And the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph's house, and they said, “It is because of the money, which was replaced in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may assault us and fall upon us to make us servants and seize our donkeys.”
Joseph has told his steward to bring his brothers into his house for a meal. They feel dread instead of joy, which raises two questions: why does kindness frighten a guilty conscience, and what is God doing behind that fear?
Fear at the Door of Favour
Joseph's brothers stand inside the house of Egypt's ruler — and they are afraid.
Hamilton SmithBut we are slow to take in the greatness of God's grace. It was the same with Joseph's brothers, who "were afraid" when they were brought into Joseph's house. They could only think Joseph had brought them in to condemn them. They could not imagine he had brought them in to feast them. They looked on Joseph as against them, as someone they had to appease. They still had to learn that he is making all things work together for good. Instead of judging themselves they are judging Joseph. In all these marks of favour they can only imagine that Joseph is seeking an occasion against them — that he is going to fall on them and make them slaves.
Why Grace Alarms
Notice what they assumed about Joseph's motive.
L. M. GrantThey not only saw Joseph's face; he made them his favoured guests. Yet this only awakened their fear and suspicion. Grace does this in people who want matters on a legal basis. They were afraid Joseph was being so kind only to find an excuse to steal everything they had. How little they knew Joseph's heart! There are many too who remain unsaved only because they are suspicious of God's grace in Christ Jesus.
Trying to Pay Their Way In
Their instinct is to settle the account. They had brought double money, and they had prepared a present.
Hamilton SmithThey explain to the steward that they have brought double money. But though he knows all about it, he sets it all aside and brings Simeon out to them. They still cling to their own efforts. They get their present ready "for when Joseph came at noon." But Joseph in his turn sets that aside too. The money and the present achieve nothing at all.
They dread slavery and the loss of their donkeys, so they try to buy safety. But the steward already knows about the money, and the thing that terrifies them is settled before they can explain it.
The Hand Behind the Fear
Their fear was not wasted.
William KellyThe inspired narrative in its own beautiful simplicity shows us God working in the conscience of the sons of Israel. How little they yet understood! His goodness was leading them to repentance. The brother they had so deeply wronged and bitterly hated was only bringing about their greatest good through the trials they were going through. The invitation into the governor's house filled them with uneasiness. So they were eager to tell the story of their mysterious discovery, and to repay the money that was not theirs. But the steward assured them that all was right on that score without further explanation. God would work more deeply yet.
The steward settles the money question. The deeper question — their sin against Joseph — is not settled yet.
Fear Met With Peace
The same house that terrified them becomes the place where they first hear words of peace.
W. T. P. Wolston"Bring these men home" — see, what does God want? He wants you brought home. Joseph orders a meal made ready, for the men are to dine with him at noon. And now we read, "And the men were afraid." It is remarkable how fear begins to work on the conscience when a sinner feels he is not right with God. They were afraid because the money had been returned. But then Joseph's steward says, "Peace be to you, do not be afraid." If you are really in earnest about your soul, sooner or later you will find someone with some gospel for you.
Summary
- Brought in. Joseph invited them to a feast, not a sentence. He made them his favoured guests; they read it as a trap.
- Afraid. A guilty conscience turns kindness into suspicion. They judged Joseph instead of judging themselves.
- Legal. Grace alarms anyone who wants matters settled on a legal basis. Many stay unsaved because they are suspicious of God's grace in Christ Jesus.
- Payment. Joseph set aside both the double money and the present. Their own efforts achieved nothing.
- Peace. God's goodness was leading them to repentance all along. To anyone in earnest about their soul the word comes: "Peace be to you, do not be afraid."