Genesis 43:23

"It is fine," said the steward. "Do not be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks. I received your silver." Then he brought Simeon out to them.

Study Bible

“It is fine,” said the steward.
The steward's reassurance reflects the unexpected grace and favor Joseph's brothers receive in Egypt. In the broader narrative, this moment foreshadows the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. The steward, likely an Egyptian, speaks words of peace, which is significant given the brothers' fear of retribution. This phrase highlights the theme of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan, even through foreign intermediaries.

“Do not be afraid.”
Fear is a recurring theme in the story of Joseph and his brothers. The brothers are anxious about their previous encounter in Egypt and the money found in their sacks. The steward's words echo God's frequent reassurance to His people throughout Scripture, such as in Isaiah 41:10, where God tells Israel not to fear because He is with them. This phrase serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people.

“Your God, the God of your father, gave you the treasure that was in your sacks.”
The steward acknowledges the God of the Hebrews, which is significant in a polytheistic Egyptian context. This acknowledgment suggests Joseph's influence in his household and possibly his witness to the Egyptians. The reference to "the God of your father" connects the brothers to the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing God's faithfulness across generations. The treasure in the sacks symbolizes God's provision and blessing, reminiscent of the Israelites' future experiences of divine provision, such as manna in the wilderness.

“I received your silver.”
This statement clarifies that the return of the silver was intentional and not an oversight. It underscores the theme of integrity and justice, as Joseph ensures that his brothers are not wrongfully accused of theft. The silver, a recurring element in Joseph's story, also alludes to the price for which Joseph was sold into slavery, drawing a parallel between past injustices and present redemption.

Then he brought Simeon out to them.
Simeon's release is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the beginning of restoration and reconciliation within the family. Simeon had been held as a guarantee for the brothers' return with Benjamin, highlighting the themes of sacrifice and redemption. This act prefigures the ultimate reconciliation that will occur when Joseph reveals his identity. Simeon's release can also be seen as a type of Christ, who liberates those bound by sin and restores them to fellowship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Steward
An Egyptian servant in charge of Joseph's household, who reassures Joseph's brothers about the silver in their sacks.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob, who are returning to Egypt with Benjamin to buy more grain and are concerned about the silver found in their sacks.

3. Simeon
One of Joseph's brothers who was held in Egypt as a guarantee for the return of the others with Benjamin.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph has risen to power and where his brothers have come to buy grain during the famine.

5. God of your father
Refers to the God of Jacob, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant and faithfulness to the patriarchs.

Teaching Points

Divine Providence
God's hand is evident in the events of our lives, even when we do not understand them. The brothers' fear is met with reassurance, reminding us to trust in God's provision.

Fear and Faith
The steward's words, "Do not be afraid," echo throughout Scripture as a call to trust in God's faithfulness. In moments of fear, we are invited to lean on God's promises.

God's Faithfulness
The reference to "the God of your father" highlights the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant people. We are encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness in our own lives.

Reconciliation and Restoration
The release of Simeon foreshadows the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. God's plans often involve restoration and healing of relationships.

Generosity and Grace
The unexpected treasure in the sacks symbolizes God's grace, which is given freely and abundantly. We are called to reflect this generosity in our interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the steward's reassurance in Genesis 43:23 reflect God's character and His dealings with us today?

2. In what ways can we see God's providence in the events of our own lives, similar to the account of Joseph and his brothers?

3. How does the theme of fear and faith in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from the reference to "the God of your father" in this verse?

5. How can we apply the principles of generosity and grace, as seen in the unexpected treasure, in our daily lives and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 42
The previous chapter where the brothers first find the silver in their sacks, setting the stage for their fear and confusion.

Genesis 45
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, showing God's providence in the events leading up to this moment.

Exodus 3:6
God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reinforcing the covenant relationship.

Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaches about trusting God for provision, paralleling the reassurance given by the steward.