GENESIS 43:1-18
Jacob reluctantly let his sons take Benjamin to Egypt, and he gave them instructions as
to what they should take along so they might be well received. The sons did as Jacob
instructed. They "took that present, and they took double money in their hand and
Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph" (Gen.
43:15).
When Joseph saw his brothers—and Benjamin with them—he commanded the ruler of
his house, "Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine
with me at noon" (v. 16). Then conscience did its work again. The brothers had such
guilt concerning Joseph that anything caused them to greatly fear—especially in the
strange land of Egypt.
The ruler of Joseph's house "did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into
Joseph's house. And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's
house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first
time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take
us for bondmen, and our asses" (vv. 17-18).
The brothers had been so brave before when they sold Joseph into slavery, but now
even hospitality brought fear to them. When a person is guilty of sin, almost everything
brings fear to him.
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward
God, and toward men (Acts 24:16).
Theodore Epp
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