Genesis 43:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and we have brought other money down with us to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks."

NIV: We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in our sacks."

NASB: We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks.'

CSB: We have brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in the bags."

NLT: We also have additional money to buy more food. We have no idea who put our money in our sacks.'

KJV: And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.

NKJV: And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.”

When Joseph's brothers left Egypt after buying grain the first time (Genesis 42:1–2), they were horrified to find the money they'd spent was back in their bags (Genesis 42:26–28). When a second trip was necessary (Genesis 43:1–2), they brought that money along, seeking to prove they had not stolen it. When ordered to go to the governor's home, the men are afraid an ambush is in the works (Genesis 43:16–21).

They began with great respect, addressing the servant as "lord." They told him they were shocked when they found the money used to buy the grain back in their packs. They assure the steward they have brought it with them to pay for the grain again, as well as money to buy additional food. They conclude by insisting that they do not know who put the money back in their packs.

These men are unaware the Egyptian governor is their own estranged brother (Genesis 42:8), and that he secretly arranged to return their money (Genesis 42:25; 43:23).

Genesis 43:16–34 finds Joseph's estranged brothers returning once more to Egypt and appearing before him. They still fail to recognize the person they sold into slavery some twenty years before. After he orders them taken to his home, the brothers are afraid they will be ambushed for a false charge of theft due to their prior visit (Genesis 42:25–28). Joseph's steward assures them God arranged those events, and all is well. Joseph shares a meal with them, honoring them as guests in his home and giving special attention to Benjamin. The meal turns into a time of merriment for them all.

Jacob must send Benjamin with his brothers, back to Egypt, to buy more grain for the family. Without it, they will starve, but the Egyptian ruler will not sell them grain if they don't bring Benjamin as agreed. Speaking on behalf of his brothers, Judah finally convinces his father. Arriving in Egypt, they are honored as guests in Joseph's house. They present a gift to him—still not recognizing him as their estranged brother—and Joseph, after being overwhelmed with emotion, pays special attention to Benjamin.

In Genesis chapter 37, Jacob sends his favorite son, Joseph, to visit his brothers. Joseph does not come home. In chapter 42, Jacob sends ten of his sons on a mission, and once again the group returns short one son. The Egyptian governor keeps Simeon as collateral and commands the family to return with Benjamin. Only when forced with starvation does Jacob risk his youngest son. Joseph, still unrecognized by his brothers as the governor of Egypt, honors the men as guests in his home, paying special attention to Benjamin. After further tests in chapter 44, Joseph will finally reveal himself in chapter 45.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 12/4/2024 3:19:58 AM