Joseph's Brothers Held in an Egyptian Prisonby Josiah-R
42:18Genesis 42:18
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
On the third day, ending three days of confinement, Joseph told his brothers to do what he required so they might live rather than die. The terms for living were that one brother should remain bound in prison while the others carried grain home for their starving families. They were then to bring Benjamin back to prove their honesty and verify their account.
His declaration that he feared God meant reverence for God governed his decision and shaped his treatment of them, giving them a path to return safely. That reverence was the reason he acted with restraint, allowing most of them to return rather than detaining or condemning them all. His merciful decision also reflected consideration of their families' need for food and belief that they had repented of their cruelty to him.
On the third day, ending three days of confinement, Joseph told his brothers to do what he required so they might live rather than die. The terms for living were that one brother should remain bound in prison while the others carried grain home for their starving families. They were then to bring Benjamin back to prove their honesty and verify their account.
His declaration that he feared God meant reverence for God governed his decision and shaped his treatment of them, giving them a path to return safely. That reverence was the reason he acted with restraint, allowing most of them to return rather than detaining or condemning them all. His merciful decision also reflected consideration of their families' need for food and belief that they had repented of their cruelty to him.