VERSE 1 Now the famine was severe in the land (#r,a'B' dbeK' b['r'h'w> [waw w/def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ra-ab famine + adj.m.s.abs. kabedh severs + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz land]).

VERSE 2 So it came about when they had finished eating the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them (~h,ybia] ~h,ylea] rm,aYOw: ~yIr'c.Mimi Waybihe rv,a] rb,V,h;-ta, lkoa/l, WLKi rv,a]K; yhiy>w: [waw wQal impf.3m.s. hayah + prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + Piel perf.3p. kalah accomplish, finish + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. akal eat + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. sheber grain + rel.pro. asher + Hiphil perf.3p. bo go, bring + prep min w/p.n. Egypt + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. abh father], "Go back, buy us a little food [lk,ao-j[;m. Wnl'-Wrb.vi Wbvu [Qal imper.m.p. shub return; "Go back" + Qal imper.m.p. shabar purchase + prep lamedh w/1p.suff. + adj.m.s.constr. me-at little + noun m.s.abs. okel food])."

VERSE 3 Judah spoke to him, however, saying, "The man solemnly warned us (rmoale vyaih' WnB' d[ihe d[eh' rmoale hd'Why> wyl'ae rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/1p.suff. + p.n. Judah + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + Hiphil infin.constr. udh repeat + Hiphil perf.3m.s. udh "solemnly warned" + prep beth w/1p.suff. "us" + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar], 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you [~k,T.ai ~k,yxia] yTil.Bi yn:p' War>ti-al{ [neg lo + Qal impf.2m.p. ra-ah see + noun m.p.constr.w/1s.suff. peh face + prep bileti unless, apart from, except + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + prep eth w/1p.suff.]).'

VERSE 4 "If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food (lk,ao ^l. hr'B.v.nIw> hd'r>nE WnT'ai Wnyxia'-ta, x;Lev;m. ^v.y<-~ai [part im if + adv yesh + Piel part.m.s.abs. shalach send + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. ach brother + prep eth w/1p.suff. + Qal impf.1p. yarad go down + waw w/Qal impf.1p. shabar buy + prep lamedh w/2m.s.suff. "you" + noun m.s.abs. okel food].

VERSE 5 "But if you do not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us (Wnyleae rm;a' vyaih'-yKi drenE al{ x;Lev;m. ^n>yae-~aiw> [waw w/part im if + adv ayin else + Piel part.m.s.abs. shalach send + neg lo + Qal impf.1p. yarad go down + part ki for + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + Qal perf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/1p.suff.], 'You will not see my face unless your brother is with you [~k,T.ai ~k,yxia] yTil.Bi yn:p' War>ti-al{ [neg lo + Qal impf.2m.p. ra-ah see + noun m.p.constr.w/1s.suff. peh face + prep bileti unless + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + prep eth w/2m.p.suff.]).'"

VERSE 6 Then Israel said, "Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother (xa' ~k,l' dA[h; vyail' dyGIh;l. yli ~t,[oreh] hm'l' laer'f.yI rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar + p.n. Israel + interrog mah why? + Hiphil perf.2m.p. ra-a be evil; treat bad + prep lamedh w/1s.suff. + prep lamedh w/Hiphil infin.constr. nagad make known + def.art.w/prep lamedh w/noun m.s.abs. ish + interrog ha w/adv odh "still had" + prep lamedh w/2m.p. "another" + noun m.s.bs. ach brother])?"

VERSE 7 But they said, "The man questioned particularly about us and our relatives, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother (xa' ~k,l' vyEh] yx; ~k,ybia] dA[h; rmoale WnTed>l;Aml.W Wnl' vyaih'-la;v' lAav' Wrm.aYOw [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + Qal infin.constr. sha-al inquire + Qal perf.3m.s. sha-al inquire; "questioned us particularly" + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish + prep lamedh w/1p.suff. + waw w/prep lamedh w/noun f.s.constr.w/1p.suff. moledeth family + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + interrog ha w/adv udh "Is…still" + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. abh father + adj.m.s.abs. chay alive + interrog ha w/adv yesh "Have you" + prep lamedh w/2m.p.suff. + noun m.s.abs. ach brother])?'

So we answered his questions (hL,aeh' ~yrIb'D>h; yPi-l[; Al-dG<n:w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.1p. nagad tell; "answered" + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. dabar word + def.art.w/adj.mp.abs. elleh these]).

Could we possibly know that he would say, 'Bring your brother down (~k,yxia]-ta, WdyrIAh rm;ayO yKi [d;nE [;Ady"h] [interro ha w/Qal infin.constr. yada know + Qal impf.1p. yada know + part ki + Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + Hiphil imper.m.p. yarad go down; bring down + d.o. marker + noun m.s.const.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother])'?"

VERSE 8 Judah said to his father Israel, "Send the lad with me and we will arise and go (hk'lenEw> hm'Wqn"w> yTiai r[;N:h; hx'l.vi wybia' laer'f.yI-la, hd'Why> rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + p.n. Judah + prep el + p.n. Israel + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. abh father + Qal imper.m.s. shalach send + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. na-ar youth; "lad" + prep eth w/1s.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.1p. qum arise + waw w/Qal impf.1p.suff. halak go], that we may live and not die, we as well as you and our little ones [WnPej;-~G hT'a;-~g: Wnx.n:a]-~G: tWmn" al{w> hy<x.nIw> [waw w/Qal impf.1p. chayah live + waw w/neg lo + Qal impf.1p. muth die + conj gam also + pro.1p. anachenu we + conj gam also + pro.2m.s.suff. attah you + conj gam also + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. taph little one]).

VERSE 9 "I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him (WNv,q.b;T. ydIY"mi WNb,r>[,a, ykinOa' [pro.1s. anoki I + Qal impf.1s.w/3m.s.suff. arab become surety + prep min w/noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. yad hand + Piel impf.2m.s.w/3m.s.suf. baqash require; "hold me responsible for him"]).

If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever (~ymiY"h;-lK' ^l. ytiaj'x'w> ^yn<p'l. wyTig>C;hiw> ^yl,ae wytiaoybih] al{-~ai [part im if + neg lo + Hiphil perf.1s.w/3m.s.suff. bo; bring + prep el w/2m.s.suff. + waw w/Hiphil perf.1s.w/3m.s.suff. yatsag establish; place; "set him before you" + prep lamedh w/noun both p.constr.w/2m.s.suff. panim face + waw w/Qal perf.1s. chata sin; "bear the blame" + prep lamedh w/2m.s.suff. + noun m.s.constr. kol all + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. yom day; "forever"]).

VERSE 10 "For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice (~yIm'[]p; hz< Wnb.v; hT'[;-yKi Wnh.m'h.m;t.hi aleWl yKi [part ki for + prep lule if not + Hithpalpel perf.1p. machah linger + prep ki + adv attah now + Qal perf.1p. shub return + adj.m.s.abs. zeh this + noun f. dual abs. pa-am foot, step; "twice"])."

VERSE 11 Then their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this (Wf[] tazO aApae !Ke-~ai ~h,ybia] laer'f.yI ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + p.n. Israel + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. abh + part im if + adv ken so + part epo so + adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + Qal imper.m.p. ashah do]: take some of the best products of the land in your bags [~k,ylek.Bi #r,a'h' tr;m.ZImi Wxq. [Qal imper.m.p. laqach take + prep min w/noun f.s.constr. zimrah choice products + def.art/w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + prep beth w/noun m.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. keli vessel; "your bags", and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds [~ydIqev.W ~ynIj.B' jl{w" takon> vb;D> j[;m.W yrIc\ j[;m. hx'n>mi vyail' WdyrIAhw [waw w/Hiphil imper.m.p. yarad "carry down" + def.art.w/prep lamedh w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + noun f.s.abs. minechah gift, present + adj.m.s.abs. me-at little + noun m.s.abs. sari balsam + waw w/adj.m.s.abs. me-at little + noun m.s.abs. debash honey + noun f.s.abs. neko-th spice; "aromatic gum" + waw w/noun m.s.abs. loth myrrh + noun m.p.abs. botmin pisthacio + waw w/noun fm.p.abs. shaqed almond]).

VERSE 12 "Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake (aWh hG<v.mi yl;Wa ~k,d>y<b. WbyviT' ~k,ytexoT.m.a; ypiB. bv'WMh; @s,K,h;-ta,w> ~k,d>y<b. Wxq. hn<v.mi @s,k,w> [waw w/noun m.s.abs. keseph silver + noun m.s.abs. misheneh double + Qal imper.m.p. laqach take + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. yad hand + waw w/d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. keseph silver + def.art.w/Hophal part.m.s.abs. shub return + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + noun f.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. amtachath sack + Hiphil impf.2m.p. shub return + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. yad hand + adv ulay perhaps + noun m.s.abs. mishgeh mistake + pro.3m.s.s hu it]).

VERSE 13 "Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man (vyaih'-la, WbWv WmWqw> Wxq' ~k,yxia]-ta,w> [waw w/d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + Qal imper.m.p. laqach take + waw w/Qal imper.m.p. qum rise + Qal imper.m.p. shub return + prep el + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man]);

VERSE 14 and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin (!ymiy"n>Bi-ta,w> rxea; ~k,yxia]-ta, ~k,l' xL;viw> vyaih' ynEp.li ~ymix]r; ~k,l' !TeyI yD;v; laew> [waw w/noun m.s.abs. el God + noun m.p.abs. Shaddai + Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give + prep lamedh w/2m.p.suff. + noun m.p.abs. rachamim tender mercies + prep lamedh w/noun both p.constr. paneh face + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish + waw w/Piel perf.3m.s. shalach let go + prep lamedh w/2m.p.suff. + d.o. marker noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach brother + adj.m.s.abs. acher after; "other" + waw w/d.o. marker + p.n. Benjamin]).

And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved (yTil.k'v' yTil.kov' rv,a]K; ynIa]w: [waw w/pro.1s. ani I + prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.1s. shakal be bereaved + Qal perf.1s. shakal])."

ANALYSIS: VERSES 1-14

1. This chapter falls into three scenes.
2. This opening scene parallels the opening scene of the previous chapter which involves as family discussion that forms a prelude to a visit to Egypt.
3. The "land" here in v. 1 can only refer to the land of promise (e.g., Canaan).
4. V.1 has verbiage that is similar to 41:57.
5. The famine has moved into its 2^nd year and the noun "famine" with the article coming first in the sentence followed by the adjective "severe" (kabed) draws attention to the increasing effects of the famine.
6. As this seven year famine grinded on the severity increased exponentially upon the peoples affected.
7. The primary thing one must keep in mind is the fact that the absence of rain in Canaan dramatically stopped normal agricultural activity.
8. There were no crops and no grasslands on which domestic animals could feed.
9. Grain or wheat being the stable crop was gone and people were forced to go to Egypt to buy grain or perish.
10. This famine wasn’t simply a case of low rainfall it was a case on no rainfall bring death by starvation.
11. When people are starving disease becomes a major issue as the immune system is compromised.
12. When Jacob gets around to making up his mind for the sons to make a 2^nd trip to buy grain they family had consumed all the grain from the first trip (v.2).
13. The time elapse between the conversation of 42:36-38 is not exactly known but the sons must have purchased enough grain to last for some time.
14. Jacob had exercised his patriarchal prerogative and forbade the sons returning to Egypt if it meant they were going to take his youngest son, Benjamin (42:38).
15. Jacob delayed asking his sons to make a 2^nd trip to buy grain as he did not want to anger them.
16. So his command of v. 2 is couched in a diffident tone.
17. He says, "Go back, buy us a little food" which appears as a causal request as if the trip was going to a nearby market.
18. Jacob does not want to anger his sons, for he knows his veto is what has been delaying them.
19. No doubt everyone in the family is on the edges and emotions are beginning to boil.
20. They are all facing deprivation and the kids are hungry.
21. Reuben had earlier tried to persuade his father to let Benjamin accompany them to Egypt.
22. His proposal was inept and pathetic, and it did not help his bad standing with his father.
23. So Judah, the oldest son in good standing with his father intervenes and pleads for a change of policy (vv. 3ff.).
24. He begins and ends his pleas with a reminder of Joseph’s threat, "You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you."
25. This helps explain why the sons did not immediately return to Egypt upon finding money in one of the sacks.
26. When the brothers had tried to persuade Jacob to let Benjamin go to Egypt, they had glossed over Joseph’s threat (cf. 42:16, 20).
27. "Solemnly warned" is used of threats that are not empty (e.g., Ex. 19:21, 23; Jer. 11:7; Neh. 9:26, 29-30).
28. Here the verb (hiphil perfect of udh, to repeat) is prefaced by the infinitive absolute "solemnly."
29. Judah in vv. 4 & 5 issues an ultimatum on behalf of the brothers.
30. After making it clear that there would be no audience with "the man" if the youngest brother is not with them he proceeds to present to his authority an either or situation.
31. Judah will not usurp his elderly and ailing father—that is he will not simply take Benjamin apart from Jacob’s okay.
32. Judah places the total burden of the family’s survival on the shoulders of Jacob.
33. He is saying, "I would rather stay here in Canaan with you and Benjamin and die of starvation, than return to Egypt without Benjamin and take my chances."
34. Jacob’s grousing about their indiscretion in v. 6 is just him stalling for time.
35. Its funny that he chides his sons for telling too much as who better than Jacob knows how not to be completely forthright!
36. At this point the other brothers chime in an attempt to set the record straight (v.8).
37. In so doing all the brothers back up Judah.
38. They point out that it was impossible to predict the way the conversation between them and "the man" would go.
39. 42:10-16 does not record Joseph putting these questions so directly.
40. It rather portrays them volunteering the information, but that is not how the hostile interrogation felt to them.
41. They felt the supplying family information was the only way for them to clear themselves of the charge of spying.
42. They sense that "the man" wanted to know about their clan.
43. In vv. 8-10 Judah pushes his father to make a decision.
44. At the outset of the first trip Jacob had said that they must go to Egypt to buy grain "so that we might live and not die" (42:2).
45. Judah makes the same point and underscores it with the comment that this will save him as well as the children.
46. "Little ones" (taph) is a term used of dependant and vulnerable younger generation, whom parents have a duty to protect (cf. 45:19; 47:12; Num. 14:3, 31).
47. Next Judah grasps the nub of the problem when he offers himself as surety for the safe return of Benjamin (v.9).
48. Standing surety for someone is a very risky business and not to be entered into lightly (e.g., Prov. 6:1; 11:15).
49. Quite what this means in practice, if Benjamin failed to return, is not clear.
50. "You may hold me responsible" suggests that Jacob could demand Judah’s life if Benjamin is not returned.
51. At the very least, he would always "bear the blame" before his father.
52. After offering himself, Judah reminds Jacob of just how desperate their situation is: "we could have surely by now returned twice" (v.10).
53. Finally, Jacob is swayed by Judah’s appeal (vv. 11-14).
54. Jacob acts like Israel, and faces the crisis with faith and trust in God.
55. He tells his sons to go and take a gift of some of "the best products of the land."
56. Despite the hard times he prepares a "present" of the "choice produce of the land" for "the man."
57. Though different and somewhat smaller than the present he sent to Esau, it was no doubt sent with a similar motive.
58. The motive being to mollify his antagonist (cf. 32:20).
59. The list of items is similar to that in 37:25, with some extras such as honey, pistachio, and almond nuts.
60. The wheel has come full circle with a brother (Joseph) leaving home to visit his brothers only to find himself the property of a trading caravan heading for Egypt, to the brothers leaving home to rescue a brother (Simeon) in Egypt.
61. Even the same products were in both caravans.
62. Jacob insists that the brothers take double the money to show good faith (v.12).
63. Note how Jacob leaves until last permission to his beloved Benjamin to go (v.13).
64. In v.14 Jacob invokes the God of his forefathers to deliver him and his family from the present crisis.
65. It invites comparison to his prayer in 32:9-12.
66. Though shorter he addresses God as El Shaddai" (cf. 28:3; 35:11; 48:3; 49:25).
67. This title for deity points to God as provider in times of need.
68. The is based on the Hebrew now for the female breast (shad) coupled with the El which points to the divine attribute of omnipotence.
69. He prays for the release of "your other brother" which in context refers to Simeon.
70. And for the safe return of Benjamin.
71. Notice how he refers to his two sons who are at risk (Simeon is "your other brother" versus simply "Benjamin").
72. Jacob doubts if his prayer will be answered (cf. v. 14c).
73. His "If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!" is the same construction as Esther’s "if I perish, I perish" (Est. 4:16).
74. His is a statement of resignation, of a willingness to accept the worst possible scenario.
75. Clearly, it is God who determines outcomes and in this case the destiny of his sons rests with God, not Judah or "the man."
76. Jacob’s prayer will be answered far and above what he ever imagined!
77. And so we as believers have the assurance of Eph. 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us."

Invitation to Dine with Joseph (vv. 15-25)!

VERSE 15 So the men took this present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin (!miy"n>Bi-ta,w> ~d'y"b. Wxq.l' @s,K,-hn<v.miW taZOh; hx'n>Mih;-ta, ~yvin"a]h' Wxq.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. laqach take + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. ish man + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. minchah gift + def.art.w/adj.f.s. zoth this + waw w/noun m.s.abs. misheneh double + noun m.s.abs. keseph silver + Qal perf.3p. laqach take + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. yad hand + waw w/d.o. marker + p.n. Benjamin]; then they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph [@seAy ynEp.li Wdm.[;Y:w: ~yIr;c.mi Wdr>YEw: WmquY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. qum arise + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. yarad go down + p.n. Egypt + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amad stand + prep lamedh w/noun both plconstr. paneh face + p.n. Joseph]).

VERSE 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward (AtyBe-l[; rv,a]l; rm,aYOw: !ymiy"n>Bi-ta, ~T'ai @seAy ar>Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + p.n. Joseph + prep eth w/3m.p.suff. + d.o. marker + p.n. Benjamin + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep lamedh w/rel.pro. asher + prep al + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bayith house], "Bring the men into the house, and slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon [~yIr'h\C'B; ~yvin"a]h' Wlk.ayO yTiai yKi !keh'w> xb;j, x;boj.W ht'y>B'h; ~yvin"a]h'-ta, abeh' [Hiphil imper.m.s. bo bring + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. ish + def.art.w/noun m.s.as. bayith house + waw w/Qal imper.m.s. tabach slaughter + noun m.s.abs. tabach meat; "an animal" + waw w/Hiphil imper.m.s. kun make ready, prepared + part ki + prep eth w/1s.suff. + Qal impf.3m.p. akal eat; "dine" + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs ish + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.p.abs. tsacharaim midday, noon])."

VERSE 17 So the man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph's house (@seAy ht'yBe ~yvin"a]h'-ta, vyaih' abeY"w: @seAy rm;a' rv,a]K; vyaih' f[;Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ashah do + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish + prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.3m.s. amar say + p.n. Joseph + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. bo bring + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. ish + noun m.s.constr. bayith house + p.n. Joseph]).

VERSE 18 Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph's house; and they said (Wrm.aYOw: @seAy tyBe Wab.Wh yKi ~yvin"a]h' War>yYIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. yarad fear + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. ish + part ki because + Hophal perf.3p. go; brought to + noun m.s.constr. bayith house + p.n. Joseph + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar], "It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in [~yaib'Wm Wnx.n:a] hL'xiT.B; WnytexoT.m.a;B. bV'h; @s,K,h; rb;D>-l[; [prep al + noun m.s.constr. dabar word, thing + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. kesel silver + def.art/w/Qal part.m.s.abs. shub return + prep beth w/noun f.p.constr.w/1p.suff. amatachat sack + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun f.s.abs. techillah beginning + pro.1p. anachnu we + Hophal part.m.p.abs. bring], that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys [Wnyremox]-ta,w> ~ydIb'[]l; Wnt'ao tx;q;l'w> Wnyle[' lPen:t.hil.W Wnyle[' lleGOt.hil. [prep lamedh w/Hithpoel infin.constr. galal commit; "may seek occasion" + prep al w/1p.suff. + waw w/prep lamedh w/Hithpael infin.constr. nagal fall upon + prep al w/1p.suff. + waw w/prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. laqach take + d.o. marker w/1p.suff. + prep lamedh w/noun m.abs. ebed slave + waw w/d.o. marker + noun m.p.constr.w/1p.suff. chamor donkey])."

VERSE 19 So they came near to Joseph's house steward, and spoke to him at the entrance of the house (tyIB'h; xt;P, wyl'ae WrB.d;y>w: @seAy tyBe-l[; rv,a] vyaih'-la, WvG>YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. nagash draw near, approach + prep el + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish + rel.pro. asher + prep al + noun m.s.constr. bayith house + p.n. Joseph + waw w/Piel impf.3m.p. dabar speak + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + noun m.s.abs. petach entrance + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. bayith house]),

VERSE 20 and said, "Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food (lk,ao-rB'v.li hL'xiT.B; Wnd>r;y" droy" ynIdoa] yBi Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + prep beth w/1s.suff. + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. adon lord + Qal infin.constr. yarad go down + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun f.s.abs. techillah first + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. shabar buy + noun m.s.abs. okel food]),

VERSE 21 and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full (Alq'v.miB. WnPes.K; ATx.T;m.a; ypiB. vyai-@s,k, hNEhiw> WnytexoT.m.a;-ta, hx'T.p.NIw: !AlM'h;-la, Wnab'-yKi yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + prep ki + Qal perf.1p. bo come + prep el + def.art.w/noun m.s.asbs. malon lodging place + waw w/Qal impf.1p. pathach open + d.o. marker + noun f.p.constr.w/1p.suff. ametachath sack + ww w/interj hinneh + noun m.s.abs. keseph silver + noun m.s.abs. ish + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. amatachath sack + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. kespeh silver + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. misheqal weight; "our money in full"]).

So we have brought it back in our hand (Wndey"B. Ata bv,N"w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.1p. shub return + d.o. marker w/3m.s.suff. + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/1p.suff. yad hand]).

VERSE 22 "We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks (WnytexoT.m.a;B. WnPes.K; ~f'-ymi Wn[.d;y" al{ lk,ao-rB'v.li Wndey"b. Wnd>r;Ah rxea; @s,k,w> [waw w/noun m.s.abs. keseph + adj.m.s.abs. acher after; "other" + Hiphil perf.1p. yarad bring down + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/1p.suff. yad hand + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. shabar buy + noun m.s.abs. okel food + neg lo + Qal perf.1p. yada know + interrog mi who? + Qal perf.3m.s. shim put + noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. kesel silver + prep beth w/noun f.p.constr.w/1p.suff. ametachath sack])."

VERSE 23 He said, "Be at ease, do not be afraid (War'yTi-la; ~k,l' ~Alv' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + noun m.s.abs. shalom peace; "Be at ease" + prep lamedh w/2m.p.suff. + neg al + Qal impf.2m.p. yare fear]).

Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money (yl'a aB' ~k,P.s.K; ~k,ytexoT.m.a;B. !Amj.m; ~k,l' !t;n" ~k,ybia] yhel{awE ~k,yhel{a/ War'yTi-la; ~k,l' ~Alv' rm,aYOw: [noun m.p.constr.w/2m.p. Elohim + waw w/noun m.p.constr. el God + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. abh father + Qal perf.3m.s. nathan give + prep lamedh ww/2m.p.suff. + noun m.s.abs. matmon treasure + prep beth w/noun f.p.constr.w/2m.p.suff. amtachath sack + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. kespeh silver + Qal perf.3m.s. bo enter; "I had" + prep el w/1s.suff.])."

Then he brought Simeon out to them (!A[m.vi-ta, ~h,lea] aceAYw: [!A[m.vi-ta, ~h,lea] aceAYw: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. yatsa bring out + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + d.o. marker + p.n. Simeon]).

VERSE 24 Then the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder (~h,yremox]l; aAPs.mi !TeYIw: ~h,yleg>r; Wcx]r>YIw: ~yIm;-!T,YIw: @seAy ht'yBe ~yvin"a]h'-ta, vyaih' abeY"w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. bo bring + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. ish + noun m.s.constr. bayith + p.n. Joseph + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nathan + noun m.p.abs. mayim water + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. rachats wash + noun f. dual constr.w/3m.p.suff. regel foot + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give + noun m.s.abs. mispo fodder + prep lamedh w/noun m.p.constr.w/3m.p.suff. chamor donkey]).

VERSE 25 So they prepared the present for Joseph's coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there (~x,l' Wlk.ayO ~v'-yKi W[m.v' yKi ~yIr'h\C'B; @seAy aAB-d[; hx'n>Mih;-ta, WnykiY"w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.p. kun prepare + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. minchah present + prep adh until + Qal infin.constr. bo + p.n. Joseph + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.p.abs. tsacharayim noon + part ki + Qal perf.3p. shamar hear + part ki + adv sham there + Qal impf.3m.p. akal eat + noun m.s.abs. lechem food; "a meal"]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 15-25

1. Jacob’s sons, until now have been identified as "sons" of Jacob/Israel or "brothers," are at this point in the narrative simply called "the men."
2. It is the men going to see the man.
3. The term used by Joseph in the next verse is understandable but here it is used the first time by the narrator (cf. 26:13)
4. The term "the man" was similarly used in connection with Abraham’s servant sent to fetch a wife for Isaac (24:21, 22, 26, 29, 30, 32, 61).
5. It is used of Joseph at 42:30, 33; 43:3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14; and his chief steward in vv. 17 and 24.
6. Jacob knows from experience what it means, from previous experience, for a person in a vulnerable position to send a "present/gift" (minchah) to one who appears to be in control of the situation.
7. He had done so sending his own minchah to Esau (32:13,18 ,20,21).
8. Esau accepted Jacob’s minchah reluctantly (33:11b).
9. There is no further word of the present sent to Joseph outside the narrator’s words in vv. 26, 26; we do not know if Joseph ever accepted it.
10. The three special items the nine brothers (plus 1) take to Egypt to ameliorate "the man" is the present, double the silver, and Benjamin.
11. This they hope will clear them of the charge of espionage and thievery.
12. This will allow them to buy grain and retrieve Simeon.
13. So at this point the tension palpably rises as the men anticipate their reception in Egypt.
14. Upon arriving at their destination Joseph sees them before they see him; and for the very first time Joseph lays eyes on his younger brother.
15. V. 16 seems almost to suggest that Joseph was expectantly waiting for them to return—sure that they would return—with Benjamin.
16. Upon sighting them Joseph instructs his chief steward in charge of all his household affairs to bring the brothers to his house and to prepare a midday meal which the men will join him as his invited guests (v.16).
17. This kind of reminds one of the Parable of the Prodigal.
18. This unnamed servant (like the one in chap 24) is also designated "the man" in vv. 17 and 24.
19. This individual expedited his responsibilities (v. 17) which are more fully described in vv. 18-24.
20. The brothers are taken aback by the change in demeanor from a suspicious, hostile reception on their first encounter to the overly friendly welcome that they encounter this time around (v.18ff.).
21. Actually they do not speak with Joseph but they are greeted through Joseph’s servant.
22. The man is exceedingly cordial and polite.
23. And surprises of surprises, the brothers are invited to dine at Joseph’s house for a midday luncheon!
24. The invitation produces anxiety and apprehension rather than relief.
25. They all became afraid and began to speculate that they were being lured into a trap.
26. They speculate that it is the money that was returned to them as the reason to isolate them from the general public so that they could be taken by force and made slaves (v.18).
27. This is precisely what they had done to Joseph.
28. Their collective apprehension is understandable, and so is the rationale they agree upon.
29. That is, they took the man’s money and now he is going to punish them, is their take on this dinner invitation.
30. To avert disaster they approach Joseph’s steward at the entry to the house (v.19).
31. A courtyard to the house is where they come and encounter the steward.
32. In speaking to this man they are exceedingly differential and tactful, as they confess how they found the money on the way home (v. 20).
33. The occasion of the finding of the money is somewhat different and simplified compared with 42:27-28.
34. But this is not dishonesty on their part.
35. It simply indicates that the focus of their concern is to show that they did not steal it, and now have returned it (v.21).
36. To demonstrate their honesty they tell the man that they have brought extra money to buy more grain (v.22a).
37. Finally, they assert that they do not have a clue as to who placed the money in their sacks (v. 22b).
38. Speaking as a group it is of passing interest that the brothers say not a word about Benjamin.
39. It is as though they are trying to keep him out of their collective dilemma.
40. He was not on the first visit, and so he had no grain sack into which someone slipped money.
41. We know from the steward’s reply that Joseph has coached this man with respect to his response to the brothers’ expected concerns (cf. v. 23).
42. He was instructed to dispel their anxieties and so his opening words in response to their defense, "Be as ease (shalom), do not be afraid" sets the tone.
43. Joseph knew the state of mind his brothers would be in returning to Egypt after leaving with all the money.
44. The steward was told to explain the returned money with the precise introduction: "Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks."
45. This is followed by an oblique admission that it was the steward who personally buried the treasure in their grain sacks; e.g., "I had/received your money."
46. Implicit in his remarks is the fact that he returned the money as he was under instruction to do so by his supervisor, namely Joseph.
47. But the ultimate human agent behind all this is not mentioned; only that the money returned was overseen by divine providence.
48. By saying "your God and God of your father" the separation between him and his boss is maintained to keep up the disguise.
49. He avoids using the term "silver," rather he uses the term hidden treasure (matmon) which is more dramatic (cf. Job 3:21; Prov. 2:4; Isa. 45:3; Jer. 41:8).
50. It refers specifically to hidden treasure, as can be seen with the cognate verb taman, "to bury."
51. Little excavation was necessary to find it!
52. At this juncture the choreographed meeting with the brothers in Joseph’s courtyard is concluded and Simeon is brought out and returned.
53. What can the brothers conclude from all this?
54. Simeon is returned indicating that the requirement to bring Benjamin has been met and so they no longer under suspicion of spying; and that they are off the hook as suspected thieves.
55. But until they are on the road back to the land will they be able to truly relax—they think!
56. Their worst fears relieved, the brothers enter Joseph’s villa for the first time (vv. 24-25).
57. The normal treatment of guests is accorded them: water to wash one’s feet and care for their pack animals (v.24).
58. The brothers for their part do their best to make their "present" look worthy of the great man (v. 25).
59. They arrive at the designated time—noon.

Joseph Meets Benjamin (vv. 26-34)

VERSE 26 When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him (hc'r>a' Al-Wwx]T;v.YIw: ht'y>B'h; ~d'y"B.-rv,a] hx'n>Mih;-ta, Al W‚ybiY"w: ht'y>B;h; @seAy aboY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bo go, come + p.n. Joseph + def.art.w/noun m.s.ab.s bayith house + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.p. bo; bring + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. minechah present + rel.pro. asher + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. yad hand + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. bayith + waw w/Hishtaphel impf.3m.p. chawah bow down + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + noun f.s.abs. eretz ground]).

VERSE 27 Then he asked them about their welfare, and said, "Is your old father well, of whom you spoke (~T,r>m;a] rv,a] !qeZ"h; ~k,ybia] ~Alv'h] rm,aYOw: ~Alv'l. ~h,l' la;v.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. sha-al ask + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.abs. shalom "welfare" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + interrog ha w/noun m.s.abs. shalom "well" + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. abh father + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. zaren old + rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.2m.p. amar say])?

Is he still alive (yx' WNd,A[h; [def.art.w/adv odh "still" + adj.m.s.abs. chay living; "alive"])?"

VERSE 28 They said, "Your servant our father is well; he is still alive (yx' WNd,A[ Wnybia'l. ^D>b.[;l. ~Alv' Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + noun m.s.abs. shalom "is well" + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. ebed servant + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/1p.suff. abh father + adv odh "still" + adj.m.s.abs. chay living])."

They bowed down in homage (ÎWWx]T;v.YIw:Ð ¿WxT;v.YIw:À [waw w/Hishtaphel impf.3m.s. shachah bown down]).

VERSE 29 As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, he said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me (yl'ae ~T,r>m;a] rv,a] !joQ'h; ~k,yxia] hz<h] rm,aYOw: AMai-!B, wyxia' !ymiy"n>Bi-ta, ar>Y:w: wyn"y[e aF'YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nasha lift up + noun f. dual constr.w/3m.s.suff. ayin eye + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + d.o. marker + p.n. Benjamin + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach + noun m.s.constr. ben + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. em mother + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + interrog ha w/adj.m.s.abs. zeh this + noun mm.s.constr.w/2m.p.suff. ach + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. qaton little; "youngest" + rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.2m.p. amar say + prep lamedh w/1s.suff.])?"

And he said, "May God be gracious to you, my son (ynIB. ^n>x.y" ~yhil{a/ rm;aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar + noun m.p.abs. Elohim + Qal impf.3m.s.w/2m.s.suff. chanan be gracious, show grace + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ben])."

VERSE 30 Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there (hM'v' &.b.YEw: hr'd>x;h; aboY"w: tAKb.li vQeb;y>w: wyxia'-la, wym'x]r; Wrm.k.nI-yKi @seAy rhem;y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. mahar hasten + p.n. Joseph + part ki + Niphal perf.3p. kamar yearn; "stirred" + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. rachamim tender mercy; "deeply" + prep el + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother + waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. baqash seek + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. bakah weep + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bo enter + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. cheder chamber + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bakah weep + adv sham there]).

VERSE 31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, "Serve the meal (~x,l' Wmyfi rm,aYOw: qP;a;t.YIw: aceYEw: wyn"P' #x;r>YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. rachatz wash + noun both p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. panim face + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. yatsa come out + waw w/Hithpael impf.3m.s. aphaq be strong; "controlled himself" + Qal imper.m.p. shum put, place; "serve" + noun m.s.abs. lechem bread; food; "meal"])."

VERSE 32 So they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves (~D'b;l. ATai ~ylik.aoh' ~yrIc.Mil;w> ~D'b;l. ~h,l'w> ADb;l. Al WmyfiY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. shim serve + prep lamed w/3m.s.suff.; "him" + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bad alone; "by himself" + waw w/prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. "by himself" +waw w/ prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff.; "them" + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. "by themselves" + waw w/prep lamedh w/p.n. Egyptians + def.art.w/Qal part.m.p.abs. akal eat + prep eth w/3m.s.suff.; "with him" + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. bad alone; "by themselves"],because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to the Egyptians [~yIr'c.mil. awhi hb'[eAt-yKi ~x,l, ~yrIb.[ih'-ta lkoa/l, ~yrIc.Mih; !Wlk.Wy al{ yKi [part ki for + def.art.w/p.n. Egyptians + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. akal eat + d.o. marker + def.art.w/p.n. Hebrew + noun m.s.abs. lechem bread + part ki for + noun f.s.abs. to-ebah abominable + pro.3f.s. hi that + prep lamedh w/p.n. Egyptian]).

VERSE 33 Now they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, and the men looked at one another in astonishment (Wh[ere-la, vyai ~yvin"a]h' Whm.t.YIw: Atr'[ic.Ki ry[iC'h;w> Atr'kob.Ki rkoB.h; wyn"p'l. Wbv.YEw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. yashab dwell; "were seated" + prep lamedh w/noun both p.constr. paneh face + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. bekor firstborn + prep kaph w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bekorah birthright + waw w/def.art.w/adj.m.s.ab. tsyir youngest + pre kaph w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. tse-irah youth + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. tamah be amazed, astonished + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. ish man + noun m.s.abs. ish + prep el + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. rea friend]).

VERSE 34 He took portions to them from his own table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs (tAdy" vmex' ~L'Ku taof.M;mi !miy"n>Bi ta;f.m; br,Tew: ~h,lea] wyn"P' taeme taof.m; aF'YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nasha lift up; "took" + noun f.p.constr. mashe-eth portion, burden; comes from the vb. to carry + prep min w/prep eth + noun m.p.constr.w/3m.s.suff. pandh face "his own table" + prep el w/3m.p.suff. "to them" + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. rabah be much + noun f.s.constr. mashe-eth portion + p.n. Benjamin + prep min w/noun f.p.abs. mashe-eth portion + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.p.suff. kol all + adj.f.s.abs. chamesh five + noun f.p.abs. yad hand; "times"]).

So they feasted and drank freely with him (AM[i WrK.v.YIw: WTv.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. shathah drink + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. shakar be drunk; "drank freely" + prep im w/3m.s.suff. "with him"]).

VERSE 35 Then he commanded his house steward, saying, "Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack (ATx.T;m.a; ypiB. vyai-@s,K, ~yfiw> taef. !Wlk.Wy rv,a]K; lk,ao ~yvin"a]h' txoT.m.a;-ta, aLem; rmoale AtyBe-l[; rv,a]-ta, wc;y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. tsawah command + d.o. marker + rel.pro. asher + prep al w/noun m.s.constr. bayith + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + Pie limper.m.s. male fill + d.o. marker + noun f.p.constr. ametachath sack + def.art.w/non m.p.abs. ish + noun m.s.abs. okel food + prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + Qal impf.3m.p. yakol be abel + Qal infin.constr. nasha carry + waw w/Qal imper.m.s. shim put + noun m.s.abs. keseph silver + noun m.s.abs. ish + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. amtachath sack]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 26-34

1. This third and final scene has the brothers face to face with their long lost brother followed by an extended banquet.
2. "When Joseph came home," coupled with the brothers interaction with Joseph’s chief steward, indicates that up until this point there was no direct contact between Joseph and his eleven brothers.
3. When Joseph saw his brothers arriving at the check point in Egypt he made himself scarce, leaving his chief steward to greet them.
4. The second trip has the brothers meeting Joseph at his palatial mansion which was located close to his work place in Lower Egypt (northern).
5. This get-together by contrast to the first visit was in a most impressive setting.
6. The brothers are invited in Joseph’s house and appear before him presenting the gift sent from his father.
7. This audience with "the man" like the first has the eleven brothers bowing down before Joseph "to the ground."
8. The "ground" here is the magnificent stone floor of the villa (see description of Joseph’s palace on pages 356-358 in David M. Rohl’s "Pharaohs and Kings).
9. The contrast between Joseph and the brothers is a disparity of power and knowledge.
10. He knows who they are, but they do not recognize him (42:7-8).
11. The brothers are apprehensive even though they have been treated politely and kindly by the chief steward (porter).
12. On their first audience with "the man" ten brothers bowed their faces to the ground fulfilling Joseph’s first dream (cf. 37:7).
13. This time there are eleven brothers bowing down, fulfilling only part of the second dream, as there were no parents present.
14. Of course the 11^th star in that 2^nd dream pointed to a 12^th and final brother that had yet to be born when Joseph was sold into slavery.
15. At the time Joseph revealed this dream to Jacob and sons there was no indication of this 12^th son.
16. One wonders if Jacob ever connected the birth of Benjamin, the 11^th star in Joseph’s 2^nd dream with the dream itself.
17. Or put another way, did the arrival of Benjamin on the scene cause him pause with respect to the genuineness of Joseph’s dreams?
18. We know Jacob kept these dreams in his heart (cf. 37:11b).
19. When only ten of the brothers bowed down to him in their first meeting, "Joseph remember the dreams which he had dreamed about them" (42:9).
20. Joseph certainly came to recognize that there would be a 12^th son born into the family and so his query on the first meeting about the family was to verify this detail of the 2^nd prophetic dream.
21. This fact was confirmed to him in 42:13: "Your servants are twelve brothers, all the sons of one man in the land of Canaan, and behold, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no longer."
22. Joseph, speaking through and interpreter, opens the conversation by inquiring about the brothers "old father" as to his state of health and if he is even still alive (v.27).
23. Of course he knows the answer, at least to the vital part—Jacob’s being still alive.
24. They answered in the affirmative and bowed down yet a 2^nd time before their august host (v.28).
25. "He raised his eyes" often indicates that what is about to be seen is very important (13:10; 18:2; 22:4, 13; 33:1, 5; 37:25).
26. Upon to this point in the audience scene no, relational terms have been used.
27. The brothers are just "the men" and Joseph is "the man," but here suddenly Benjamin is called "brother" and "mother’s son" to emphasize the bond between him and Joseph.
28. Joseph asks, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke" to preserve the mystery of his own identity (v.29).
29. "May God be gracious to you, my son" anticipates the priestly blessing of Num. 6:25.
30. These words that came through the interpreter were heart-felt.
31. Abruptly, and without warning, Joseph suddenly left the main columned hall where he would have received guests and the family would have spent much of their time, to his bedroom, which was just to the right of the assembly room (v.30).
32. His affection for his young brother "boiled up" ("he was deeply strirred").
33. The idiom used here is also found in 1Kgs. 3:26 of a mother’s feelings at the prospect of losing her child.
34. "He wept there" is an action unseen by the brothers but reported to us, intimates that there was a difference between Joseph’s public face and his private feelings.
35. There was within him an conflict between doing the proper thing and his penchant for pay-back.
36. Finally, after some minutes he gets composes himself, washes his face and resumes his fake identity (v. 31).
37. Joseph reappears before his guests and orders his Egyptian staff to "Serve the meal."
38. Here Joseph hosts a meal for his brothers who 22 years before had callously sat down to eat while he pleaded with them from a dark cistern.
39. As the subsequent narrative will show the brothers are being lulled into a false sense of security.
40. On their initial encounter Joseph had spoke to them only in threatening terms, now he adopts a cordial tone.
41. The Egyptian aversion to eating with foreigners is well attested in classical sources, such as Herodotus, Diodorus, and Strabo.
42. Here we have a very strong term, often translated "abomination" in religious texts that describe a practice that is abhorrent to God (e.g., Lev. 18:22, 26, 29).
43. There Hebrew term to-ebah here is reflected in the English word "disgusting."
44. Other customs that were taboo to the Egyptians are mentioned in 46:35 and Ex. 8:26.
45. The separate group of banqueters include a separate table for Joseph ("by himself"), a separate table for the brothers ("by themselves"), and a separate table for Joseph’s Egyptian staff ("the Egyptians who ate by themselves").
46. Surprise at being invited to eat with the great man of Egypt turns to shock when the brothers find themselves seated in order of seniority (v.33).
47. Everywhere else the verb "stunned" (tamah) describes a strong reaction both unexpected and unpleasant—a manifestation of divine wrath (e.g. Job 26:11; Ps. 38:6; Jer. 4:9).
48. How many of these elements were present in the brothers is uncertain, but this had them disconcerted.
49. The narrative here also notes that Benjamin was singled out for special treatment, receiving five times as much as any of the rest of them (v.34).
50. Was this an attempt by Joseph to reproduce the earlier situation to see whether the rest of his brothers would show the same resentment toward Benjamin as they had to him, or was it just a mark of his affection for his only full brother?
51. Neither the mystery of the seating arrangement nor the favoritism shown to Benjamin seems to have derailed the party atmosphere, for plenty of alcohol (wine) put them all at ease.
52. The sentence at the end of v. 34 should be translated as follows: "They drank and became drunk."
53. The verb shathah means simply to drink but here it is followed by the verb shakar which means to "be drunk/intoxicated."
54. It is first used in the Bible in connection with Noah and his wife tying one on (Gen. 9:21).
55. Its next usage is our v. 34.
56. All the translations gloss this over with "were merry" or closer "drank freely."
57. Joseph has the brothers fully set up for the next phase of his vengeful scheme to torment them.
58. The brothers never stopped to seriously consider the disparities in their treatment by this man.