They said one to another— Nothing can more strongly or beautifully picture to us the power of conscience, and the utility of affliction to awaken that power, than this conversation, and these mutual reproaches. We see, in their representation, the little innocent Joseph stretching out his tender hands, and pleading to them for mercy, while they, full of sarcastic envy and savage barbarity, consign him to destruction; we saw the anguish of his soul when he besought us, and we would not hear. This circumstance is omitted in the 37th chapter, which shews us that the sacred writers do not relate every particular.
Related Commentaries of Genesis 42:21
Genesis 42:21
21 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.