Genesis 42:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

GENESIS CHAPTER 42 Jacob hearing there was corn in Egypt, sends all his sons thither but Benjamin, Genesis 42:1-5. They bow before Joseph, who knew them, but not they him; he treats them roughly, Genesis 42:6-8; remembers his dreams; charges them for spies, Genesis 42:9-12. They, to vindicate themselves, declare that they were all sons of one father, and had a younger brother at home, Genesis 42:13. Joseph imprisons them, but releases all but Simeon, and sends the rest to fetch their brother, and so prove their words true, Genesis 42:14-20. Their consciences are awakened, and charge them with their sin against Joseph; they accuse one another, Genesis 42:21,22. Joseph hears them; weeps; binds Simeon, Genesis 42:23,24. Joseph orders their sacks to be filled with corn, and to return their money, Genesis 42:25,26. In the way one finds his money in his sack; they are the more afraid, Genesis 42:27,28. At home they relate to Jacob what happened to them, so far as to persuade Jacob to let Benjamin go, Genesis 42:29-35. He complains; Reuben undertakes for him; he cannot consent to let him go, Genesis 42:36-38. 1707 When Jacob saw, i.e. heard, as the word is used, Exodus 20:18; as seeing is put for smelling, Exodus 5:21; and for tasting, Psalms 34:8; and for touching, 1 Thessalonians 20:29. Why do ye look one upon another; like lazy, careless, and helpless persons, each one expecting relief from the other, but none offering either counsel or help for all our subsistence?