Genesis 43:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight.

NIV: Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake.

NASB: And take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the opening of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake.

CSB: Take twice as much silver with you. Return the silver that was returned to you in the top of your bags. Perhaps it was a mistake.

NLT: Also take double the money that was put back in your sacks, as it was probably someone’s mistake.

KJV: And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight:

NKJV: Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight.

After initially refusing to risk his youngest son (Genesis 42:38) and much delay (Genesis 43:10), Jacob is finally convinced by his sons that another trip to Egypt is necessary (Genesis 43:3–10). Jacob is mapping out a plan, in accordance with his typically over-cautious nature.

After describing a gift package (Genesis 43:11) for the Egyptian ruler (Genesis 42:19–20), Jacob tells his sons to take double the amount of money needed for the grain. This was to cover both the cost of the new grain and the money mysteriously returned to their sacks after buying grain on the previous trip (Genesis 42:26–28). Jacob hopes the issue with money was simply an oversight, which can be corrected to avoid further trouble with the Egyptians. He does not realize the Egyptian governor is his long-lost son, Joseph (Genesis 42:8, 25), who has good intentions in mind for his family.

Genesis 43:1–15 describes how Jacob is forced to send his beloved son, Benjamin, to accompany his other sons to Egypt to buy more grain. If Benjamin doesn't go, they will not be allowed to purchase anything. This is by the order of the Egyptian governor, who the men do not realize is their long-lost brother, Joseph. Without grain, the family will starve. Jacob agrees, sending with his sons a gift for the man, along with double the amount of money needed to buy the grain. Finally, Jacob prays to God Almighty for his boys before allowing them to depart with his precious youngest son.

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 5/4/2024 12:13:14 AM