Genesis 43:17

Context

Genesis 43:17 takes place during a critical phase in the story of Joseph and his brothers. A severe famine gripped the land of Canaan, forcing Jacob's sons to travel to Egypt to buy grain. On their first trip, they met Joseph, their long-lost brother, who was now the powerful governor of Egypt. Joseph, unrecognized by them, accused them of being spies, imprisoned Simeon, and demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty (Genesis 42:20). After much reluctance from Jacob, and Judah's pledge to guarantee Benjamin's safety, the brothers returned to Egypt with Benjamin, double the money, and gifts.

Upon their arrival, Joseph, seeing Benjamin among them, gave a specific command to his steward in Genesis 43:16: "Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon." Verse 17 shows the immediate and unquestioning obedience of Joseph's steward to this directive, marking a significant shift in the brothers' experience in Egypt.

Key Themes and Messages

• Obedience to Authority: The steward's prompt action, "And the man did as Joseph bade," highlights the immediate and efficient execution of Joseph's command. This reflects the order and authority within Joseph's household, a testament to his administrative power as governor of Egypt.
• Joseph's Strategic Hospitality: Bringing his brothers to his house for a meal was a crucial step in Joseph's unfolding plan. It moved the interaction from the impersonal marketplace or prison into a more intimate, personal setting. This was part of his strategy to test his brothers' character and to observe Benjamin, ultimately leading to their reconciliation.
• Transition and Expectation: For the brothers, being brought into Joseph's house was an unexpected turn. Their previous encounters had been fraught with suspicion and fear. This invitation to Joseph's personal residence would have created a mix of apprehension and perhaps a glimmer of hope, as detailed in the following verse, Genesis 43:18.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "bade" is וַיְצַו (vaytzav), meaning "he commanded" or "he instructed." It denotes a direct and authoritative order, emphasizing Joseph's position and the steward's duty to comply without question. The simplicity of the sentence structure in the KJV, "And the man did as Joseph bade," reflects the straightforward and immediate nature of the action.

Practical Application

This seemingly simple verse underscores the importance of obedience and the execution of a leader's directives. In a broader sense, it reminds us that God often orchestrates events and uses various individuals to fulfill His larger purposes, even in seemingly mundane actions. Just as the steward's obedience was vital to Joseph's plan, our responsiveness to divine leading, or to righteous authority, can be crucial to the unfolding of God's greater design. The careful planning and execution seen here ultimately paved the way for the profound reconciliation and preservation of Jacob's family, a testament to God's ability to work all things for good.