“And he put them all together into ward three days.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Joseph’s interaction with his brothers when they came to Egypt seeking food during the severe famine.
To understand the context, let’s explore the preceding verses.
In Genesis 42, Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt and stood before him, not recognizing him as their long-lost brother.
Joseph, who had become a powerful ruler in Egypt, devised a plan to test his brothers and determine if they had changed since the time they sold him into slavery.
In verse 16, Joseph instructs his brothers to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back with them to Egypt, as a means to prove their honesty.
He then detains the rest of the brothers and puts them in custody or “ward” for three days.
The act of detaining his brothers was part of Joseph’s plan to assess their character and intentions.
During their time in custody, the brothers would have had an opportunity to reflect on their past actions and reconsider their behaviour.
It also provided Joseph with a chance to observe their interactions and assess their sincerity.
Additionally, this period of confinement allowed Joseph to further test his brothers’ loyalty to one another and their concern for their father Jacob, who had been distressed about letting Benjamin go to Egypt.
By separating them for three days, Joseph could observe whether they would stand up for Benjamin and seek his release or prioritise their own safety.
The duration of three days also holds symbolic significance in the Bible.
Throughout Scripture, the number three often signifies completeness, divine perfection, or divine intervention.
For example, Jesus was in the tomb for three days before His resurrection, signifying the fulfilment of God’s plan for salvation.
In this context, the three-day period may symbolise a time of divine intervention and transformation for Joseph’s brothers.
Overall, Genesis 42:17 demonstrates Joseph’s shrewdness and wisdom in testing his brothers while also presenting them with an opportunity for reflection and growth.
It sets the stage for the subsequent events in the narrative, revealing the transformation that takes place in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers and the eventual reconciliation within the family.
