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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 43:15–25.
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 43:20 captures the anxious and earnest explanation of Jacob's sons to Joseph's steward upon their second arrival in Egypt. They preemptively address the mysterious reappearance of their money in their sacks after their first journey, hoping to demonstrate their honesty, clear their names from any suspicion of theft, and avoid severe repercussions in a foreign land.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded in the unfolding drama of Joseph and his brothers. It immediately follows the brothers' return to Egypt, compelled by the continuing famine and Joseph's demand that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty (Genesis 42:20). Their previous journey had concluded with the bewildering discovery of their payment money returned to their sacks, first by one brother on the way home (Genesis 42:27-28) and then by all upon emptying their sacks at home (Genesis 42:35). This unexpected and alarming event, coupled with Joseph's stern demeanor and their prior imprisonment, fuels their profound apprehension. Their earnest declaration in this verse is a desperate attempt to preempt any accusation and assert their integrity before the powerful Egyptian household. The narrative then proceeds to Joseph's reunion with Benjamin, the feast, and the subsequent test of the silver cup.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is ancient Egypt during a severe famine that affected the entire region, making Egypt, with its granaries, a vital source of sustenance. In such a context, trade was essential, and honesty in commercial dealings was highly valued, especially when dealing with foreign merchants. Accusations of theft could carry severe penalties, including enslavement or even death, particularly for foreigners who lacked local protection. The respectful address "O sir" (Hebrew: ʼadoni) reflects the cultural norm of deferring to those in authority, particularly a high-ranking official like Joseph's steward. The brothers' immediate concern for their reputation and their proactive attempt to return the money highlight the importance of honor and integrity within ancient Near Eastern societies, where one's word and actions profoundly impacted their standing and safety.
Key Themes
This verse, and the broader narrative it belongs to, contributes to several significant themes. The overarching theme of Divine Providence is central; unbeknownst to the brothers, their entire ordeal, including the returned money and Joseph's demands, is part of God's sovereign plan to preserve the lineage of Israel and bring about reconciliation within the family (Genesis 50:20). The theme of Guilt and Conscience is also prominent, as the brothers' current anxieties, while immediately focused on the money, are intensified by their recently recalled sin against Joseph (see Genesis 42:21). Furthermore, the narrative explores Testing and Transformation, as Joseph's actions serve to test his brothers' character and reveal their growth, particularly their newfound concern for Benjamin and their father. Finally, the theme of Reconciliation is subtly foreshadowed, as their honesty and fear lay the groundwork for the eventual revelation and restoration of their family bonds.
Exposition and Analysis
Upon being brought into Joseph's house, a place of immense power and potential judgment, the brothers immediately launch into their explanation, driven by palpable fear and a desperate desire to clear their names. Their opening words in Genesis 43:20 are a direct, earnest, and preemptive declaration of their past actions and their present intent.
Key Word Analysis
This word (H113) refers to a sovereign, controller, lord, master, or owner. Its use here, combined with the preceding "O" (H994, bîy, a request/plea), signifies the brothers' profound deference and humility before Joseph's steward. It conveys their recognition of his authority and their own vulnerable position, reflecting a desperate plea for understanding and favor. Their use of this term underscores their anxiety and their desire to make a good impression and avoid any accusation.
The verb (H3381) literally means "to descend" or "to go downwards." This accurately describes their journey from Canaan (a higher elevation) to Egypt. Figuratively, it can also imply a humbling journey, a state of dependence, or a descent into a difficult situation. For the brothers, it represents their desperate pilgrimage due to the famine, a journey that has brought them into a precarious and fearful encounter with Egyptian authority.
This term (H400) denotes sustenance, eating, meal, meat, or victuals. Its inclusion here highlights the fundamental and dire necessity that drove their initial journey to Egypt. The severe famine had depleted their resources, making the acquisition of food their singular, overriding purpose. By emphasizing "food," they underscore the legitimacy and desperation of their first trip, setting the stage for their explanation regarding the unexpected return of their payment.
Verse Breakdown
"And said, O sir,"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the tone of the encounter. The brothers, likely through Judah, speak with urgency and profound respect. The deferential address "O sir" (combining H994 and H113) is a plea, indicating their humble posture and their acute awareness of the steward's authority and their own vulnerable position as foreigners potentially accused of wrongdoing. It conveys their deep anxiety and their desperate desire to make a favorable impression and avert any suspicion.
"we came indeed down at the first time"
This clause serves as an earnest affirmation of their previous visit. The word "indeed" (an idiom from H559, ʼâmar, "to say") adds emphasis and conviction to their statement, underscoring their truthfulness. They are not merely stating a fact but affirming it with an almost desperate sincerity. This sets the historical context for their current predicament, reminding the steward of their prior, legitimate presence in Egypt.
"to buy food:"
This final phrase reiterates the sole and legitimate purpose of their initial journey. In a time of severe famine, their motivation was purely survival. By stating this clearly, they aim to establish their honest intentions from the outset, laying the groundwork for their subsequent explanation about the money found in their sacks. It emphasizes their desperation and the dire circumstances that brought them to Egypt in the first place.
Literary Devices
The narrative in Genesis 43:20, and the broader context, is rich with Dramatic Irony. The brothers are desperately trying to prove their honesty to Joseph's steward, unaware that the entire situation, including the mysterious return of their money, has been orchestrated by their own brother, Joseph, who stands as the powerful Egyptian ruler. This creates a profound tension for the reader, who is privy to information the characters lack, highlighting God's unseen hand working behind the scenes. Furthermore, the brothers' immediate and urgent address, combined with the emphatic "indeed," demonstrates Emphasis and Earnestness, underscoring their profound anxiety and their desperate desire to be believed and to clear their names. Their actions are driven by a deep sense of fear and a desire for Vindication, which is a recurring motif in the Joseph narrative.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The brothers' anxious explanation in Genesis 43:20, driven by fear and a desire for integrity, serves as a powerful illustration of divine providence at work through human circumstances. Unbeknownst to them, their entire ordeal—from the famine to the returned money and Joseph's demands—is part of God's intricate plan to preserve His chosen people and bring about reconciliation within Jacob's family. Their fear and confusion are not random events but steps in a larger divine purpose, demonstrating how God orchestrates even the most perplexing situations for His ultimate good. This narrative reminds us that even when we are in the dark about the "why" of our trials, God is sovereignly working, often through the very anxieties and challenges we face, to achieve His redemptive purposes.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 43:20 offers profound lessons for navigating life's challenges. When faced with misunderstanding, potential accusation, or circumstances that evoke fear and uncertainty, the brothers' initial response of seeking to speak the truth plainly and directly serves as a powerful example. Their willingness to proactively address a perceived wrongdoing, even at personal cost, underscores the enduring value of integrity and honesty. In a world where reputation and trust are often fragile, their immediate concern for clearing their names speaks to the importance of uprightness, even when it feels disadvantageous. Furthermore, this narrative reminds us that, much like the brothers, we often face situations filled with apprehension, unable to see the full picture of God's work. It encourages us to trust that God is often orchestrating events behind the scenes, working all things for a greater good, even through our trials and anxieties, ultimately leading to His intended purposes and our spiritual growth. Our response in such moments, marked by honesty and trust, can be a testament to His sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the brothers so anxious about the money found in their sacks?
The brothers were profoundly anxious because discovering the money in their sacks made them appear as thieves or swindlers, especially in a foreign land where they were highly vulnerable. They feared being accused of espionage, theft, or attempting to defraud the Egyptian authorities, which could lead to severe penalties like imprisonment, enslavement, or even death. This fear was compounded by Joseph's earlier harsh treatment and his demand for Benjamin, making them acutely aware of their precarious position and desperate to prove their honesty and avoid further trouble. Their immediate concern was to clear their names and demonstrate their integrity to Joseph's steward.
What is the significance of the phrase "O sir" in this context?
The phrase "O sir" (Hebrew: bîy ʼadôwn, literally "by me, my lord") is a highly respectful and deferential form of address. Its use here highlights the brothers' humble posture, their recognition of the steward's authority and power, and their deep anxiety. It functions as a plea for understanding, favor, and mercy, indicating their desperate desire to make a favorable impression and avoid punishment. This deferential language underscores their vulnerability and their earnest attempt to preempt any accusation by showing utmost respect and transparency.
Did the brothers truly need to explain themselves, or was it part of Joseph's plan?
From the brothers' perspective, they absolutely needed to explain themselves to avoid severe repercussions. They genuinely feared being accused of theft and wanted to proactively address the situation to clear their names. However, from a divine and narrative perspective, their explanation was indeed an integral part of Joseph's larger, providential plan. Joseph had orchestrated the money's return precisely to test his brothers, observe their character, and ultimately prepare them for reconciliation. Their anxious explanation, therefore, became an unwitting step in God's grand design, leading them further into the unfolding drama that would culminate in Joseph's revelation and the family's restoration.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The narrative of Joseph and his brothers, particularly their initial fear and eventual reconciliation, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Just as Joseph, though unrecognized by his brothers and seemingly harsh, held the power of life and death over them and ultimately became their savior from famine, so too does Christ, often unrecognized or misunderstood by humanity, hold ultimate authority and offers salvation from spiritual death. The brothers' anxiety and their earnest attempt to clear their names before Joseph's steward can be seen as a type of humanity's initial fear and futile attempt to justify itself before a holy God through its own efforts. However, just as Joseph's plan was not to condemn but to reconcile and preserve, Christ's mission is to reconcile humanity to God, not through our own anxious explanations or attempts at self-justification, but through His sacrificial work on the cross. He is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. The ultimate fulfillment lies in Christ, who, like Joseph, was rejected by His own (John 1:11), yet through His suffering and exaltation, became the means of salvation and reconciliation for all who come to Him in faith (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). He is our compassionate High Priest, who understands our anxieties and fears, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16).