CRITICAL NOTES.—
Genesis 43:23. I had your money.] Heb. “Your money came to me.” He means to tell them, “You cannot be called to account for the money, for I had it. Whatever became of it afterwards, I hereby acknowledge the receipt of it for the corn. You are credited with payment in full; therefore give yourselves no uneasiness on that score.”—(Bush.)—
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 43:19-25
JOSEPH’S STEWARD
This incident shows how the spirit of Joseph’s character had been imparted to his subordinate. This steward was influenced by his master for good, and some traces of that influence are here manifest:
I. He listens patiently to the explanation of their conduct, offered by Joseph’s brethren. In all Joseph’s treatment of his brethren in Egypt up to this point, there was nothing arbitrary or unkind. It was throughout justified by the circumstances, as they appeared. Joseph was always ready to listen to reason, and to give due consideration to any explanation that might be offered. He was considerate and patient towards these suspicious men in giving them time to clear themselves. This steward reflected so much of his master’s character that he was also considerate and patient in his treatment of these men. The circumstances were suspicious, and they felt that their conduct needed an explanation. He listened to them in the spirit of a just and merciful man. Most men of his class are full of the insolence of office; but here was a man of a better sort, and chiefly made such, as we have reason to believe, through the good influence of his master.
II. He treats them with a wise kindness, and with piety.
1. With a wise kindness. He does not seek further to increase their fears, but hastens to relieve them. He was more merciful than to stretch them any longer on the rack of suspense, and too wise to inflict pain when no good end could be served thereby. To give them hope and confidence he brings Simeon out unto them, who being released, as they must well know, by Joseph’s order, would be a proof to them that all was well.
2. With piety. He assures them that all the strange things which had lately happened to them were ordered and guided by God’s providence. (Genesis 43:23.) He had the acknowledgment of their money, and they must regard it as the gift of God. No charge could now be brought against them, and this relief to their anxiety they must regard also as the gift of God. In this steward we have an instance of a man whose character had been moulded by another. We have no doubt that Joseph had spoken to him concerning the God of his fathers, and thus he learnt the sentiments and language of his pious master. Many have received religious truths and convictions from those placed over them, from those who used their influence and authority to spread the knowledge and the fear of God. Such a strong character as Joseph’s would be sure to impress itself upon all who came under its gracious influence.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Genesis 43:19-20. They were afraid of sharing the fate of Simeon, or of being made slaves. They lost no time, therefore, in explaining their own behaviour and notifying misapprehension, if any existed, in the minds of Joseph and his servants. The richest feast will afford little gratification to a troubled mind.—(Bush).
Genesis 43:22. “We cannot tell.” It was a wise discretion to speak thus, for it might have exposed them to great risk to utter the suspicion which lurked in their minds. Besides, they did not know, and it was better, therefore, to acknowledge their ignorance at once. They had a theory, but it was neither safe nor expedient to make it known.
Often circumstances may be such as to throw grave suspicion upon good men. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to have a well-established character which shall avail for a man’s defence when unjust suspicion has fixed upon him. Here also appears the disadvantage of a bad character, that such an one is suspected of wrong doing even when he is not guilty. Besides, these men feel that they have a bad record with their own conscience, and “a guilty conscience needs no accuser.” Trust in God is the chief confidence in such a dark hour. (Psalms 37)—(Jacobus).
Genesis 43:23. How perfectly comforting that this officer of Egypt’s dreaded lord acknowledges the God of the Hebrews, and recognises Him as the God of these brothers and of their fathers. What a rebuke to their lack of faith. Why should they have been so slow to see His hand in thus supplying them with corn without money and without price? Here again is our New Testament Joseph, who will have no money for what He has to give, but gives it all freely and of grace, and on no other terms, to whosoever will.—(Jacobus).
“The feeble-minded” must be comforted (1 Thessalonians 5:14); not crushed, or cashiered, as the wounded deer is by the whole herd. David, in the spirit of prophecy, pronounceth a bitter curse upon those that “persecuteth him whom God hath smitten, and talked to the grief of those whom He had wounded.” (Psalms 69:26). Joseph’s steward had learned better things of his master.—(Trapp).
Genesis 43:24-25. Joseph would be at home at the dining hour of noon, from his public and official duties, and they will be prepared to meet him with a gift especially because of the glad tidings that they were to eat bread there. Jesus has spread a table for us, and anointed our head with generous oil, and made our cup run over, and chiefly He has spread His own sacramental table, and will sup with us, and we with Him. Well may we bring presents. He will take as purchase-money for His provisions of grace no pay for the Bread of Life. But He will receive our grateful offerings of praise, and with such sacrifices God is well pleased.—(Jacobus.)