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Commentary on Genesis 43 verses 26–34
Here is, I. The great respect that Joseph's brethren paid to him. When they brought him the present, they bowed themselves before him (Gen 43:26); and again, when they gave him an account of their father's health, they made obeisance, and called him, Thy servant our father, Gen 43:28. Thus were Joseph's dreams fulfilled more and more: and even the father, by the sons, bowed before him, according to the dream, Gen 37:10. Probably Jacob had directed them, if they had occasion to speak of him to the man, the lord of the land, to call him his servant.
II. The great kindness that Joseph showed to them, while they little thought it was a brotherly kindness. Here is,
1.His kind enquiry concerning Jacob: Is he yet alive? - a very fit question to be asked concerning any, especially concerning old people; for we are dying daily: it is strange that we are yet alive. Jacob had said many years before, I will go to the grave to my son; but he is yet alive: we must not die when we will.
2.The kind notice he took of Benjamin, his own brother. (1.) He put up a prayer for him: God be gracious unto thee, my son, Gen 43:29. Joseph's favour, though he was the lord of the land, would do him little good, unless God were gracious to him. Many seek the ruler's favour, but Joseph directs him to seek the favour of the ruler of rulers. (2.) He shed some tears for him, Gen 43:30. His natural affection to his brother, his joy to see him, his concern at seeing him and the rest of them in distress for bread, and the remembrance of his own griefs since he last saw him, produced a great agitation in him, which perhaps was the more uneasy because he endeavoured to stifle and suppress it; but he was forced to retire into his closet, there to give vent to his feeling by tears. Note, [1.] Tears of tenderness and affection are no disparagement at all, even to great and wise men. [2.] Gracious weepers should not proclaim their tears. My soul shall weep in secret, says the prophet, Jer 13:17. Peter went out and wept bitterly. See Mat 26:75.
3.His kind entertainment of them all. When his weeping had subsided so that he could refrain himself, he sat down to dinner with them, treated them nobly, and yet contrived every thing to amuse them.
(1.)He ordered three tables to be spread, one for his brethren, another for the Egyptians that dined with him (for so different were their customs that they did not care to eat together), another for himself, who durst not own himself a Hebrew, and yet would not sit with the Egyptians. See here an instance, [1.] Of hospitality and good house-keeping, which are very commendable, according as the ability is. [2.] Of compliance with people's humours, even whimsical ones, as bishop Patrick calls this of the Egyptians not eating with the Hebrews. Though Joseph was the lord of the land, and orders were given that all people should obey him, yet he would not force the Egyptians to eat with the Hebrews, against their minds, but let them enjoy their humours. Spirits truly generous hate to impose. [3.] Of the early distance between Jews and Gentiles; one table would not hold them.
(2.)He placed his brethren according to their seniority (Gen 43:33), as if he could certainly divine. Some think they placed themselves so, according to their custom; but, if so, I see not why such particular notice is taken of it, especially as a thing they marvelled at.
(3.)He gave them a very plentiful entertainment, sent messes to them from his own table, Gen 43:34. This was the more generous in him, and the more obliging to them, because of the present scarcity of provisions. In a day of famine, it is enough to be fed; but here they were feasted. Perhaps they had not had such a good dinner for many months. It is said, They drank and were merry; their cares and fears were now over, and they ate their bread with joy, concluding they were now upon good terms with the man, the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful. Yet when we sit, as they here did, to eat with a ruler, we should consider what is before us, and not indulge our appetite, nor be desirous of dainties, Pro 23:1-3. Joseph gave them to understand that Benjamin was his favourite; for his mess was five times as much as any of theirs, not as if he would have him eat so much more than the rest, for then he must eat more than would do him good (and it is no act of friendship, but rather an injury and unkindness, to press any either to eat or drink to excess), but thus he would testify his particular respect for him, that he might try whether his brethren would envy Benjamin his larger messes, as formerly they had envied himself his finer coat. And it must be our rule, in such cases, to be content with what we have, and not to grieve at what others have.
Joseph began to make his brothers sit down as if around his [divining] cup; the elder according to his status as elder and the youngest according to his youth. It is amazing that his brothers did not recognize him: not by the money in their provisions when they went home the first time, not when Joseph had Simeon bound, not when he asked about his old father when they brought Benjamin back, not when they were accused of cheating, not from the fact that he made them stay in his house and blessed Benjamin, not even from the fact that he knew the names of all of them. This was all the more [amazing] since even his appearance was so similar. Even if his majesty had deluded them, his dreams should have jarred their memory. Although they did not recognize Joseph because of his majesty, his rank and his angry tongue, it was nevertheless because of the Lord that he remained hidden from them until his dreams should be fulfilled in them who had sold him in order to render them false.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 43:33 captures the profound bewilderment of Joseph's brothers as they are seated for a meal in Egypt, meticulously arranged according to their precise birth order, from the eldest to the youngest. Unaware that the powerful Egyptian governor before them is their long-lost brother Joseph, their shared astonishment underscores Joseph's divinely guided plan to test their character, subtly revealing his extraordinary knowledge and preparing them for the monumental revelation of his true identity.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse succinctly captures a moment of intense psychological impact on Joseph's brothers: "And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another."
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Genesis 43:33 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and convey its theological significance. Dramatic Irony is central, as the audience knows Joseph's identity, while his brothers remain oblivious, making their astonishment all the more poignant. Their "marvelling" is a direct result of this hidden truth. The precise seating arrangement acts as a powerful Symbolism of Joseph's divine insight and control, mirroring God's meticulous ordering of events. It also serves as Foreshadowing, hinting at the greater revelation of Joseph's identity and his ultimate position of authority over his brothers, fulfilling his earlier dreams. The brothers' reaction, "marvelled one at another," also illustrates Psychological Realism, vividly portraying their confusion and the unsettling nature of the inexplicable event.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 43:33 is a profound testament to God's meticulous Divine Providence and sovereignty over all circumstances, even the seemingly mundane details of a dining arrangement. Joseph's inexplicable knowledge of his brothers' birth order serves as a powerful, albeit subtle, sign that a higher power is at work, orchestrating events for a purpose far beyond human comprehension. This moment is part of God's redemptive plan, designed to test, humble, and ultimately transform Joseph's brothers, preparing them for reconciliation and the preservation of the covenant family. It underscores that God's ways are often mysterious, working behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will, even through human agents and their intricate plans.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 43:33 offers a powerful reminder that God is always at work, even when His hand is not immediately visible or His methods are beyond our understanding. Just as Joseph meticulously orchestrated events to test and reveal himself to his brothers, God often works in our lives through seemingly coincidental or perplexing circumstances, aligning people and situations to fulfill His purposes. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of trust in God's perfect plan and timing, even when we face bewildering situations or cannot discern the immediate purpose of our trials. It assures us that God is sovereign over every detail, working all things for good for those who love Him, as affirmed in Romans 8:28, even through difficult and confusing circumstances. Our "marvelling" in the face of the inexplicable can be transformed into worship when we recognize the unseen hand of God guiding our paths.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did Joseph know the precise birth order of his brothers?
Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state how Joseph knew their exact birth order, which is precisely what caused his brothers' profound astonishment. While Joseph possessed intimate knowledge of his family from before he was sold into slavery, and it is plausible he simply remembered the order, the narrative's emphasis on the brothers' "marvelling" suggests something more. Many commentators believe this knowledge was a result of divine revelation, or at least a divinely-guided insight, highlighting Joseph's extraordinary wisdom and the supernatural element at play. This served as a powerful, inexplicable sign to his brothers, hinting at a deeper reality concerning their host and preparing them for the eventual revelation of his true identity.
Why was the brothers' "marvelling" significant?
Answer: Their astonishment ("marvelled one at another") was crucial because it created a sense of profound bewilderment and wonder. It highlighted the inexplicable nature of their host's knowledge, which transcended any natural explanation. This deep perplexity served to break down their assumptions, make them question the situation, and ultimately prepared their hearts and minds for the even greater, more astounding revelation of Joseph's true identity. It was a deliberate psychological step in Joseph's intricate plan to bring them to a place of humility, recognition, and repentance, setting the stage for the reconciliation that would follow in Genesis 45.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph, in this moment of hidden wisdom and orchestrated testing, serves as a profound type of Christ. Just as Joseph, though rejected and seemingly lost to his brothers, became their exalted deliverer and provider, so too Christ, rejected by His own people, became the world's Savior (John 1:11). Joseph's hidden identity, revealed only after a period of testing and preparation, foreshadows Christ's divine nature and redemptive plan, which were often veiled and understood only through faith and revelation (Colossians 2:2-3). Joseph's seemingly supernatural knowledge of their birth order can be seen as a shadow of Christ's omniscience, knowing the hearts and histories of all humanity, even before they are formed (Psalm 139:1-4). Ultimately, Joseph brought reconciliation and provision to his family, saving them from famine, just as Christ brings reconciliation between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), and provides eternal life, the true bread of life, for all who believe (John 6:35).