3. PEACE AND THE TREASURE OF GOD 15-25 a. The brothers talk to the steward. The sons take the present and make their way to Egypt. When they get there Joseph sees them and commands the steward of his house to take his brothers into his house and prepare a feast for them at noon. The steward invites Joseph’s brothers into the house and they become afraid. They think that they are in trouble because they didn’t pay for the food last time they were there and now they’ve been captured and will be forced into slavery. So they begin to talk with the steward and explain that they found that their money was in their bags but they brought the money back along with more money to buy more food. Seeing that they were afraid the steward says, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” He explains that it is their God and Jacob’s God that had brought a windfall to them. They don’t owe the steward anything. The peace and treasure of God had come to the brothers. To put their minds at greater ease, Simeon is brought out to them and all of their donkeys are given food. After being reunited, the men wash and prepare their gift for Joseph when he comes to them at noon. b. The gifts of God. There are a couple of things to notice here. First, who is this steward? Surprisingly, he attributes the hidden treasure that they find in their bags to their God and the God of their father Jacob. He does not say the gods have granted this to you, but is very specific about which God has blessed them. God had clearly used the faith of Joseph to impact this man. We should never underestimate what God can do through his obedient children. If we are faithful to him, he will use us in ways we never thought possible. Second, the brothers were given peace and treasure by God. Just as Jacob had said as they were getting ready to leave, the mercy of El Shaddai was upon them. Blessing and peace are always rightfully and ultimately attributed to God alone.