Genesis 43:21

And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, [every] man's money [was] in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

And it came to pass, when we came {H935} to the inn {H4411}, that we opened {H6605} our sacks {H572}, and, behold, every man's {H376} money {H3701} was in the mouth {H6310} of his sack {H572}, our money {H3701} in full weight {H4948}: and we have brought it again {H7725} in our hand {H3027}.

but when we got to camp, we opened our packs, and there inside our packs was each man's money, the full amount. We have brought it back with us;

But when we came to the place we lodged for the night, we opened our sacks and, behold, each of us found his silver in the mouth of his sack! It was the full amount of our silver, and we have brought it back with us.

and it came to pass, when we came to the lodging-place, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 43:21 is spoken by Joseph's brothers to their father, Jacob, as they recount the perplexing events of their first journey to Egypt to buy grain during a severe famine. In Genesis chapter 42, Joseph, whom they did not recognize as their long-lost brother, had accused them of being spies (Genesis 42:9). To prove their honesty, Joseph demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to him. As they departed, Joseph secretly ordered that each man's money be returned to his sack along with the grain (Genesis 42:25). The discovery of the money terrified them (Genesis 42:28). This verse, Genesis 43:21, is their desperate attempt to explain the unexplainable to a reluctant Jacob, hoping to convince him to allow Benjamin to accompany them back to Egypt.

Explanation of Verse 43:21

The brothers vividly recall the moment of their startling discovery. "And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks..." This refers to a temporary lodging place or encampment on their journey back from Egypt to Canaan. It was common for travelers to stop at such points to rest and feed their animals. "and, behold, [every] man's money [was] in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight." The phrase "money in full weight" emphasizes that the exact amount they had paid was mysteriously returned, not short-changed or counterfeit, which only deepened their confusion and fear. This inexplicable return of their payment, coupled with Joseph's stern demands, presented a significant dilemma for them. "and we have brought it again in our hand." This highlights their honesty; despite the opportunity to keep the money, they brought it back to Jacob, presenting it as evidence of their strange predicament and their commitment to rectifying what they perceived as an error or a trap.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: Although Joseph orchestrated the return of the money, this event is part of God's larger, intricate plan to bring Jacob's family to Egypt, preserve them during the famine, and ultimately bring about reconciliation among the brothers. The mysterious circumstances serve God's purposes.
  • Human Perplexity and Fear: The brothers are genuinely bewildered and terrified by the money's return. They interpret it as a bad omen or a setup, not understanding the underlying benevolent intentions of Joseph or the sovereign hand of God at work.
  • Integrity and Honesty: Despite their fear, the brothers demonstrate integrity by bringing the money back to Jacob. They do not attempt to hide it or profit from the strange occurrence, underscoring their desire to be seen as honest men, especially in light of Joseph's accusations.
  • The Unfolding of Joseph's Plan: This incident is a crucial element in Joseph's elaborate strategy to test his brothers' character and see if they had changed since they sold him into slavery. The returned money forces them into a difficult position, requiring them to return to Egypt with Benjamin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "inn" is malon (מָלוֹן), which typically refers to a temporary lodging place or a camping spot, often where travelers would unburden their animals and rest. It wasn't necessarily a formal building like a modern inn, but more of a designated stopping point along a route. The emphasis on "money in full weight" (בְּמִשְׁקָלוֹ֙ - bəmišqālōw) underscores the precision of the returned amount, making the event even more inexplicable and unsettling for the brothers.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that sometimes, circumstances in life can appear confusing, frightening, or inexplicable, much like the money found in the brothers' sacks. We may not understand why certain things happen, but we can trust in God's overarching providence and sovereign plan. The brothers' decision to return the money, despite their fear, also serves as a testament to the importance of integrity and honesty, even when faced with perplexing or challenging situations. Ultimately, this narrative teaches us that God can use even the most bewildering events to bring about His good purposes, leading to reconciliation, restoration, and the fulfillment of His promises.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:12 (3 votes)

    And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry [it] again in your hand; peradventure it [was] an oversight:

  • Genesis 42:27 (2 votes)

    And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it [was] in his sack's mouth.

  • Genesis 42:35 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money [was] in his sack: and when [both] they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.

  • Romans 12:17 (2 votes)

    Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

  • Romans 13:8 (2 votes)

    Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

  • 1 Peter 3:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

  • 1 Peter 2:12 (2 votes)

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.