This verse from Genesis 43:21 is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. Let's break down what it means in the context of the narrative:
"When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks...": This refers to the brothers' journey back to Canaan after their first trip to Egypt to buy grain. They had been given grain by Joseph (who they didn't recognize as their long-lost brother), and were stopping for the night.
"...and behold, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight.": When they opened their sacks of grain at the lodging place, they discovered that the money they had used to pay for the grain was mysteriously back inside their sacks. The phrase "in full weight" emphasizes that it was the complete amount they had paid.
"We have brought it back in our hand.": This is the key part for understanding the brothers' mindset. They emphasize that they brought the money back. This is because they are:
Demonstrating honesty: They believe this was an oversight, a mistake on the part of Joseph's steward. They want to assure Joseph (through his steward) that they are not thieves.
Expressing fear and anxiety: They are genuinely worried. They can't explain how the money got back in their sacks. This fuels their anxiety and suspicion that they are being set up. They fear that Joseph, the powerful Egyptian official, might accuse them of stealing and punish them severely.
In essence, the verse highlights the brothers' fear, honesty (or perceived honesty), and bewilderment at finding their money returned. It sets the stage for the subsequent events and Joseph's continued manipulation of the situation.
It's important to remember the context. Joseph, unrecognized by his brothers, is testing them and manipulating the situation. By orchestrating the return of the money, he is creating a situation that will force his brothers to reveal their true character and the state of their family back in Canaan.
This verse from Genesis 43:21 is part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. Let's break down what it means in the context of the narrative:
"When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks...": This refers to the brothers' journey back to Canaan after their first trip to Egypt to buy grain. They had been given grain by Joseph (who they didn't recognize as their long-lost brother), and were stopping for the night.
"...and behold, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight.": When they opened their sacks of grain at the lodging place, they discovered that the money they had used to pay for the grain was mysteriously back inside their sacks. The phrase "in full weight" emphasizes that it was the complete amount they had paid.
"We have brought it back in our hand.": This is the key part for understanding the brothers' mindset. They emphasize that they brought the money back. This is because they are:
Demonstrating honesty: They believe this was an oversight, a mistake on the part of Joseph's steward. They want to assure Joseph (through his steward) that they are not thieves.
Expressing fear and anxiety: They are genuinely worried. They can't explain how the money got back in their sacks. This fuels their anxiety and suspicion that they are being set up. They fear that Joseph, the powerful Egyptian official, might accuse them of stealing and punish them severely.
In essence, the verse highlights the brothers' fear, honesty (or perceived honesty), and bewilderment at finding their money returned. It sets the stage for the subsequent events and Joseph's continued manipulation of the situation.
It's important to remember the context. Joseph, unrecognized by his brothers, is testing them and manipulating the situation. By orchestrating the return of the money, he is creating a situation that will force his brothers to reveal their true character and the state of their family back in Canaan.