[2800] Thus he bade his brothers to give their father the fact as it occurred in the hope that he would believe them (cf. Ibn Kathīr).
[2801] That the measure was actually taken out from his belongings (cf. al-Ṭabarī, al-Wāḥidī, al-Wasīṭ, Ibn ʿAṭiyyah).
[2802] The intended meaning of this statement is vague and was interpreted differently by exegetes. But two readings are found more frequently than others: we were unaware of what was lying in store when we gave you our pledge to bring him home (cf. al-Tafsīr al-Muyassar, Tafsīr al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah), or that he would steal (cf. al-Tafsīr al-Muḥarrar).