17 And he put them all in custody for three days.
17 And he put them all together into ward three days.
17 And he put them all together in custody for three days.
17 Then he threw them into jail for three days.
17 So he put them all together in prison three days.
17 So Joseph put them all in prison for three days.
18 On the third day, Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:
18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this and you will live, for I fear God:
18 On the third day, Joseph spoke to them. "Do this and you'll live. I'm a God-fearing man.
18 Then Joseph said to them the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God:
18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "I am a God-fearing man. If you do as I say, you will live.
(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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 42:17
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.