Genesis 42:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the kindness he demonstrates. He benefits them, despite their motives, by providing not only grain but also financial aid.

He maintained such purity that he chose to engage only with righteous discourse, humbling himself to the extent of servitude, feeling shame even to the point of retreat, enduring suffering up to and including imprisonment, and being prepared not merely to pardon wrongdoing, but also to bless the wrongdoer. See: Gen. 42:25.

Joseph discreetly instructed that the brothers' bags be filled with grain, ensuring that the funds they had provided for the wheat were placed back in each of their sacks, along with provisions for their journey. It is clear that each brother made an individual payment for the wheat he received, showcasing a characteristic of the ancient practices depicted in the biblical narrative.

Joseph may have been concerned that the absence of funds would prevent his brothers from embarking on their subsequent journey to Egypt.