Genesis 42:8-28 NIV

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:25

25-28. Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money—This private generosity was not an infringement of his duty—a defrauding of the revenue. He would have a discretionary power—he was daily enriching the king's exchequer—and he might have paid the sum from his own purse. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:27

27. inn—a mere station for baiting beasts of burden. he espied his money—The discovery threw them into greater perplexity than ever. If they had been congratulating themselves on escaping from the ruthless governor, they perceived that now he would have a handle against them; and it is observable that they looked upon this as a judgment of heaven. Thus one leading design of Joseph was gained in their consciences being roused to a sense of guilt. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:28

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 42:8-17

Joseph remembered his dreams (Genesis 42:9), and the proof of God’s faithfulness undoubtedly encouraged his confidence as he proceeded to deal with his brothers. He played a role before them charging them with a crime punishable with death in Egypt. Such a serious accusation encouraged his brothers to be as honest as possible, which is what Joseph wanted.A family will rarely risk almost all of its sons in a dangerous spying mission, which probably explains the brothers’ statement that they were... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 42:18-24

Joseph’s profession of faith in God (Elohim) told his brothers that he realized he was under divine authority and therefore would be fair with them. His test guaranteed Benjamin’s safe passage to Egypt, something Joseph had every reason to worry about in view of his brothers’ treatment of himself. Earlier, when he saw only 10 brothers and not Benjamin, he probably wondered if the 10 had already done away with Benjamin.The brothers saw divine retribution in what had happened to them (Genesis... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 42:25-28

Joseph restored his brothers’ money to them out of the goodness of his heart. His gracious act would satisfy their needs but also cause them to search their souls further as they contemplated the implications of their good fortune. When they first discovered the money in one of their sacks, they regarded what God was doing to them as divine punishment (Genesis 42:28). This is the first time in the story that the brothers mentioned God. Their aroused consciences saw God at work behind what they... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 42:1-38

The First Visit of Joseph’s Brethren to Egypt1. When Jacob saw] The caravans which travelled from Egypt to Syria would bring the news to Hebron. 3. Dr. Thomson, in ’The Land and the Book,’ says he has often met large parties with their donkeys going from Palestine to Egypt in time of drought for food. Jacob’s sons no doubt took servants with them and many asses.8. Joseph, now a middle-aged man, was dressed as an Egyptian, and spoke in Egyptian through an interpreter (Genesis 42:23). His... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 42:8

(8) Joseph knew.—As this is twice repeated, some suppose that Joseph (in Genesis 42:7) had only a suspicion, from their dress and appearance, that these Canaanites were his brethren; but that when they spake the Hebrew tongue (comp. Genesis 42:23), every doubt was removed. They would not recognize him, as he used the Egyptian language, was clad in a white linen dress, and being but seventeen when sold, had during the twenty years of separation changed in appearance much more than they had. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 42:9

(9) Ye are spies.—This is the suspicion under which every traveller labours in the East; but in those days the whole Semitic race was especially looked upon in Egypt with distrust, and, as we saw in Genesis 12:15. a chain of fortresses had been built to protect the land from their incursions. Such an arrival, therefore, as that of Joseph’s brethren would be a matter of state, worthy of the attention of the highest officials; and probably they had themselves come prepared to be assailed with the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 42:11

(11) We are all one man’s sons.—Joseph’s brethren had probably expected this accusation, and their answer, as Abravanel points out, is a sound one: for no man would send his whole family on so dangerous an errand. And thus they press their family relations as a proof of their being true, that is, honest, just men, with no evil designs; and Joseph, who was glad in this way to obtain intelligence of his father and Benjamin, finally, after persisting in the accusation until he had learned all he... read more

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:25

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:27

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 42:28

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 42:8-17

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 42:18-24

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 42:25-28

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 42:1-38

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 42:8

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 42:9

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 42:11

Group of Brands