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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.
Then the [brothers] approached Joseph’s steward and said to him, “When we returned the first time we opened our sacks, and behold, there was each one’s money in the opening of his sack. We are now returning it to you because it is not right that we take the money for the grain together with the grain.” But when the steward saw how terrified they were, he consoled them and said, “Rest assured, do not be afraid. It is not because of the money, which I received, that we are bringing you into this house. We have eagerly awaited you because of the truth that is found among you. You are not going to be condemned for something that you did not take. You have been summoned to recline and be seated before our master, for he is just, and by the honor that he has reserved for you this second time, he wishes to make you forget the disgrace that you endured the first time.”
And they began to desire to plead their case to the man who was steward of the house at the door of the house. They still hesitate to enter in and prefer to be justified from their works, for they desire to prove a case rather than to receive grace, and so they are refuted at the gates. But the one who awaits the fruit of the Virgin’s womb and the inheritance of the Lord is dealing in the goods of the Son and is not ashamed at the gate. Rather, at the end of this life he drives back the enemy so that the latter, who is aware of his quite serious guilt, may not hinder him as he hastens to higher things. On this account, the steward answered them in a mystical sense. And know who this is, when you read that Moses was faithful in all his house. For Moses and Peter and Paul and the other saints are the stewards, but Christ alone is the master. It is written, “Moses was faithful in all his house as a servant for a testimony of those things which had been said, but Christ as the Son in his own house, which house we are, if we hold fast liberty and the glory of the hope.”
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SUMMARY
Genesis 43:19 vividly portrays the profound apprehension and cautious approach of Joseph's brothers upon their return to Egypt. Burdened by the mysterious reappearance of their money from their previous journey, they were consumed by fear of being accused of theft and sought to preemptively explain the perplexing situation. Their decision to approach Joseph's house steward at the very threshold of the residence, rather than entering immediately, underscores their deep anxiety and their earnest desire to clear their names before facing the powerful governor.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative's tension and convey the brothers' emotional state. Symbolism is evident in the "door of the house," which acts as a threshold representing their precarious position between uncertainty and potential accusation, and their desperate hope for understanding. It is a liminal space where their fate hangs in the balance. There is also a strong element of Dramatic Irony, as the audience knows that the "steward of Joseph's house" is serving Joseph, the very brother they had betrayed, and that Joseph himself orchestrated the return of the money as part of his plan. The brothers' fear and earnest explanations are poignant because they are entirely unaware of the true identity of the man they will soon face. This irony underscores the divine orchestration of events, where human anxiety is part of a larger, hidden purpose.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse is rich with theological implications, illustrating the human response to fear and the divine hand in seemingly chaotic events. The brothers' proactive approach to explain the mysterious return of their money, driven by fear but also by a desire for integrity, highlights a significant moral growth. Their past deceit regarding Joseph stands in stark contrast to their current desperate plea for honesty, revealing a conscience at work. This moment underscores how God often uses perplexing and even frightening circumstances to test, refine, and ultimately transform individuals, preparing them for His greater purposes. The brothers' journey from fear and suspicion to eventual reconciliation with Joseph is a testament to God's sovereign plan, working through human choices and anxieties to bring about His redemptive will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 43:19 offers profound lessons for navigating life's perplexing and intimidating moments. The brothers' decision to address their problem head-on, with honesty and humility, rather than attempting to hide or flee, provides a powerful model. When we find ourselves in situations where we are misunderstood, falsely accused, or facing circumstances beyond our control, a transparent and earnest approach can often be the most effective, even if it requires vulnerability. Their fear, while understandable, also reminds us that human anxiety can often obscure God's greater purposes. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that even the most bewildering or frightening events can be part of His intricate plan, working for our good and His glory. It challenges us to consider how we respond when our integrity is questioned or when we are faced with the unknown, prompting us to choose honesty and faith over panic and concealment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were Joseph's brothers so afraid of the returned money?
Answer: The brothers were terrified because they had already paid for the grain once, and finding the money back in their sacks made them fear they would be accused of theft. In ancient Egypt, theft, especially from a high-ranking official like Joseph, was a serious crime that could lead to enslavement or even death. They believed it was a deliberate trap or a pretext to take them as slaves, particularly given the powerful governor's previous harsh treatment and accusations of being spies during their first visit (Genesis 42:9-10).
What is the significance of "communing with him at the door of the house"?
Answer: This detail highlights the brothers' extreme caution, humility, and desperation. By speaking with the steward at the door (Genesis 43:19), they were showing deep respect for the household's authority and attempting to preemptively address the issue of the money before fully entering. This was a plea for understanding from a position of vulnerability, hoping to clear their names and avoid any further suspicion or accusation of wrongdoing before they were fully committed to the interior of the powerful governor's residence. It underscores their profound anxiety and their earnest desire to demonstrate their innocence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 43:19 subtly prefigures the profound themes of reconciliation and divine providence found in Christ. Just as Joseph's brothers, burdened by fear, guilt, and a sense of unworthiness, cautiously approached the steward of a powerful house to plead their case, so too does humanity, weighed down by sin and a profound sense of spiritual debt, approach the divine presence. Joseph, though rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37:28), became their unwitting savior and provider, orchestrating events for their good and the preservation of God's chosen people. This narrative arc powerfully mirrors Christ, who, though rejected and crucified by humanity (John 19:16-18), became the ultimate Savior, providing reconciliation and eternal life for all who come to Him in humility and repentance. The brothers' journey from fear and guilt to eventual forgiveness and restoration with Joseph foreshadows the glorious path of salvation where humanity, acknowledging its sin and unworthiness, finds complete forgiveness and restoration through Christ's atoning work on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Through Jesus, the ultimate "steward" of God's house, we are welcomed not at the door in fear, but into the very presence of God as adopted children (Ephesians 2:18).