Genesis 43:23
He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The steward's words reveal a profound truth: he attributes the "treasure" (the money returned in their sacks) not to human action, but to the providence of "your God, and the God of your father." This highlights Joseph's influence in teaching his household about the God of Israel, even while operating within Egyptian culture, and reassures the brothers that God's hand was at work for their good.
The brothers have returned to Egypt with Benjamin, their father's most beloved son, and are brought into Joseph's house, which fills them with dread. They immediately explain that the money found in their sacks was an oversight, not an act of deceit, prompting the steward to reassure them. This reassurance comes with the astonishing news that their money was received and, most importantly, the release of Simeon, whom they had left behind as a hostage.
When you're terrified, convinced you're about to face the worst, where do you find reassurance? Sometimes, it's hidden in plain sight.
The brothers are in a panic. They found their money back in their sacks and are convinced Joseph is setting a trap to enslave them. But the steward, echoing Joseph's own understanding, doesn't just dismiss their fears. He reframes the situation: "Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you."
This isn't just about money. It's about recognizing God's active hand, even in confusing and frightening circumstances. The steward calls the returned money a "hidden treasure" – something unexpected and providential. He points them away from their fearful assumptions and towards the guiding hand of God, who is sovereign even over their perceived misfortunes.
This reminds us that God can work through unexpected means and situations to bring about His purposes, often when we feel most vulnerable and exposed.
How does one person's faith influence those around them, even if they don't fully grasp the bigger picture?
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The steward's words are remarkable. He speaks of "Your God and the God of your father" as if he has a personal understanding of their faith. This wasn't just random politeness. The commentaries suggest that Joseph, even in his high position, had instilled a knowledge of the true God within his household.
This steward, likely an Egyptian who came to believe in the God of Israel through Joseph, attributes the situation to divine providence. He acknowledges the 'God of your father' – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He doesn't claim credit or offer a human explanation for the money. Instead, he points to the divine source.
This shows us the powerful ripple effect of a committed faith. Joseph, though his brothers believed him to be a harsh ruler, was secretly orchestrating events with God's guidance. And even his household staff reflected this truth, bringing reassurance to the fearful sons of Jacob.
When the weight of guilt and fear presses down, what does true peace sound like?
The brothers are convinced they are doomed. Their fear stems from the returned money, which they interpret as a pretext for Joseph's wrath. The steward's immediate response is powerful: "Peace to you, do not be afraid."
This isn't just a casual greeting. In the Hebrew context, 'shalom' (peace) signifies wholeness, well-being, and security. He is essentially saying, 'You are safe; no harm will come to you because of this.' By acknowledging their money was received ('I had your money'), he validates their honest intentions and dismisses their fears of being accused of theft.
Then, the ultimate reassurance: Simeon is brought out. This act visually confirms that their ordeal is over, their brother is safe, and the danger has passed. The 'peace' the steward offers is rooted in the reality that God is working for their good, and the immediate threat is removed.
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of wholeness, completeness, or well-being. Biblically, it often denotes a condition of prosperity, harmony, and friendship with God or others.
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A feeling of anxiety, dread, or terror. Biblically, it is often used in the context of the fear of God (reverence) or the fear of impending judgment or harm from others.
matmon · Hebrew Noun
Refers to wealth, resources, or valuable goods. In a theological sense, it can refer to the richness of God's grace or physical blessings bestowed upon his people.
The steward's words, 'Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks,' reveal that Joseph, now a powerful Egyptian official, had secretly instructed his household in the worship of the true God and orchestrated this 'treasure' as a test and a sign of favor, preparing his fearful brothers for reconciliation.
~1700 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Jacob's son Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually rising to a position of power in Egypt.
~1700-1690 BC
Joseph in Egypt
Joseph endures hardship and imprisonment before being elevated by Pharaoh due to his ability to interpret dreams and manage resources.
~1690 BC
Famine grips Canaan
A severe famine devastates the land of Canaan, forcing Jacob's family to seek food from Egypt.
~1690 BC
Brothers' first trip to Egypt
Joseph's brothers travel to Egypt to buy grain, where they are accused of spying and Simeon is held captive.
~1690 BC
Brothers return to Canaan
The brothers return to their father Jacob with grain but without Simeon, explaining the terms for his release.
~1690 BC— this verse
Second journey to Egypt
Jacob, persuaded by Judah and the severity of the famine, allows his sons to return to Egypt with Benjamin to secure Simeon's release and obtain more food.
This verse directly precedes the current situation, showing Joseph's initial instructions to his steward to seize them and then later to acknowledge the returned money, setting the stage for this reassurance.
Exodus 3:6This verse echoes the affirmation of God's covenantal identity ('the God of your father') to Moses, highlighting the consistent theme of God's faithfulness to His people through generations, even in times of hardship.
Joshua 24:15Joshua's call to the Israelites to 'choose this day whom you will serve' reflects the ongoing covenant relationship that the steward here acknowledges, emphasizing that their God is distinct from the gods of the surrounding nations.
Matthew 10:30Jesus' assurance that even the hairs of our head are numbered speaks to God's meticulous care and providence, paralleling the steward's explanation that the 'treasure' in their sacks was a gift from God, not mere chance.
Romans 8:28This verse states that 'all things work together for good,' which aligns with the steward's interpretation that the strange return of their money and the overall situation was God's doing for their ultimate benefit.
calvinGenesis 43:1-34: "And the famine was sore in the land."
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?
Et dixerunt, Interrogando interrogavit vir ille de nobis et cognatione nostra, discendo, Num adhuc pater vester vivit? Num est vobis frater? Et nuntiavimus ei secundum verba ista:…
clarkeGenesis 43:23: "And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them."
And he said - The address of the steward in this verse plainly proves that the knowledge of the true God was in Egypt. It is probable that the steward himself was a Hebrew, and that Joseph had given him intimation of the whole affair; and though he was not at liberty to reveal it, yet he gives them assurances…
The steward's words reveal a profound truth: he attributes the "treasure" (the money returned in their sacks) not to human action, but to the providence of "your God, and the God of your father." This highlights Joseph's influence in teaching his household about the God of Israel, even while operating within Egyptian culture, and reassures the brothers that God's hand was at work for their good.
The brothers have returned to Egypt with Benjamin, their father's most beloved son, and are brought into Joseph's house, which fills them with dread. They immediately explain that the money found in their sacks was an oversight, not an act of deceit, prompting the steward to reassure them. This reassurance comes with the astonishing news that their money was received and, most importantly, the release of Simeon, whom they had left behind as a hostage.
The brothers have returned to Egypt with Benjamin, their father's most beloved son, and are brought into Joseph's house, which fills them with dread. They immediately explain that the money found in their sacks was an oversight, not an act of deceit, prompting the steward to reassure them. This reassurance comes with the astonishing news that their money was received and, most importantly, the release of Simeon, whom they had left behind as a hostage.
"He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them." — The steward's words reveal a profound truth: he attributes the "treasure" (the money returned in their sacks) not to human action, but to the providence of "your God, and the God of your father." Thi…
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