Gen 42:21 | KingComments | STEP | The treatment they undergo brings the event with Joseph back to their remembrance. There may be events in our lives that forcefully remind us of things we have done that have not yet been cleared up, or which we remember with shame and are humiliated by (cf. ). The awareness of guilt begins to awaken. The jail has done its work. They say: “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother” ( ). When Joseph hears how they speak about it, he must weep ( ). He will do this several times in the following chapters ( ). It shows how much the Lord Jesus is moved by the development someone experiences to come to terms with Him. As said, the work in their hearts has only just begun; more needs to be done about it. Simeon is bound. Will they come back because of him?

‏ Genesis 42:21

Awareness of Guilt

The treatment they undergo brings the event with Joseph back to their remembrance. There may be events in our lives that forcefully remind us of things we have done that have not yet been cleared up, or which we remember with shame and are humiliated by (cf. 1Kgs 17:18). The awareness of guilt begins to awaken. The jail has done its work. They say: “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother” (Gen 42:21).

When Joseph hears how they speak about it, he must weep (Gen 42:24). He will do this several times in the following chapters (Gen 43:30 ; Gen 45:2 ; 14 ; Gen 46:29 ; Gen 50:1 ; 17). It shows how much the Lord Jesus is moved by the development someone experiences to come to terms with Him. As said, the work in their hearts has only just begun; more needs to be done about it. Simeon is bound. Will they come back because of him?