Genesis 43

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 43:26-34

Again the brothers fulfilled God’s prophecy in Joseph’s dreams by bowing before Joseph (Genesis 43:26-28; cf. Genesis 37:5-9). Benjamin was 16 years younger than Joseph, so he would have been 23 at this time (Genesis 43:29). Joseph was 39 (Genesis 41:46; Genesis 45:6).". . . according to the prevailing custom of the East, the very fact that they had been invited to Joseph’s table was in itself an encouraging circumstance. Though the Orientals are for the most part a revengeful people, yet if... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 43:1-34

The Second Visit to Egypt11. Balm] or ’balsam,’with healing properties. Honey] This was grape-honey, a syrup made of grapes and diluted with water for a drink. It is still exported from Hebron to Egypt. Syria is famous for its pistachio nuts and almonds which do not grow in Egypt.12. Double money] (1) to repay that put in the sack, and (2) to purchase fresh stores.18. Again the guilty conscience which dreads every fresh event. 30. Bowels] regarded as the seat of the affections by the Hebrews:... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:1-7

XLIII.THE SECOND VISIT TO EGYPT.(7) The man asked us straitly.—In Genesis 42:13 they appear rather as volunteering a statement of their family relations than as having it wrung from them by cross-examination. But really this history must be taken as explaining and supplementing the former. Accused of being spies, they would naturally give an account of themselves, and Joseph, anxious to know about his father and brother, would certainly put numerous questions to them concerning their home and... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:8

(8) The lad.—Benjamin was now between twenty and thirty years of age. The term “lad” in Judah’s mouth is one of affection, but even in itself it suits very well to a youth of this age. Rebekah (in Genesis 24:16) is called in the Hebrew a lad (see Note there), and so is Shechem in Genesis 34:19. The assertion, therefore, that Benjamin is here represented as a mere boy, is disproved by the use of the word in the Hebrew.Our little ones.—Heb., our “tafs” that is, our households. (See Note on... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:9

(9) Then let me bear the blame for ever.—This is much more manly and therefore more persuasive than Reuben’s talk about pledging the lives of his children. For it was real, nor would it be a slight matter to stand in his father’s presence all the rest of his life as one guilty of a grievous crime. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:11

(11) The best fruits.—Heb., the song, that is, whatever in the land is most celebrated in song.In your vessels.—The word used in Genesis 42:25, where see Note. Concerning this present two remarks must be made; the first, that it proves that though there was not rain enough in Palestine to bring the corn to perfection, yet that there was some small supply, sufficient to maintain a certain amount of vegetation; and but for this Jacob could not have kept his cattle alive (Genesis 47:1). And next,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:12

(12) Double money.—So Rashi; but others render it literally, second money, that is, a second sum of money. This agrees with the phrase “other money” in Genesis 43:22. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:14

(14) God Almighty.—Heb., El Shaddai, the name by which Abraham’s covenant (Genesis 17:1) was renewed to Jacob (Genesis 35:11).If I be bereaved . . . —An expression of pious resignation, united with heartfelt anguish. The inserted words of my children lessen the pathos of the patriarch’s ejaculation, which literally is “and I, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:16

(16) Slay.—The charge of inaccuracy brought against the narrator, upon the supposition that the higher classes in Egypt, especially the priests, did not eat flesh, has been abundantly disproved, as the representations of feasts belonging to this period show that an abundance of animal food was consumed. Animals, moreover, sacred in one district were freely eaten in another. Generally the priests might eat the flesh of oxen and geese, but not mutton, pork or fish. (Rawlinson’s Egypt, i. 438.) read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:19

(19) At the door of the house.—Alarmed at a thing so unexpected as being taken to the house of the governor, they can see nothing but danger, and will not enter until they receive the assurance of safety from the officer “who was over Joseph’s house.” (See Note on Genesis 43:25.) read more

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 43:26-34

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 43:1-34

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:1-7

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:8

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:9

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:11

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:12

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:14

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:16

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 43:19

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