When the brethren appeared before Joseph, he ordered his steward to take them into the house, and prepare a dinner for them and for him. טבה the original form of the imperative for טבח. But the brethren were alarmed, thinking that they were taken into the house because of the money which returned the first time (השּׁב which came back, they could not imagine how), that he might take them unawares (lit., roll upon them), and fall upon them, and keep them as salves, along with their asses. For the purpose of averting what they dreaded, they approached (Genesis 43:19) the steward and told him, "at the door of the house," before they entered therefore, how, at the first purchase of corn, on opening their sacks, they found the money that had been paid, "every one's money in the mouth of his sack, our money according to its weight," i.e., in full, and had now brought it back, together with some more money to buy corn, and they did not know who had put their money in their sacks (Genesis 43:20-22). The steward, who was initiated into Joseph's plans, replied in a pacifying tone, "Peace be to you (לכם שׁלום is not a form of salutation here, but of encouragement, as in Judges 6:23): fear not; your God and the God of your father has given you a treasure in your sacks; your money came to me;" and at the same time, to banish all their fear, he brought Simeon out to them. He then conducted them into Joseph's house, and received them in Oriental fashion as the guests of his lord. But, previous to Joseph's arrival, they arranged the present which they had brought with them, as they heard that they were to dine with him.

Genesis 43:23 Parallel Commentaries

Peace.

Judges 6:23 And the LORD said to him, Peace be to you; fear not: you shall not die.

Judges 19:20 And the old man said, Peace be with you; howsoever let all your wants lie on me; only lodge not in the street.

1 Samuel 25:6 And thus shall you say to him that lives in prosperity, Peace be both to you, and peace be to your house...

1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Your are we, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse...

Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe...

Luke 10:5 And into whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

Luke 24:36 And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the middle of them, and said to them, Peace be to you.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled...

John 20:19,21,26 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week...

I had your money. Heb. your money came to me. {Caspechem ba ailai}, your money comes to me: as I am the steward, the cash for the corn belongs to me. Ye have no occasion to be apprehensive of any evil; the whole transaction is between myself and you; receive therefore the money as a present from the God of your father, no matter whose hands he employs to convey it.

Simeon.

Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children...

Genesis 42:24,36 And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon...