7 When Joseph saw his brothers he recognized them, but he disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly . And he said to them, "Where have you come from?" And they said , "From the land of Canaan , to buy food ." 8 But Joseph had recognized his brothers , although they did not recognize him. 9 Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, "You are spies ; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land ." 10 Then they said to him, "No , my lord , but your servants have come to buy food . 11 "We are all sons of one man ; we are honest men , your servants are not spies ." 12 Yet he said to them, "No , but you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land !" 13 But they said , "Your servants are twelve e brothers in all, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan ; and behold , the youngest is with our father today , and one is no longer alive." 14 Joseph said to them, "It is as I said to you, you are spies ; 15 by this you will be tested : by the life of Pharaoh , you shall not go from this place unless e your youngest brother comes here ! 16 "Send one of you that he may get your brother , while you remain confined , that your words may be tested , whether there is truth in you. But if not, by the life of Pharaoh , surely you are spies ." 17 So he put them all together in prison for three days . 18 Now Joseph said to them on the third day , "Do this and live , for I fear God : 19 if you are honest men , let one of your brothers be confined in your prison e ; but as for the rest of you, go , carry grain for the famine of your households , 20 and bring your youngest brother to me, so your words may be verified , and you will not die ." And they did so .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 42:7-20
Commentary on Genesis 42:7-20
(Read Genesis 42:7-20)
Joseph was hard upon his brethren, not from a spirit of revenge, but to bring them to repentance. Not seeing his brother Benjamin, he suspected that they had made away with him, and he gave them occasion to speak of their father and brother. God, in his providence, sometimes seems harsh with those he loves, and speaks roughly to those for whom yet he has great mercy in store. Joseph settled at last, that one of them should be left, and the rest go home and fetch Benjamin. It was a very encouraging word he said to them, "I fear God;" as if he had said, You may be assured I will do you no wrong; I dare not, for I know there is one higher than I. With those that fear God, we may expect fair dealing.