TRV
Translation
King James Version
And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.
Complete Jewish Bible
Likewise, to his father he sent ten donkeys loaded with the finest goods Egypt produced, as well as ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread and food for his father to eat on the return journey.
Berean Standard Bible
And he sent to his father the following: ten donkeys loaded with the best of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provisions for his father’s journey.
American Standard Version
And to his father he sent after this manner: ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses laden with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way.
World English Bible Messianic
He sent the following to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And vnto his father likewise hee sent ten hee asses laden with the best things of Egypt, and ten shee asses laden with wheate, and bread and meate for his father by the way.
Young's Literal Translation
and to his father he hath sent thus: ten asses bearing of the good things of Egypt, and ten she-asses bearing corn and bread, even food for his father for the way.
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Commentary on Genesis 45 verses 16–24
16 ¶ And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants.
17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan;
18 And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
20 Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
21 And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.
22 To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.
23 And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.
24 So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
Here is, 1. The kindness of Pharaoh to Joseph, and to his relations for his sake: he bade his brethren welcome (Gen 45:16), though it was a time of scarcity, and they were likely to be a charge to him. Nay, because it pleased Pharaoh, it pleased his servants too, at least they pretended to be pleased because Pharaoh was. He engaged Joseph to send for his father down to Egypt, and promised to furnish them with all conveniences both for his removal thither and his settlement there. If the good of all the land of Egypt (as it was not better stocked than any other land, thanks to Joseph, under God) would suffice him, he was welcome to it all, it was all his own, even the fat of the land (Gen 45:18), so that they need not regard their stuff, Gen 45:20. What they had in Canaan he reckoned but stuff, in comparison with what he had for them in Egypt; and therefore if they should be constrained to leave some of that behind them, let them not be discontented; Egypt would afford them enough to make up the losses of their removal. Thus those for whom Christ intends shares in his heavenly glory ought not to regard the stuff of this world: The best of its enjoyments are but stuff, but lumber; we cannot make sure of it while we are here, much less can we carry it away with us; let us not therefore be solicitous about it, nor set our eyes or hearts upon it. There are better things reserved for us in that blessed land whither our Joseph has gone to prepare a place.
II. The kindness of Joseph to his father and brethren. Pharaoh was respectful to Joseph, in gratitude, because he had been an instrument of much good to him and his kingdom, not only preserving it from the common calamity, but helping to make it considerable among the nations; for all their neighbours would say, "Surely the Egyptians are a wise and an understanding people, that are so well stocked in a time of scarcity." For this reason Pharaoh never thought any thing too much that he could do for Joseph. Note, There is a gratitude owing even to inferiors; and when any have shown us kindness we should study to requite it, not only to them, but to their relations. And Joseph likewise was respectful to his father and brethren in duty, because they were his near relations, though his brethren had been his enemies, and his father long a stranger. 1. He furnished them for necessity, Gen 45:21. He gave them wagons and provisions for the way, both going and coming; for we never find that Jacob was very rich, and, at this time, when the famine prevailed, we may suppose he was rather poor. 2. He furnished them for ornament and delight. To his brethren he gave two suits a piece of good clothes, to Benjamin five suits, and money besides in his pocket, Gen 45:22. To his father he sent a very handsome present of the varieties of Egypt, Gen 45:23. Note, Those that are wealthy should be generous, and devise liberal things; what is an abundance good for, but to do good with it? 3. He dismissed them with a seasonable caution: See that you fall not out by the way, Gen 45:24. He knew they were but too apt to be quarrelsome; and what had lately passed, which revived the remembrance of what they had done formerly against their brother, might give them occasion to quarrel. Joseph had observed them to contend about it, Gen 42:22. To one they would say, "It was you that first upbraided him with his dreams;" to another, "It was you that stripped him of his fine coat;" to another, "It was you that threw him into the pit," etc. Now Joseph, having forgiven them all, lays this obligation upon them, not to upbraid one another. This charge our Lord Jesus has given to us, that we love one another, that we live in peace, that whatever occurs, or whatever former occurrences are remembered, we fall not out. For, (1.) We are brethren, we have all one Father. (2.) We are his brethren, and we shame our relation to him who is our peace, if we fall out. (3.) We are guilty, verily guilty, and, instead of quarrelling with one another, have a great deal of reason to fall out with ourselves. (4.) We are, or hope to be, forgiven of God whom we have all offended, and therefore should be ready to forgive one another. (5.) We are by the way, a way that lies through the land of Egypt, where we have many eyes upon us, that seek occasion and advantage against us, a way that leads to Canaan, where we hope to be for ever in perfect peace.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–24. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
ON JOSEPH 13.77
And presents are also sent on ahead to the father. The son does honor to the father; so Christ invites his people with promises and invites them with presents. The presents are carried on asses that before were profitless and fit only for toil but now are profitable. They carry in a figurative way the presents of Christ, and in the gospel the donkeys are going to carry the giver of the presents.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 45:23 vividly portrays Joseph's profound generosity and elevated status as he dispatches a lavish caravan to his father, Jacob, in Canaan. This act of provision, consisting of ten male donkeys laden with Egypt's finest goods and ten female donkeys carrying abundant provisions of grain, bread, and meat, was designed to ensure Jacob's comfortable journey to Egypt. It served as a tangible demonstration of Joseph's enduring love, the complete reconciliation within the family, and the divine orchestration of events that preserved Jacob's household amidst a severe famine, setting the stage for the future nation of Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Genesis 45:23 is situated at the emotional climax of the Joseph narrative, immediately following Joseph's dramatic and tearful revelation of his identity to his brothers. After years of separation, suffering, and a series of tests, Joseph finally declares, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" (see Genesis 45:3). Overwhelmed with joy and recognizing God's sovereign hand in their lives, Joseph instructs his brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father, Jacob, and their entire households to Egypt, promising them settlement in the fertile land of Goshen. Pharaoh himself endorses this plan, generously offering the "good of all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 45:18) and providing wagons for the journey. This verse specifically details the substantial and luxurious provisions Joseph sends back with his brothers, serving as a concrete demonstration of his prosperity, love, and the urgency of their relocation.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the sending of gifts was a common practice, especially between rulers or powerful individuals, signifying status, goodwill, and the sealing of agreements. Joseph, as the second-in-command of Egypt, would have been expected to send a retinue and provisions befitting his position. Donkeys were the primary beasts of burden for long-distance travel, capable of carrying significant loads across diverse terrain. The "good things of Egypt" would have included valuable textiles, exotic foods, perhaps even precious metals or spices, showcasing Egypt's wealth and Joseph's access to it. The provision of grain, bread, and meat was crucial, as Jacob's family was in Canaan, suffering from a severe famine that had gripped the entire region (see Genesis 41:56-57). This lavish provision not only ensured their sustenance during the arduous journey but also served as undeniable proof to Jacob of Joseph's well-being and high standing, dispelling any lingering doubts or fears.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Joseph narrative and the book of Genesis. Foremost is Divine Providence, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates seemingly disparate events—from Joseph's betrayal and sale into slavery (Genesis 37:28) to his rise in Egypt—to preserve His covenant people and fulfill His promises. The lavish provision underscores Reconciliation and Restoration, as Joseph's actions bridge years of pain and estrangement, offering tangible proof of his forgiveness and love. It highlights the theme of Family Preservation, as God uses Joseph to save Jacob's household from famine, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Finally, it emphasizes Joseph's Elevated Status and Wisdom, showcasing his administrative prowess and deep compassion, mirroring God's own character as a provider and redeemer (compare Genesis 50:20).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 45:23 describes the specific, abundant provisions Joseph sent to his father, Jacob, as a concrete expression of his love, status, and the urgent need for his family to relocate to Egypt. The verse states: "And to his father he sent after this [manner]; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way."
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and emotional weight. Hyperbole is evident in the sheer abundance of the provisions—"ten asses" and "ten she asses" laden with "good things" and essential sustenance—which emphasizes Joseph's immense wealth and generosity, far exceeding mere necessity. This lavishness also functions as Symbolism, where the material gifts symbolize the restoration of relationship, the depth of Joseph's love, and the tangible manifestation of God's abundant provision. The meticulous detailing of the provisions also serves as a form of Foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the significant migration of Jacob's entire household to Egypt, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the formation of the nation of Israel and the subsequent Exodus narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 45:23 stands as a powerful testament to divine providence, reconciliation, and abundant provision. Joseph's lavish gifts to his father were not merely practical necessities but a profound expression of his restored love and a tangible sign of his elevated status, enabling him to provide beyond measure for his family during a time of severe famine. This act mirrors God's own character, who not only provides for our basic needs but often blesses us with an abundance that exceeds our expectations, demonstrating His boundless love and faithfulness. It underscores that even through human actions and material means, God orchestrates His redemptive plan, turning past suffering into future blessing and ensuring the preservation of His covenant people.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 45:23 offers a profound lesson on the transformative power of reconciliation and the practical outworking of love. Joseph, having endured betrayal and hardship, responds not with bitterness but with overwhelming generosity, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's redemptive purposes. His meticulous provision for his family, ensuring their comfort and safety, challenges us to consider how we can extend practical care and abundant grace to those in our own lives, especially family members or those who have caused us pain. It reminds us that God often uses our resources, positions, and compassion as channels to fulfill His divine will, preparing the way for His people and demonstrating His faithfulness even through unexpected and challenging circumstances. We are called to be conduits of God's provision, reconciliation, and practical love, reflecting His character to a world in need, moving beyond past hurts to embrace a future of blessing and restoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph send so many provisions to his father?
Answer: Joseph sent abundant provisions for multiple, interconnected reasons. Primarily, it was a profound demonstration of his immense love and deep respect for his father, Jacob, after years of separation. Second, it addressed the practical needs of Jacob and his entire household, ensuring their comfort and sustenance during the arduous journey from Canaan to Egypt, especially in the midst of a severe famine. Finally, the lavishness served as tangible confirmation of Joseph's high status and prosperity in Egypt, thereby reassuring Jacob that Joseph was not only alive but thriving, and that the invitation to relocate was sincere and beneficial for the entire family (see Genesis 45:18-20).
What is the significance of "the good things of Egypt"?
Answer: The phrase "the good things of Egypt" (Hebrew: ṭûḇ Miṣrayim) carries significant weight beyond mere basic necessities. It implies valuable, high-quality, and desirable items, likely luxuries or goods that would impress Jacob and signify Joseph's immense wealth and influence as second-in-command of the most powerful nation in the region. It was a display of honor, a guarantee of comfort, and a testament to Egypt's abundance and Joseph's ability to provide the very best for his family, dispelling any doubts Jacob might have had about the move or Joseph's well-being.
Why are both "asses" and "she asses" mentioned?
Answer: The distinction between "asses" (male donkeys) and "she asses" (female donkeys) primarily serves to emphasize the sheer number and capacity of animals dedicated to this crucial task of transport, highlighting the vast quantity of goods being sent. While male donkeys were generally preferred for heavy burdens, mentioning both might indicate the full complement of available animals being utilized, or perhaps different types of burdens were assigned to each. Ultimately, it underscores the immense scale and meticulous planning of Joseph's provision, ensuring that Jacob's entire household would be well-equipped for their pivotal journey to Egypt (compare Genesis 46:5-7).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's lavish provision for his family in Genesis 45:23 beautifully foreshadows the ultimate provision and reconciliation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph, once rejected and sold by his brothers, became their savior and provider, sustaining them in a time of famine, so too Christ, though rejected by humanity (Isaiah 53:3), became the means of our eternal salvation and spiritual sustenance. Joseph's gifts ensured his family's physical survival and relocation to a place of abundance in Goshen, mirroring Christ's spiritual provision that brings us from the famine of sin and spiritual death into the fullness of God's grace and prepares us for our eternal inheritance in the heavenly kingdom (John 6:35). His act of reconciliation, bridging the gap of past hurts with abundant love and tangible blessing, points profoundly to Christ's atoning work on the cross, which reconciles us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) and brings us into His family, fulfilling God's sovereign plan for humanity's redemption and the establishment of His eternal covenant (Ephesians 2:13-16).