Genesis 42:18

18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this, and you will live. I, too, fear God.

Genesis 42:18 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 42:18

And Joseph said unto them the third day
His heart yearning towards them, though he put on such an appearance; finding they could not come to an agreement among themselves who should go on the errand, he thought fit to recede from his former order, and to give them another: this do, and live:
meaning what he was about to say to them, which if they punctually observed and performed, it would be the means of saving their lives: [for] I fear God;
and therefore would not do either an unjust or cruel thing. This might have given them an him who he was: but there being among the Gentiles, in all nations, some few that feared God, they took no further notice of it than this, that they might expect just and equitable dealings by him; since, though he was in such an high place, he knew and owned there was one higher than he, to whom he was accountable.

Genesis 42:18 In-Context

16 One of you must be sent to get your brother while the rest of you stay in prison. We'll see if you're telling the truth. If not, I solemnly swear, as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!"

17 Then he put them in jail for three days.

18 On the third day Joseph said to them, "Do this, and you will live. I, too, fear God.

19 If you are honest men, you will let one of your brothers stay here in prison. The rest of you will go and take grain back to your starving families.

20 But you must bring me your youngest brother. This will show that you've been telling the truth. Then you won't die." So they agreed.