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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 43:15–25.
Jacob's sons, having got leave to take Benjamin with them, were observant of the orders their father had given them, and went down the second time into Egypt to buy corn. If we should ever know what a famine of the word means, let us not think it much to travel as far for spiritual food as they did for corporal food. Now here we have an account of what passed between them and Joseph's steward, who, some conjecture, was in the secret, and knew them to be Joseph's brethren, and helped to humour the thing; I rather think not, because no man was permitted to be present when Joseph afterwards made himself known to them, Gen 45:1. Observe, 1. Joseph's steward has orders from his master (who was busy selling corn, and receiving money) to take them to his house, and make ready for their entertainment. Though Joseph saw Benjamin there, he would not leave his work at working-time, nor trust another with it. Note, Business must take place of civility in its season. Our needful employments must not be neglected, no, not to pay respect to our friends. 2. Even this frightened them: They were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house, Gen 43:18. The just challenges of their own consciences, and Joseph's violent suspicions of them, forbade them to expect any favour, and suggested to them that this was done with a bad design upon them. Note, Those that are guilty and timorous are apt to make the worst of every thing. Now they thought they should be reckoned with about the money in the sacks' mouths, and should be charged as cheats, and men not fit to be dealt with, who had taken advantage of the hurry of the market to carry off their corn unpaid for. They therefore laid the case before the steward, that he, being apprized of it, might stand between them and danger; and, as a substantial proof of their honesty, before they were charged with taking back their money they produced it. Note, Integrity and uprightness will preserve us, and will clear themselves as the light of the morning. 3. The steward encouraged them (Gen 43:23): Peace be to you, fear not; though he knew not what his master drove at, yet he was aware these were men whom he meant no harm to, while he thus amused them; and therefore he directs them to look at the divine Providence in the return of their money: Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. Observe, (1.) Hereby he shows that he had no suspicion at all of dishonesty in them: for of what we get by deceit we cannot say, "God gives it to us." (2.) Hereby he silences their further enquiry about it. "Ask not how it came thither; Providence brought it to you, and let that satisfy you." (3.) It appears by what he said that, by his good master's instructions, he was brought to the knowledge of the true God, the God of the Hebrews. It may justly be expected that those who are servants in religious families should take all fit occasions to speak of God and his providence with reverence and seriousness. (4.) He directs them to look up to God, and acknowledge his providence in the good bargain they had. We must own ourselves indebted to God, as our God and the God of our fathers (a God in covenant with us and them) for all our successes and advantages, and the kindnesses of our friends; for every creature is that to us, and no more, which God makes it to be. The steward encouraged them, not only in words but in deeds; for he made very much of them till his master came, Gen 43:24.
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Summary
Genesis 43:16 marks a pivotal moment in Joseph's ongoing narrative, capturing his immediate and profound reaction upon seeing his full brother, Benjamin, for the first time in over two decades. Overwhelmed by emotion and driven by a strategic intent, Joseph issues a direct command to his household steward to prepare an elaborate feast, signaling a dramatic shift from his previous stern demeanor to an act of lavish hospitality. This command serves as a crucial step in God's intricate providential plan, setting the stage for the testing, reconciliation, and ultimate reunion of Jacob's family.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 43:16 is situated within the broader narrative of Jacob's family enduring a severe famine and their repeated interactions with Joseph, the powerful Egyptian governor whom they do not recognize. Following their initial grain purchase and Joseph's secret return of their money, he had sternly demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty and secure Simeon's release. This verse immediately follows the brothers' arrival in Egypt with Benjamin, after Jacob's reluctant consent due to the intensifying famine. Joseph's command for a feast sets the stage for the significant meal that follows, where he observes his brothers' interactions and tests their character, particularly their care for Benjamin, before the dramatic revelation of his identity in Genesis 45.
Historical & Cultural Context
The ancient Near East placed immense importance on hospitality, particularly for traveling guests or those seeking assistance. Offering a shared meal, especially a substantial one, was a profound gesture of honor, acceptance, and the establishment of a bond. Joseph's command to "slay, and make ready" implies the preparation of a significant animal sacrifice for a feast, far beyond a simple meal, indicating the extraordinary honor he intended to bestow. Dining "at noon" (midday) was common for the main meal of the day among the elite, signifying a formal and important occasion. This act of hospitality, even from an unknown dignitary, would have been deeply significant to the brothers, who were accustomed to the customs of their nomadic, tribal society where such gestures were foundational to social relations.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It powerfully underscores Divine Providence, demonstrating God's unseen hand orchestrating events through Joseph's actions to preserve the chosen lineage of Israel, as seen in the larger narrative of Genesis 37, Genesis 38, Genesis 39, Genesis 40, Genesis 41, Genesis 42, Genesis 43, Genesis 44, Genesis 45, Genesis 46, Genesis 47, Genesis 48, Genesis 49, Genesis 50. The theme of Reconciliation and Forgiveness is initiated here, as Joseph's actions, though still veiled in testing, move towards restoring his fractured family, a stark contrast to the betrayal he experienced in Genesis 37:28. Furthermore, Joseph's continued observation and testing of his brothers, particularly concerning their treatment of Benjamin, highlights the theme of Transformation of Character, revealing how God uses challenging circumstances to refine and prepare individuals for His purposes, echoing the transformation seen in Judah's willingness to stand surety for Benjamin in Genesis 43:9.
Exposition and Analysis
Upon seeing Benjamin, Joseph's immediate and decisive command to the ruler of his house reveals the profound personal significance of this reunion and his strategic intent. This was not a casual invitation but a directive for an elaborate, honorable feast, a stark contrast to the initial, more formal and intimidating interactions. Joseph's actions here are multifaceted, serving both his deep emotional connection to Benjamin and his ongoing, strategic testing of his brothers.
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "son of (the) right hand." This name holds deep significance as Benjamin was Joseph's only full brother, born of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, and the youngest of all Jacob's sons. His presence was the emotional trigger for Joseph, representing a tangible link to his cherished mother and a symbol of his lost past. Joseph's intense reaction upon seeing Benjamin underscores the unique bond and the profound emotional weight of this reunion.
"to slaughter (animals or men)," and H2874, "something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered)." The KJV's "slay, and make ready" translates the Hebrew phrase "וּטְבֹחַ טֶבַח" (uṭĕḇōaḥ ṭevaḥ), which literally means "to slaughter a slaughter." This emphatic construction indicates the preparation of a substantial amount of meat, typically involving the killing of an animal for a special occasion or honored guests. It signifies a lavish feast, not a simple meal, highlighting the extraordinary importance Joseph placed on this gathering and the honor he intended to bestow.
Meaning "to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications... (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set." This verb emphasizes the diligent and thorough preparation required for such a significant meal. It implies not just the cooking of food, but the entire arrangement of the dining space, the setting of the table, and all the logistics necessary to host honored guests. Joseph's command for immediate and thorough preparation underscores the urgency and importance of the occasion from his perspective.
Verse Breakdown
"And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them,"
This clause marks the climax of Joseph's long-held anticipation. For years, Benjamin's absence was a critical piece of the puzzle Joseph needed to complete his family's story and test his brothers. The sight of his full brother, the child of his beloved mother Rachel, evokes a profound emotional response within him, setting the entire subsequent action in motion.
"he said to the ruler of his house,"
Joseph's immediate directive to his chief steward demonstrates his authority and control. The "ruler of his house" (often translated as "steward" or "master of the house") was a high-ranking official responsible for Joseph's entire household, including its provisions and administration. This direct command bypasses any intermediaries, highlighting the urgency and personal nature of Joseph's instruction.
"Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready;"
This is a three-part command reflecting Joseph's immediate plan. "Bring these men home" signifies an invitation to his personal residence, a level of intimacy and honor far beyond a typical official meeting. "Slay, and make ready" is the instruction for preparing a lavish feast, indicating the magnitude of the occasion. It implies the slaughter of an animal and the extensive preparations for a celebratory meal, signifying the highest form of hospitality.
"for these men shall dine with me at noon."
This final clause provides the reason and timing for the elaborate preparations. Dining "at noon" (midday) was customary for the main, most significant meal of the day in ancient Egypt, especially for important gatherings. Joseph's intention to dine with them personally elevates their status from mere supplicants seeking grain to honored guests, even as he maintains his disguise and continues his strategic testing.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful Literary Devices. There is significant Dramatic Irony, as the audience is fully aware of Joseph's identity and his relationship to Benjamin, while his brothers remain oblivious. This creates tension and anticipation for the eventual revelation. The act of inviting them to a feast, especially after the sternness of their previous encounters, serves as Foreshadowing of the deeper reconciliation and restoration that is to come. The Symbolism of the shared meal is also potent; in ancient cultures, eating together signified peace, acceptance, and the establishment or renewal of covenantal relationships. Joseph's command for a lavish meal, therefore, symbolically initiates the process of healing and reunification, even before his true identity is revealed.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 43:16 serves as a powerful illustration of God's meticulous Divine Sovereignty and Providence. Joseph's emotional response and subsequent actions are not merely human impulses but are divinely orchestrated steps in God's larger plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel. This moment underscores that even through human emotions, strategic decisions, and seemingly ordinary acts of hospitality, God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His covenant promises and bring about His perfect will. It highlights how God can use difficult circumstances and human brokenness to ultimately achieve His redemptive purposes, preparing the way for the preservation of His chosen people and the eventual coming of the Messiah.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 43:16 invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's active involvement in our lives, even in moments of deep personal emotion and strategic planning. Joseph's story encourages us to cultivate a steadfast trust in divine providence, recognizing that God is at work even when circumstances appear complex, confusing, or painful. Just as Joseph, despite his immense power, was moved by the sight of his brother, we are reminded of the importance of genuine human connection and the potential for reconciliation. This passage challenges us to consider our own capacity for extending grace and hospitality, even to those who may have wronged us or whom we are still discerning. It prompts us to ask: How might God be using seemingly ordinary interactions or emotional responses in our lives to further His greater purposes? And how can we, like Joseph, be instruments of reconciliation and provision, even when the full picture of God's plan is not yet clear?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Joseph so eager to see Benjamin specifically?
Benjamin was Joseph's only full brother, as they shared the same mother, Rachel, who was Jacob's beloved wife. This shared maternal lineage created a unique and deeply personal bond, making Benjamin's presence a profoundly significant and emotional moment for Joseph. His desire to see Benjamin was not just about testing his brothers, but about reconnecting with the last remaining direct link to his cherished past and his mother.
What was the significance of dining "at noon" in ancient Egypt?
Dining "at noon" (midday) for the main meal of the day was a common practice for important occasions and honored guests among the elite in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Egypt. It signified a formal, pre-arranged, and significant event, elevating the status of the guests and underscoring the importance and honor Joseph bestowed upon his brothers. It was not a casual invitation but a gesture of profound hospitality and a public display of favor, despite Joseph's continued disguise.
Did Joseph's command to "slay, and make ready" imply anything unusual?
Yes, the phrase "slay, and make ready" (literally "slaughter a slaughter" in Hebrew) implies the preparation of a substantial, elaborate feast, typically involving the killing of an animal for a special occasion. This was not a command for a simple meal but for a significant, celebratory event, indicating the high honor and importance Joseph placed on this reunion. It demonstrated his wealth, authority, and the extraordinary nature of the welcome he was extending to his brothers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph, in his position of power and provision, stands as a profound type of Christ in this pivotal moment. Just as Joseph, who was rejected and betrayed by his own brothers (Genesis 37:28), rose to a position of ultimate authority in Egypt to save his family from famine, so too was Christ rejected by His own people (John 1:11) yet exalted to the highest position of power and authority (Philippians 2:9-11) to offer spiritual salvation and provision to all who come to Him. Joseph's act of inviting his brothers to a lavish feast, even while he was still testing their hearts and before fully revealing his identity, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate invitation to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). It beautifully illustrates how the Lord, in His sovereign plan, draws His people to Himself, tests and transforms their hearts, provides abundantly for their deepest needs, and ultimately reveals His saving grace, leading to profound reconciliation and eternal fellowship with Him.