Genesis 43
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The famine continuing, Jacob desires his sons to go again to Egypt and buy some food, Gen 43:1, Gen 43:2. Judah shows the necessity of Benjamin's accompanying them, without whom it would be useless to return to Egypt, Gen 43:3-5. Jacob expostulates with him, Gen 43:6. Judah replies, and offers to become surety for Benjamin, Gen 43:7-10. Jacob at last consenting and desires them to take a present with them for the governor of Egypt; and double money, that which they had brought back in their sacks' mouth, and the price of the load they were now to bring; and, having prayed for them, sends them away, Gen 43:11-15. They arrive in Egypt, and are brought to Joseph's house to dine with him, at which they are greatly alarmed, Gen 43:16-18. They speak to the steward of Joseph's house concerning the money returned in their sacks, Gen 43:19-22. He gives them encouragement, Gen 43:23, Gen 43:24. Having made ready the present, they bring it to Joseph when he came home to dine, Gen 43:25, Gen 43:26. He speaks kindly to them, and inquires concerning their health, and that of their father, Gen 43:27, Gen 43:28. Joseph is greatly affected at seeing his brother Benjamin, Gen 43:29-31. They dine with him, and are distinguished according to their seniority; but Benjamin receives marks of peculiar favor, Gen 43:32-34.
Open source ↗PREPARATIONS FOR A SECOND JOURNEY TO EGYPT. (Gen 43:1-14) their father said, . . . Go again, buy us a little food--It was no easy matter to bring Jacob to agree to the only conditions on which his sons could return to Egypt (Gen 42:15). The necessity of immediately procuring fresh supplies for the maintenance of themselves and their families overcame every other consideration and extorted his consent to Benjamin joining in a journey, which his sons entered on with mingled feelings of hope and anxiety--of hope, because having now complied with the governor's demand to bring down their youngest brother, they flattered themselves that the alleged ground of suspecting them would be removed; and of apprehension that some ill designs were meditated against them.
Open source ↗And the famine was sore in the land. In the land of Canaan; it increased yet more and more: this is observed for the sake of what follows, showing the reason and necessity of Jacob's sons taking a second journey into Egypt. And the famine was sore in the land. In the land of Canaan; it increased yet more and more: this is observed for the sake of what follows, showing the reason and necessity of Jacob's sons taking a second journey into Egypt. Genesis 43:2 gen 43:2 gen 43:2 gen 43:2And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt,.... Which, in so numerous a family as Jacob's was, having so many children, grandchildren, and servants, what nine men on so many asses could bring with them must be consumed in a short time, how long cannot be said; no doubt they lived sparingly on it in such a time of scarcity, to make it last as long as they could, and perhaps only he, his children and grandchildren, might eat of it; the servants, as Calvin observes, might live on meaner food, as acorns, herbs, and roots; and it must not be thought that all this corn was eaten up entirely, and none left, but the far greater part of it, and but very little remaining; or otherwise, how should Jacob, and his sons' wives and children be supported until the return of his sons from Egypt with fresh provisions? indeed it may be supposed, that the land of Canaan produced some corn, though but little; and it is certain there were other fruits which were serviceable for food, as appears from Gen 43:11, their father said, go again, buy us a little food; just enough for him, and them, and theirs, for the present; hoping that the famine would be over quickly, and therefore orders them to go once more to Egypt, and buy some provisions: they made no motion themselve…
Open source ↗When the corn brought from Egypt was all consumed, as the famine still continued, Jacob called upon his sons to go down and fetch a little corn (little in proportion to their need).
Open source ↗Here, 1. Jacob urges his sons to go and buy more corn in Egypt, Gen 43:1, Gen 43:2. The famine continued; and the corn they had bought was all spent, for it is meat that perisheth. Jacob, as a good master of a family, is in care to provide for those of his own house food convenient; and shall not God provide for his children, for the household of faith? Jacob bids them go again and buy a little food; now, in time of scarcity, a little must suffice, for nature is content with a little. 2. Judah urges him to consent that Benjamin should go down with them, how much soever it went against his feelings and previous determination. Note, It is not at all inconsistent with the honour and duty which children owe their parents humbly and modestly to advise them, and, as occasion is, to reason with them. Plead with your mother, plead, Hos 2:2. (1.) He insists upon the absolute necessity they were under of bringing Benjamin with them, of which he, who was a witness to all that had passed in Egypt, was a more competent judge than Jacob could be. Joseph's protestation (Gen 43:3) may be alluded to to show upon what terms we must draw nigh to God; unless we bring Christ along with us in the arms of our faith, we cannot see the face of God with comfort. (2.) He engages to take all possible care of him, and to do his utmost for his safety, Gen 43:8, Gen 43:9. Judah's conscience had lately smitten him for what he had done a great while ago against Joseph (Gen 42:21); and, as an evidence of the truth of his repentance, he is ready to undertake, as far as a man could do it, for Benjamin's security. He will not only not wrong him, but will do all he can to protect him. This is restitution, as far as the case will admit; when he knew not how he could restore Joseph, he would make some amends…
Open source ↗43:1-7 As the famine continued, Jacob’s family needed more grain, but they could not return to Egypt without Benjamin (42:16, 20). Jacob realized that he was in a bind; he needed more food but was loath to lose Benjamin.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
רָעָב (râʻâb, H7458) — hunger (more or less extensive) כָּבֵד (kâbêd, H3515) — heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult,… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗כָּלָה (kâlâh, H3615) — to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitived (to complete,… אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) שֶׁבֶר (sheber, H7668) — grain (as if broken into kernels) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) מִצְרַיִם (Mitsrayim, H4714) — Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7666) — to deal in grain מְעַט (mᵉʻaṭ, H4592) — a little or few (often adverbial or compar.) אֹכֶל (ʼôkel, H400) — food
Open source ↗יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… עוּד (ʻûwd, H5749) — to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration);… רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… בִּלְתִּי (biltîy, H1115) — properly, a failure of, i.e. (used only as a negative particle, usually with a… אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or…
Open source ↗יֵשׁ (yêsh, H3426) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection) שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7666) — to deal in grain אֹכֶל (ʼôkel, H400) — food
Open source ↗שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or…
Open source ↗יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) רָעַע (râʻaʻ, H7489) — properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good… נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or…
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… שָׁאַל (shâʼal, H7592) — to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand מוֹלֶדֶת (môwledeth, H4138) — nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring,… אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… יֵשׁ (yêsh, H3426) — there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection) אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… עַל (ʻal, H5921) — above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect)… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the…
Open source ↗יְהוּדָה (Yᵉhûwdâh, H3063) — Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) נַעַר (naʻar, H5288) — (concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a… קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) יָלַךְ (yâlak, H3212) — to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses) חָיָה (châyâh, H2421) — to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill טַף (ṭaph, H2945) — a family (mostly used collectively in the singular)
Open source ↗עָרַב (ʻârab, H6148) — to braid, i.e. intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be… יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), בָּקַשׁ (bâqash, H1245) — to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to… אִם (ʼim, H518) — used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if,… בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יָצַג (yâtsag, H3322) — to place permanently פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… חָטָא (châṭâʼ, H2398) — properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit,… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to…
Open source ↗לוּלֵא (lûwlêʼ, H3884) — if not מָהַהּ (mâhahh, H4102) — properly, to question or hesitate, i.e. (by implication) to be reluctant שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… פַּעַם (paʻam, H6471) — a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
Open source ↗אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֵפוֹ (ʼêphôw, H645) — strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) זִמְרָה (zimrâh, H2173) — pruned (i.e. choice) fruit אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually… מְעַט (mᵉʻaṭ, H4592) — a little or few (often adverbial or compar.) צְרִי (tsᵉrîy, H6875) — distillation, i.e. balsam
Open source ↗לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh, H4932) — properly, a repetition, i.e. a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount);… כֶּסֶף (keçeph, H3701) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… אַמְתַּחַת (ʼamtachath, H572) — properly, something expansive, i.e. a bag מִשְׁגֶּה (mishgeh, H4870) — an error
Open source ↗לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term…
Open source ↗אֵל (ʼêl, H410) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) שַׁדַּי (Shadday, H7706) — the Almighty נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) רַחַם (racham, H7356) — compassion (in the plural); by extension, the womb (as cherishing the fetus); by… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) אַחֵר (ʼachêr, H312) — properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc. אָח (ʼâch, H251) — a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or… בִּנְיָמִין (Binyâmîyn, H1144) — Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory אֲשֶׁר (ʼăsher, H834) — who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because,… שָׁכֹל (shâkôl, H7921) — properly, to miscarry, i.e. suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.
So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan.
Our skin is as hot as an oven with fever from our hunger.
And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’