Genesis 42:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the wisdom displayed. Desiring to support them, address their father's requirements, and ascertain the true circumstances of his brother, he commanded that one of the brothers be held back while permitting the others to return.

Joseph responded to them once more, filled with anger, declaring, Because I revere and respect the holy God, I extend this grace to you.

I stand in reverence of God. With this declaration, Joseph brings to completion the victory of truth over the hearts of his siblings, which will soon become evident (Genesis 42:21). As they confronted the foreign leader, who, in his fear of God, refrained from harshness toward strangers perceived as spies, they must have felt a deep sense of regret. Did they truly honor God when they turned hard-hearted against their brother and viewed him as a usurper of their deeds?