Genesis 44:24

Authorized King James Version

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And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָלִ֔ינוּ And it came to pass when we came up H5927
עָלִ֔ינוּ And it came to pass when we came up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 3 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶֽל H413
אֶֽל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 4 of 11
near, with or among; often in general, to
עַבְדְּךָ֖ unto thy servant H5650
עַבְדְּךָ֖ unto thy servant
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 5 of 11
a servant
אָבִ֑י my father H1
אָבִ֑י my father
Strong's: H1
Word #: 6 of 11
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַנַּ֨גֶּד we told H5046
וַנַּ֨גֶּד we told
Strong's: H5046
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
ל֔וֹ H0
ל֔וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 11
אֵ֖ת H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֥י him the words H1697
דִּבְרֵ֥י him the words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 10 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲדֹנִֽי׃ of my lord H113
אֲדֹנִֽי׃ of my lord
Strong's: H113
Word #: 11 of 11
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

Analysis & Commentary

And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord.... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal:

  1. God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions
  2. suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment
  3. forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation
  4. God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people
  5. how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes.

Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

Historical Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Questions for Reflection

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