Genesis 43:11

¶ And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

And their father {H1} Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto them, If it must be so now {H645}, do {H6213} this; take {H3947} of the best fruits {H2173} in the land {H776} in your vessels {H3627}, and carry down {H3381} the man {H376} a present {H4503}, a little {H4592} balm {H6875}, and a little {H4592} honey {H1706}, spices {H5219}, and myrrh {H3910}, nuts {H992}, and almonds {H8247}:

Their father Isra'el answered them, "If that's how it is, do this: take in your containers some of the land's best products, and bring the man a gift - some healing resin, a little honey, aromatic gum, opium, pistachio nuts and almonds.

Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

And their father Israel said unto them, If it be so now, do this: take of the choice fruits of the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spicery and myrrh, nuts, and almonds;

Commentary

Context of Genesis 43:11

This verse finds Jacob, also called Israel, in a desperate situation. A severe famine grips the land of Canaan, forcing his sons to return to Egypt for grain. On their previous trip, the powerful Egyptian governor (unbeknownst to them, their brother Joseph) had accused them of being spies and demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, back with them as proof of their honesty. Jacob was initially unwilling to let Benjamin go, fearing for his safety after the presumed loss of Joseph (Genesis 42:38). However, with the food supply dwindling and the famine intensifying across the region (Genesis 41:56), Jacob reluctantly agrees to send Benjamin, but not without instructing his sons to carry a significant peace offering to the influential Egyptian official.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Desperation and Necessity: Jacob's phrase, "If it must be so now," highlights his deep reluctance and the dire circumstances that compel him to risk Benjamin's life. It underscores the severity of the famine and the family's absolute dependence on Egypt for survival.
  • Appeasement and Diplomacy: The carefully selected gifts are meant to appease the governor and secure favor. Jacob's wisdom in sending "the best fruits in the land" demonstrates a strategic attempt to soften the governor's heart and ensure the safe return of his sons, especially Benjamin. This act of sending tribute was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, often to gain an audience or secure a favorable outcome (Proverbs 18:16 mentions a gift making way for a man).
  • Provision and Resourcefulness: Despite the widespread famine, Jacob instructs his sons to gather specific, valuable items from Canaan. This shows remarkable resourcefulness and a desire to present a respectful and generous offering, hoping it will influence their reception before the Egyptian ruler.

Linguistic Insights and Gift Significance

The specific items Jacob lists were highly valued in the ancient world, particularly in Egypt, where some might have been scarce or exotic imports:

  • Balm: The Hebrew word is tsori (צֹרִי). This was a valuable medicinal and aromatic resin, often associated with Gilead (Jeremiah 8:22). Its inclusion suggests its high worth as a gift and its potential healing properties.
  • Honey: While it could refer to bee honey, in this context it often meant date syrup or other sweet fruit products, which were highly prized.
  • Spices: This term refers to various aromatic resins or powders used for incense, perfumes, or cooking.
  • Myrrh: A fragrant gum resin, commonly used in perfumes, anointing oils, and for embalming, indicating its luxury status and high value.
  • Nuts and Almonds: Specific, desirable produce from Canaan, serving as a token of the land's bounty despite the famine.

These gifts collectively represent the best of Canaan, a gesture of respect, humility, and earnest plea from Jacob's family to the powerful Egyptian ruler.

Practical Application

Genesis 43:11 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Wisdom in Adversity: Jacob, despite his anguish and fear for Benjamin, acts with practical wisdom, making the necessary preparations for a difficult and uncertain encounter. This teaches us that even in dire circumstances, we are called to exercise prudence and take responsible steps, even if uncomfortable.
  • The Power of Reconciliation: While the brothers do not yet know the governor's true identity, these gifts, born out of necessity, ultimately pave the way for a profound family reconciliation. The act of giving, even under duress, can be a vital step towards restoring broken relationships and seeking favor.
  • Trust in God's Providence: Although Jacob expresses deep fear, his actions ultimately align with God's overarching plan to preserve his chosen family through Joseph, even through challenging circumstances. This narrative encourages us to trust in divine providence and God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem bleak or fearful (Romans 8:28).
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 37:25 (8 votes)

    And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

  • Jeremiah 8:22 (4 votes)

    [Is there] no balm in Gilead; [is there] no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

  • 1 Samuel 9:7 (3 votes)

    Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, [if] we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and [there is] not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?

  • Ezekiel 27:17 (3 votes)

    Judah, and the land of Israel, they [were] thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

  • Proverbs 18:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

  • Ezekiel 27:15 (2 votes)

    The men of Dedan [were] thy merchants; many isles [were] the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee [for] a present horns of ivory and ebony.

  • Deuteronomy 33:14 (2 votes)

    And for the precious fruits [brought forth] by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,