Genesis 42:29 Commentary and Bible Study

The brothers do not use Joseph’s name in their report to Jacob, but he is at the centre of the report they give. Their rehearsing of the conversation between him and them is intended to explain to Jacob how it was that they ever spoke about Benjamin. Benjamin must go with them on their next journey. This is the awkward matter they have to explain to their father, since they know how utterly opposed he is to letting Benjamin leave him. Jacob sees that Simeon has not returned with them, and is told why. This will increase the urgency of granting Joseph’s request and allowing Benjamin to go down with them on their next visit to Egypt.The remainder of the brothers now open their sacks and each one of them finds the same thing – their money has been returned. What does this mean? Is it a mistake? Has the money been deliberately returned so that they can be charged with not paying or something worse? Jacob and his sons stare at the bundles of money and try to make sense of it. They do not discern the true reason. Jacob took a pessimistic view of all these events, when in reality they were reasons to be glad.Although the brothers have begun to acknowledged their sins, they have not yet fully repented. There is more to be done. Their wickedness towards Joseph and their cruel lie to their father has not yet come out into the open. They are still prepared to relate the false story that they have been maintaining for so many years. That is going to be exposed before the end of their dealings with Joseph, and he will bring them to the point where all that they have done is exposed. It will be recorded in the word of God for all generations.