And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him
Joseph’s steward
I. HE LISTENS PATIENTLY TO THE EXPLANATION OF THEIR CONDUCT, OFFERED BY JOSEPH’S BRETHREN.
II. HE TREATS THEM WITH A WISE KINDNESS AND WITH PIETY. (T. H.Leale.)
Lessons
1. Just orders are readily entertained by honest servants from their masters (Genesis 43:17).
2. The house of kindness may sometimes terrify souls as the house of dangers.
3. Innocency itself may be suspicious of wrong charges, to raise up fear.
4. Groundless jealousies pretend dangers where none are (Genesis 43:18).
5. Wisdom suggests unto innocency a fair defence to prevent danger (Genesis 43:19).
6. Innocency’s plain acknowledgment of its designs is its best apology (Genesis 43:20.)
7. Declaration of events of providence as they are tends to justify the innocent.
8. Where providence orders good, souls may make question of receiving or keeping it (Genesis 43:21).
9. Just souls will deal justly in dealing with others about buying, &c.
10. Innoceney may plead ignorance of the fact of sin plainly, being not guilty (Genesis 43:22).
11. Upright hearts in power will speak peace and encouragement to fearful spirits.
12. Good hearts teach to ascribe all good providences unto God in covenant.
13. Just men will own their acts to discharge the innocent. So the steward.
14. Conditions being performed, hostages must be in justice returned (Genesis 43:23).
15. Good hospitality will labour, to afford room and all convenient refreshings to its guests.
16. Hospitality in truth, provides for beasts as well as men (Genesis 43:24).
17. Prudence will put men upon care to prepare a present for rulers in time of danger.
18. Courtesy from hosts gives opportunity for guests to express their returns.
19. Noon refreshments are suitable to morning’s labours.
20. Good rulers are careful first to work and then to eat (Genesis 43:25). (G. Hughes, B. D.)