apprehension and uncertainty, building narrative tension.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, powerfully illustrates the intricate workings of divine providence through human actions. The steward's simple act of obedience, driven by his duty to Joseph, becomes a vital link in God's overarching plan to preserve Jacob's family and ultimately the lineage through which the Messiah would come. It demonstrates that even seemingly mundane or subservient roles can be instrumental in the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes, underscoring that God uses all circumstances and individuals, whether they are aware of His grand design or not, to bring about His will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse offers profound lessons for our lives, reminding us that our obedience, even in seemingly small or routine tasks, can be instrumental in the unfolding of God's larger purposes. Just as the steward's immediate compliance was crucial to Joseph's strategic plan for his family's preservation and reconciliation, our responsiveness to divine leading or to righteous authority can play a vital role in God's greater design for our lives and the world around us. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of faithfulness and diligence in our daily responsibilities, trusting that God is meticulously orchestrating events, even those that appear ordinary or unexpected, to bring about His good and perfect will. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into opportunities for participation in God's redemptive work, ultimately leading to reconciliation, provision, and the fulfillment of His promises.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the brothers brought into Joseph's house, and what was their reaction?
Answer: The brothers were brought into Joseph's house as a crucial part of Joseph's strategic plan. This move shifted their interaction from the impersonal setting of the marketplace or prison to a more intimate and personal environment. Joseph intended to test their character, observe Benjamin's behavior, and set the stage for their eventual reconciliation. Their reaction, as explicitly stated in Genesis 43:18, was one of profound fear and apprehension. They suspected they were being led into a trap—specifically, that they would be seized as slaves and their donkeys taken because of the money that had been mysteriously returned in their sacks on their previous trip to Egypt.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joseph, particularly his unexpected elevation from prisoner to ruler and his act of bringing his estranged brothers into his house for provision and reconciliation, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of Christ. Joseph, though rejected, betrayed, and sold into slavery by his own brothers, became a savior and provider, ultimately bringing his family into a place of safety and sustenance during a time of famine. Similarly, Jesus, the true Son of God, was rejected and crucified by His own people, yet through His resurrection, He was exalted to the highest authority, becoming the ultimate provider of spiritual sustenance and reconciliation for all humanity. He invites us, who were once estranged and fearful due to our sin, into His "house"—His eternal Kingdom and intimate fellowship—not to condemn but to offer abundant grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. The unexpected feast in Joseph's house foreshadows the great spiritual feast and intimate communion that Christ offers to all who come to Him, fulfilling God's redemptive plan through His ultimate act of love and sacrifice on the cross, as described in passages like Ephesians 2:19-20 and the imagery of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19:9.