Genesis 44:24

And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.

And it came to pass when we came up {H5927} unto thy servant {H5650} my father {H1}, we told {H5046} him the words {H1697} of my lord {H113}.

We went up to your servant my father and told him what my lord had said;

Now when we returned to your servant my father, we relayed your words to him.

And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Judah's impassioned plea before Joseph, governor of Egypt, to spare Benjamin. Judah is recounting the difficult conversation they had with their aging father, Jacob, back in Canaan. Joseph had previously insisted that the brothers bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, with them on their next visit to Egypt to prove their honesty (Genesis 42:20). This verse specifically highlights the moment they conveyed Joseph's stern "words"—his demand for Benjamin's presence—to Jacob, who was deeply reluctant to part with his youngest son, especially after having seemingly lost Joseph years earlier (Genesis 42:36).

Key Themes

  • Honest Communication: The verse emphasizes that the brothers, despite their fear and their father's distress, faithfully conveyed Joseph's demanding terms. This act of reporting, though painful, was necessary for the narrative to unfold and for Jacob to make his difficult decision.
  • Familial Loyalty and Protection: Judah's speech, culminating in this verse, underscores the deep love and concern within the family, particularly for Jacob's well-being. Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin and his father (Genesis 44:33) is a powerful display of familial devotion.
  • Divine Orchestration: Unbeknownst to them, every step of this unfolding drama—from Joseph's initial demands to the brothers' difficult journey home and back—was part of God's sovereign plan to preserve Jacob's family and ultimately bring them to Egypt (Genesis 45:7).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy servant my father" used by Judah is a mark of profound respect and humility before Joseph, the powerful "my lord." It emphasizes Jacob's venerable age and status as a patriarch, while also subtly appealing to Joseph's mercy by highlighting the vulnerability of their aged parent. The term "my lord" (Hebrew: 'adoni) denotes a superior, master, or ruler, reflecting the absolute authority Joseph wielded in Egypt.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of honest and clear communication, even when delivering difficult news. It also speaks to the enduring bonds of family and the lengths one might go to protect loved ones. Ultimately, the broader context of this narrative teaches us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire or confusing, as His purposes often unfold through unexpected and challenging interactions.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:29 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying,

  • Genesis 42:34 (2 votes)

    And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye [are] no spies, but [that] ye [are] true [men: so] will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.