Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.
Genesis 43:23
Genesis 43:23 records a surprising turn: the steward reassures the brothers, “Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.” The steward’s words blend divine acknowledgment with human hospitality. The phrase “your God, and the God of your father” honors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, grounding the moment in covenant memory. The steward asserts that the money was not theirs to keep, and he reveals that he had the money—an act that both protects the travelers and reveals a complicated web of exchange. The immediate outcome is that Simeon is released from detention, restoring some trust and continuity among the brothers. The hospitality (water, washing feet, provision for beasts) contrasts with the high-stakes bargaining for food and the looming test of their family loyalty.
Theologically, this verse affirms God’s providence and the humanity of his agents. The steward’s phrase “your God” signals the universal reach of the covenant God, even within Egypt’s political systems. The act of returning money and the release of Simeon indicate mercy and orderly justice within the administrative framework. It also foreshadows the moral testing to come: will the brothers reveal their true motives, and will they act in unity toward their younger brother? The verse highlights the tension between legitimate authority and divine sovereignty—God uses human agents to enact His plan, while humans must respond with integrity and faith.
Practically, this is a reminder that authority figures can be both agents of mercy and instruments of order. When you receive unexpected protection or relief from a system, respond with gratitude and respectful cooperation. If you are in a leadership or caregiving role, seek to embody mercy while upholding justice, recognizing that God sometimes moves through imperfect channels to accomplish good. The emphasis on God’s role invites believers to pray for wisdom in navigating complex institutions—schools, workplaces, clinics—entrusting outcomes to God while acting with honesty and care toward others.
Cross-References: Genesis 39:2-4; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:17-18; 1 Peter 2:17