Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 43:19
And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
19. at the door of the house ] Before crossing the threshold they wished to explain their innocence about the money.
According to the old Hebrew law, a thief who failed to make restitution might be seized and sold for a slave (Exo 22:3).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Gen 43:19-25
And they came near to the steward of Josephs house, and they communed with him
Josephs steward
I.
HE LISTENS PATIENTLY TO THE EXPLANATION OF THEIR CONDUCT, OFFERED BY JOSEPHS 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 (Gen 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 (Gen 43:18).
5. Wisdom suggests unto innocency a fair defence to prevent danger (Gen 43:19).
6. Innocencys plain acknowledgment of its designs is its best apology (Gen 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 (Gen 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 (Gen 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 (Gen 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 (Gen 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 mornings labours.
20. Good rulers are careful first to work and then to eat (Gen 43:25). (G. Hughes, B. D.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house,…. The same person before called the ruler of his house, under whose direction they were; just before they came to the house, as it seems by what follows, they made up to him as having something to say to him:
and they communed with him at the door of the house; before they went into it, being uneasy and eager to know what should be the meaning of their being brought thither, which was unusual.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
CRITICAL NOTES.
Gen. 43:23. I had your money.] Heb. Your money came to me. He means to tell them, You cannot be called to account for the money, for I had it. Whatever became of it afterwards, I hereby acknowledge the receipt of it for the corn. You are credited with payment in full; therefore give yourselves no uneasiness on that score.(Bush.)
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Gen. 43:19-25
JOSEPHS STEWARD
This incident shows how the spirit of Josephs character had been imparted to his subordinate. This steward was influenced by his master for good, and some traces of that influence are here manifest:
I. He listens patiently to the explanation of their conduct, offered by Josephs brethren. In all Josephs treatment of his brethren in Egypt up to this point, there was nothing arbitrary or unkind. It was throughout justified by the circumstances, as they appeared. Joseph was always ready to listen to reason, and to give due consideration to any explanation that might be offered. He was considerate and patient towards these suspicious men in giving them time to clear themselves. This steward reflected so much of his masters character that he was also considerate and patient in his treatment of these men. The circumstances were suspicious, and they felt that their conduct needed an explanation. He listened to them in the spirit of a just and merciful man. Most men of his class are full of the insolence of office; but here was a man of a better sort, and chiefly made such, as we have reason to believe, through the good influence of his master.
II. He treats them with a wise kindness, and with piety.
1. With a wise kindness. He does not seek further to increase their fears, but hastens to relieve them. He was more merciful than to stretch them any longer on the rack of suspense, and too wise to inflict pain when no good end could be served thereby. To give them hope and confidence he brings Simeon out unto them, who being released, as they must well know, by Josephs order, would be a proof to them that all was well.
2. With piety. He assures them that all the strange things which had lately happened to them were ordered and guided by Gods providence. (Gen. 43:23.) He had the acknowledgment of their money, and they must regard it as the gift of God. No charge could now be brought against them, and this relief to their anxiety they must regard also as the gift of God. In this steward we have an instance of a man whose character had been moulded by another. We have no doubt that Joseph had spoken to him concerning the God of his fathers, and thus he learnt the sentiments and language of his pious master. Many have received religious truths and convictions from those placed over them, from those who used their influence and authority to spread the knowledge and the fear of God. Such a strong character as Josephs would be sure to impress itself upon all who came under its gracious influence.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Gen. 43:19-20. They were afraid of sharing the fate of Simeon, or of being made slaves. They lost no time, therefore, in explaining their own behaviour and notifying misapprehension, if any existed, in the minds of Joseph and his servants. The richest feast will afford little gratification to a troubled mind.(Bush).
Gen. 43:22. We cannot tell. It was a wise discretion to speak thus, for it might have exposed them to great risk to utter the suspicion which lurked in their minds. Besides, they did not know, and it was better, therefore, to acknowledge their ignorance at once. They had a theory, but it was neither safe nor expedient to make it known.
Often circumstances may be such as to throw grave suspicion upon good men. Therefore it is of the utmost importance to have a well-established character which shall avail for a mans defence when unjust suspicion has fixed upon him. Here also appears the disadvantage of a bad character, that such an one is suspected of wrong doing even when he is not guilty. Besides, these men feel that they have a bad record with their own conscience, and a guilty conscience needs no accuser. Trust in God is the chief confidence in such a dark hour. (Psalms 37)(Jacobus).
Gen. 43:23. How perfectly comforting that this officer of Egypts dreaded lord acknowledges the God of the Hebrews, and recognises Him as the God of these brothers and of their fathers. What a rebuke to their lack of faith. Why should they have been so slow to see His hand in thus supplying them with corn without money and without price? Here again is our New Testament Joseph, who will have no money for what He has to give, but gives it all freely and of grace, and on no other terms, to whosoever will.(Jacobus).
The feeble-minded must be comforted (1Th. 5:14); not crushed, or cashiered, as the wounded deer is by the whole herd. David, in the spirit of prophecy, pronounceth a bitter curse upon those that persecuteth him whom God hath smitten, and talked to the grief of those whom He had wounded. (Psa. 69:26). Josephs steward had learned better things of his master.(Trapp).
Gen. 43:24-25. Joseph would be at home at the dining hour of noon, from his public and official duties, and they will be prepared to meet him with a gift especially because of the glad tidings that they were to eat bread there. Jesus has spread a table for us, and anointed our head with generous oil, and made our cup run over, and chiefly He has spread His own sacramental table, and will sup with us, and we with Him. Well may we bring presents. He will take as purchase-money for His provisions of grace no pay for the Bread of Life. But He will receive our grateful offerings of praise, and with such sacrifices God is well pleased.(Jacobus.)
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(19) At the door of the house.Alarmed at a thing so unexpected as being taken to the house of the governor, they can see nothing but danger, and will not enter until they receive the assurance of safety from the officer who was over Josephs house. (See Note on Gen. 43:25.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
19. Communed at the door Before they will enter the house, they resolve to have an understanding about the money that was returned in their sacks .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house and they spoke to him at the door of the house.’
Coming up to the great house they are filled with fear and as they approach the door they catch up with the steward and try to speak up on their own behalf, probably through an interpreter.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Do not timid souls flee unto the ministers and stewards of GOD’S mysteries in their distresses, and open their cases to them? Jas 5:16 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 43:19 And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house,
Ver. 19. And they came near. ] See Trapp on “ Gen 43:20 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Reciprocal: Gen 15:2 – the Gen 42:20 – bring Gen 42:23 – he spake unto them by an interpreter Gen 43:16 – the ruler Gen 44:1 – the steward Mat 20:8 – unto Luk 16:1 – a steward