Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 43:25
And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.
25. the present ] Cf. Gen 43:11.
against Joseph came ] i.e. so as to be ready when Joseph arrived. For this use of “against” = “in readiness for the time when,” cf. 2Ki 16:12, “So did Urijah the priest make it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.”
eat bread ] A good instance of the use of this phrase in the sense of “to take a meal,” cf. Gen 43:16, Gen 31:54, Gen 37:25.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon,…. They took it out of their vessels or bags in which they brought it, having unladen their asses, and disposed of it in a proper manner to present it to him when he came home at noon to dine:
for they heard that they should eat bread there; dine there, bread being put for all provision: this was told them, very probably, by the steward, or by some of the servants in the house, or they overheard what Joseph said to the steward, Ge 43:16.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
25. Against Joseph came at noon-day. It is doubtful whether this was the ordinary hour of dining among the Egyptians, or whether Joseph, on that day, sat down earlier than he was accustomed to do, on account of his guests. It is, however, most likely that the usual custom of dining was observed. Although, among the people of the East, there might be a different manner of living, dinners were in use, not only among the Egyptians, but also in Judea, and in other neighboring regions. Yet it is probable that this was to them, also, in the place of a supper, both because they would sit long at table, and our quick method of eating would not have been tolerable to people in those heated climes; especially when they received guests with greater luxury than usual, as it will presently appear, was done at this time. The washing of the feet, (as we have seen before,) was a part of hospitality, and intended to relieve weariness; because, in those parts, the feet might easily become inflamed whenever they journeyed on foot. It was also more honorable, according to ancient custom, that a portion of food should be sent to each from Joseph, rather than that it should be distributed by the cook. But because these things are trivial, and are not conducive to piety, I only slightly touch upon them; and would even omit them entirely, except that, to remove a scruple from the minds of the unskillful, is sometimes useful, if it be but done sparingly and with brevity.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(25) For they heard . . . As Joseph in Gen. 43:16 gives his orders in the Egyptian language, his brethren would not understand why they were taken to the governors palace; but probably the steward now tells them that they were to feast with the governor, in order to allay their fears, as the rights of hospitality were too sacred to permit of perfidy to a guest.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 43:25 And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.
Ver. 25. And they made ready the present. ] For, “a man’s gift makes room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Pro 18:16 So it doth also before God, who looks for “a present,” Psa 72:10 and loves to hear from us. “Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion, and unto thee shall the vow be performed.” Psa 65:1
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
bread. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species). App-6. Bread put for all kinds of food.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Gen 43:11, Gen 43:16
Reciprocal: Gen 43:31 – bread Gen 44:14 – he was yet Exo 2:20 – call him Exo 18:12 – eat bread