Their heart failed them— In the strong Hebrew idiom, their heart went out, or left their body: strong conscience was at work; they were afraid where no fear was: What is this that God hath done unto us? say they. It is the nature of awakened guilt to be particularly full of apprehensions of God's justice and vengeance: they expected nothing less, than that the providence of God was about to make this extraordinary event a means of that punishment, which they were conscious that they justly deserved for their treatment of Joseph. In Genesis 42:35 they were afraid, refers to Jacob also, as well as his sons.
REFLECTIONS.—We have here,
1. The reflections which the ten sons of Jacob make on their past conduct. For twenty years they seem to have forgotten it, or stifled the remembrance; but now conscience does her office, and in their distress they acknowledge the justice of God's hand in thus overtaking them. If they were so unrelenting to a brother, what may they not apprehend from a heathen stranger? Reuben reminds them of his entreaty for the child; a fresh reproach to their cruelty, though a comfort to his own conscience. Note; (1.) It is a needful stroke, which awakens the conscience to a remembrance of sin. (2.) When we share with others in calamity, it is a great support to be clear of their guilt. Little did they imagine how nearly he was interested before whom they spoke; little were they apprehensive that the AEgyptian governor, who spake by an interpreter, understood their language; while he, unable to restrain, yet willing to conceal the falling tear, turns aside, to discharge the tender meltings of an affectionate heart. Are such the tender mercies of a man? What then are the compassions of our God towards repenting sinners!
2. Simeon is bound for a hostage till their return, and they dismissed with their lading. But how great their astonishment, when one, on opening his sack, finds the purchase-money returned! Guilt immediately awakens their fears, and they tremble with the apprehensions that God is now about to visit them for their sins. They who sold their own brother unjustly for twenty pieces of silver, may well fear, lest judgment overtake them as thieves. Note; A guilty conscience is subject to perpetual alarms.