What does "one is no more" indicate about the brothers' guilt and remorse? The Family Context • Genesis 37 records the literal sale of Joseph into slavery by his brothers. • Decades later, when they stand before the Egyptian governor (unbeknownst to them, Joseph), they explain: “We are twelve brothers… the youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.” (Genesis 42:13). • The phrase surfaces again in 42:32 and 44:20, showing it had become their settled description of Joseph. What “one is no more” Reveals • Evasive wording – Instead of confessing, “We sold him,” they use a passive construction that blurs their responsibility. – It functions as a verbal fig leaf; their lips stop short of the ugly truth, hinting at unresolved shame (cf. Proverbs 28:13). • Lingering guilt – Their consciences have not cleared; the event dominates their self-portrait even after twenty years. – When crisis hits in Egypt, they immediately connect it to their past: “Surely we are being punished… we saw his distress.” (Genesis 42:21). • Fear of divine reckoning – Saying “one is no more” allows them to avoid naming their sin before an earthly ruler, yet their words betray a dread that God knows (cf. Numbers 32:23, “your sin will find you out”). • Recognition of loss – The brothers genuinely believe Joseph is dead. Their statement carries a grief-tinged finality, underscoring that sin robs families of life and fellowship (John 10:10). Signs of Growing Remorse • The repeated phrase becomes heavier each time they utter it; conviction intensifies (Psalm 32:3-4). • Reuben’s protest in 42:22 shows earlier regret, but now the whole group feels it. • Judah’s later willingness to become a slave in Benjamin’s place (Genesis 44:33) signals that remorse is moving toward repentance. Personal Takeaways • Hidden sin breeds euphemisms; honest confession brings freedom (1 John 1:9). • Time does not erase guilt—only God’s forgiveness does (Psalm 51:1-2). • God providentially orchestrates circumstances, as with Joseph, to surface buried wrongs and restore broken relationships (Romans 8:28). |
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