Verses 29–38
Here is the report Jacob's sons made to their father. It troubled the good man. Even the bundles
of money Joseph returned, in kindness, to his father, frightened him. He laid the fault upon his sons;
knowing them, he feared they had provoked the Egyptians, and wrongfully brought home their
money. Jacob plainly distrusted his sons, remembering that he never saw Joseph since he had been
with them. It is bad with a family, when children behave so ill that their parents know not how to
trust them. Jacob gives up Joseph for gone, and Simeon and Benjamin as in danger; and concludes,
All these things are against me. It proved otherwise, that all these things were for him, were working
together for his good, and the good of his family. We often think that to be against us, which is
really for us. We are afflicted in body, estate, name, and in our relations; and think all these things
are against us, whereas they are really working for us a weight of glory. Thus does the Lord Jesus
conceal himself and his favour, thus he rebukes and chastens those for whom he has purposes of
love. By sharp corrections and humbling convictions he will break the stoutness and mar the pride
of the heart, and bring to true repentance. Yet before sinners fully know him, or taste that he is
gracious, he consults their good, and sustains their souls, to wait for him. May we do thus, never
yielding to discouragement, determining to seek no other refuge, and humbling ourselves more and
more under his mighty hand. In due time he will answer our petitions, and do for us more than we
can expect.
Chapter 43
Chapter Outline
Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin into (1–14)
Egypt.
Joseph's reception of his brethren, their (15–25)
fears.
Joseph makes a feast for his brethren. (26–34)Verses 1–14
Jacob urges his sons to go and buy a little food; now, in time of dearth, a little must suffice.
Judah urges that Benjamin should go with them. It is not against the honour and duty children owe
their parents, humbly to advise them, and when needful, to reason with them. Jacob saw the necessity
of the case, and yielded. His prudence and justice appeared in three things. 1. He sent back the
money they had found in the sack. Honesty obliges us to restore not only that which comes to us
by our own fault, but that which comes to us by the mistakes of others. Though we get it by oversight,
if we keep it when the oversight is discovered, it is kept by deceit. 2. He sent as much again as they
took the time before; the price of corn might be risen, or they might have to pay a ransom for
Simeon. 3. He sent a present of such things as the land afforded, and as were scarce in Egypt, balm,