How Did Joseph’s Brothers React to the Returned Money?
The story of Joseph and his brothers, found in the book of Genesis, is rich with intrigue, human emotion, and divine orchestration. One particularly telling moment is the reaction of Joseph’s brothers when they discovered that the money they had used to purchase grain in Egypt was mysteriously returned to their sacks. This event, though seemingly minor, provides deep insight into their character and sets the stage for Joseph’s further tests of their integrity and repentance.
Context of the Event
During a severe famine, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Unbeknownst to them, the Egyptian official in charge of the grain was none other than their brother Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery years earlier. Joseph, now risen to a position of immense authority, recognized them immediately but concealed his identity.
After the brothers purchased grain and left Egypt, their sacks were filled with the grain they had bought. However, upon inspecting their belongings during the journey home, they discovered that their money—the exact amount they had paid—had been secretly returned to each of their sacks.
The Brothers’ Initial Reaction
The narrative in Genesis 42:28 highlights that the brothers were “terrified” when they discovered the money. This terror was not solely due to fear of wrongdoing or theft; rather, it reflected a combination of guilt, confusion, and suspicion:
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Guilt Over Past Actions: The brothers had sold Joseph into slavery years earlier. The sudden and unexplained return of money might have triggered feelings of divine or cosmic retribution. They were already anxious about the famine’s strain on their family, and this mysterious event may have seemed like a judgment or a warning.
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Suspicion of the Egyptians: Being in a foreign land, the brothers may have feared they had unknowingly violated some law or custom in Egypt. Their fear was compounded by the earlier warning Joseph had given them, accusing them of being spies (Genesis 42:9–17). They had already been interrogated and separated, so finding money in their sacks felt uncanny and unnerving.
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Confusion and Bewilderment: The brothers could not immediately explain the return of their money. Unlike modern times where banking systems might offer clarity, the sudden appearance of money in their possession would have been mysterious. The event challenged their understanding and left them in a state of disbelief.
Their Response to Each Other
The brothers’ reaction was both fearful and thoughtful. Genesis 42:28 mentions that they “each one put his sack on his donkey and went on their way home.” Importantly, they did not immediately discuss the incident openly among themselves or with their father, Jacob. This initial silence suggests a combination of awe, fear, and perhaps the instinct to protect themselves and their family from perceived danger.
Later, when they recounted the event to Jacob, they expressed concern and anxiety. They explained that not only had the grain been purchased, but the money was returned, deepening the mystery and fear. Jacob’s response shows that even he could sense the weight of this unusual event, as he rebuked them for bringing trouble upon themselves (Genesis 42:36).
Significance of Their Reaction
The reaction of Joseph’s brothers to the returned money serves several purposes in the narrative:
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Reveals Inner Conscience: The fear and guilt they felt indicate that deep down, they were aware of their past wrongdoing toward Joseph. This marks the beginning of their moral reckoning.
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Sets the Stage for Testing: Joseph’s return of the money was a deliberate test. By observing their response, he could gauge their honesty, integrity, and concern for their family. Their terror and confusion were signs that they were not yet fully at peace with their past actions.
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Illustrates Divine Providence: The incident shows how God’s providence works subtly. Even small, seemingly inexplicable events can serve a larger purpose in guiding people toward accountability and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The returned money was more than a simple act of generosity or a financial curiosity; it was a moment charged with moral and emotional significance. Joseph’s brothers reacted with terror, confusion, and introspection, revealing both their guilt over their past actions and their growing awareness of the consequences of deceit and wrongdoing. Their reaction paved the way for further encounters with Joseph, ultimately leading to a journey of repentance, reconciliation, and divine fulfillment.
This episode emphasizes that human conscience, divine guidance, and unexpected events often intersect to bring about moral and spiritual lessons, making the story of Joseph and his brothers timeless and deeply instructive.