Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 43:16
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring [these] men home, and slay, and make ready; for [these] men shall dine with me at noon.
16. the steward of his house ] See Gen 43:19 and Gen 44:1; Gen 44:4. The steward of Joseph’s house was the “major domo” of the establishment. Joseph himself had occupied that position. Cf. Gen 39:5.
slay ] The slaying of animals indicated a banquet. It was a sign of special honour. Meat food was not usual for the Bedouin. But it was probably regularly eaten by kings and their officials, and by dwellers in towns in Egypt.
at noon ] Observe the hour for a banquet. In Palestine the chief meal was in the evening. Cf. Gen 31:54; 1Sa 9:19.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 16. Slay, and make ready] teboach tebach, slay a slaying, or make a great slaughter – let preparations be made for a great feast or entertainment. See a similar form of speech, Pr 9:2; 1Sa 25:11; and Ge 31:54.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The usual time for the more solemn meal in the east countries, as the evening was the time, and the supper the great meal, among the Romans.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
16. ruler of his houseIn thehouses of wealthy Egyptians one upper man servant was intrusted withthe management of the house (compare Ge39:5).
slay, and make readyHebrew,“kill a killing”implying preparations for a grandentertainment (compare Gen 31:54;1Sa 25:11; Pro 9:2;Mat 22:4). The animals have to bekilled as well as prepared at home. The heat of the climate requiresthat the cook should take the joints directly from the hands of theflesher, and the Oriental taste is, from habit, fond of newly killedmeat. A great profusion of viands, with an inexhaustible supply ofvegetables, was provided for the repasts, to which strangers wereinvited, the pride of Egyptian people consisting rather in thequantity and variety than in the choice or delicacy of the dishes attheir table.
dine . . . at noonThehour of dinner was at midday.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them,…. Whom he knew, though he had not seen him twenty two years, and though he must be very much altered, being but about ten years of age when Joseph was said into Egypt, yet being with the rest of his brethren, whom he knew very well, concluded it must be him:
he said to the ruler of his house; his steward, as be is after called, not his son Manasseh, as the Targum of Jonathan:
bring [these] men home; to his own house, for Joseph was now at or near the place where were the granaries of corn, and where that was said and distributed:
and slay, and make ready; or “slay a slaughter” t, that is, of beasts for food; a sheep, or a lamb, or a calf, very probably, and order it to be dressed, boiled or roasted, or both, that it might be fit for food: wherefore Aben Ezra must be mistaken when Ge 46:34; he says, that the Egyptians in those times did not eat flesh, nor might any kill a sheep; for it cannot be thought that Joseph could order a dinner for his brethren, to whom as yet he did not choose to make himself known, in direct violation of the customs and laws of Egypt, and who, it is plain by what follows, dined as an Egyptian, and with the Egyptians, and not as an Hebrew, and with his brethren as Hebrews; besides, for what purpose did Pharaoh get and possess such herds and flocks of cattle, if not for food as well as other uses? see Ge 47:6; though in later times they abstained from eating various animals, as Porphyry u from Chaeremon relates, and particularly from sheep and goats, according to Juvenal x:
for [these] men shall dine with me at noon; which was the usual time of dining with the eastern people, as it is now with us, though with the Romans at evening.
t “macta mactationem”, Drusius, Schmidt; “macta animalia”, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. u De abstinentia, l. 4. sect. 6, 7. x “—–lanatis animalibus abstinet omnis Mensa, nefas illic foetus jugulare capellae.” Satyr 15. ver. 11, 12.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
When the brethren appeared before Joseph, he ordered his steward to take them into the house, and prepare a dinner for them and for him. the original form of the imperative for . But the brethren were alarmed, thinking that they were taken into the house because of the money which returned the first time ( which came back, they could not imagine how), that he might take them unawares (lit., roll upon them), and fall upon them, and keep them as salves, along with their asses. For the purpose of averting what they dreaded, they approached (Gen 43:19) the steward and told him, “at the door of the house,” before they entered therefore, how, at the first purchase of corn, on opening their sacks, they found the money that had been paid, “ every one’s money in the mouth of his sack, our money according to its weight, ” i.e., in full, and had now brought it back, together with some more money to buy corn, and they did not know who had put their money in their sacks (Gen 43:20-22). The steward, who was initiated into Joseph’s plans, replied in a pacifying tone, “Peace be to you ( is not a form of salutation here, but of encouragement, as in Jdg 6:23): fear not; your God and the God of your father has given you a treasure in your sacks; your money came to me; ” and at the same time, to banish all their fear, he brought Simeon out to them. He then conducted them into Joseph’s house, and received them in Oriental fashion as the guests of his lord. But, previous to Joseph’s arrival, they arranged the present which they had brought with them, as they heard that they were to dine with him.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
16. And he said to the ruler of his house. Here we perceive the fraternal disposition of Joseph; though it is uncertain whether he was perfectly reconciled, as I will shortly show, in its proper place. If, however, remembering the injury, he loved his brethren less than before, he was still far from having vindictive feelings towards them. But because it was something suspicious that foreigners and men of ignoble rank should be received in a friendly manner, like known guests, to a banquet, by the chief governor of the kingdom, the sons of Jacob would conceive a new fear; namely, that he wished to cast them all into chains; and that their money had been craftily concealed in their sacks, in order that it might prove the occasion of accusation against them. It is however probable, that the crime which they had committed against Joseph, occurred to their minds, and that this fear had proceeded from a guilty conscience. For, unless the judgment of God had tormented them, there was no cause why they should apprehend such an act of perfidy. It may seem absurd, that unknown men should be received to a feast by a prince of the highest dignity. But why not rather incline to a different conjecture; namely, that the governor of Egypt has done this for the purpose of exhibiting to his friends the new and unwonted spectacle of eleven brethren sitting at one table? It will, indeed, sometimes happen that similar anxiety to that felt by Joseph’s brethren, may invade even the best of men; but I would rather ascribe it to the judgment of God, that the sons of Jacob, whose conscience accused them of having inhumanely treated their brother, suspected that they would be dealt with in the same manner. However, they take an early opportunity of vindicating themselves, before inquiry is made respecting the theft. Now, freely to declare that the money had been found in their sacks, and that they had brought it from home to repay it immediately was a strong mark of their innocence. Moreover, they do this in the very porch of the house, because they suspected that, as soon as they entered, the question would be put to them.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(16) Slay.The charge of inaccuracy brought against the narrator, upon the supposition that the higher classes in Egypt, especially the priests, did not eat flesh, has been abundantly disproved, as the representations of feasts belonging to this period show that an abundance of animal food was consumed. Animals, moreover, sacred in one district were freely eaten in another. Generally the priests might eat the flesh of oxen and geese, but not mutton, pork or fish. (Rawlinsons Egypt, i. 438.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
RECEPTION AND FEAST AT JOSEPH’S HOUSE, Gen 43:16-34.
16. The ruler of his house His steward, who had oversight of his domestic affairs .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and kill and make ready, for the men will dine with me at noon.” And the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house, and they said, “We have been brought in because of the silver that was returned in our sacks the first time, that he may seek occasion against us and fall on us and take us for bondmen, and our asses.” ’
When Joseph sees Benjamin his heart is full and he tells his steward that he will eat with the men at noon and that he must prepare a feast. His steward is, of course, an important person in his own right. Meanwhile Joseph must continue ‘overseeing’ the sale of the corn.
But when they are brought to his splendid house, well guarded by Egyptian soldiers and magnificent beyond their dreams, they are fearful as to what it means. Their minds return to the silver that had mysteriously appeared in their sacks and they remember how they had thought it was a plant. Now they are sure of it. It has been planted on them so that an excuse can be found to enslave them and take their possessions.
“Fall on us.” They have a vision of the Egyptian guards suddenly pouncing on them and carrying them off to prison.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Gen 43:16. Slay, and make ready Hebrew, kill a killing; an expression denoting preparation for a grand repast, Pro 9:2. 1Sa 25:11. The usual time for the more solemn meal in these countries was at noon or in the evening.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
What a change! in their last visit, Joseph spake roughly to them: now they are to dine with him. Ecc 7:14 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring [these] men home, and slay, and make ready; for [these] men shall dine with me at noon.
Ver. 16. Slay, and make ready. ] Heb., Slay a slaughter of beasts, as at feasts is usual. Quaere nunc cur subito moriamur? saith Seneca; quia mortibas vivimus; What wonder we die suddenly, that live by the death of others?
Shall dine with me at noon.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Gen 43:16-25
16When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to his house steward, “Bring the men into the house, and slay an animal and make ready; for the men are to dine with me at noon.” 17So the man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18Now the men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “It is because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time that we are being brought in, that he may seek occasion against us and fall upon us, and take us for slaves with our donkeys.” 19So they came near to Joseph’s house steward, and spoke to him at the entrance of the house, 20and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food, 21and it came about when we came to the lodging place, that we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full. So we have brought it back in our hand. 22We have also brought down other money in our hand to buy food; we do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23He said, “Be at ease, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24Then the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder. 25So they prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there.
Gen 43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin he prepared for a special noon meal.
1. bring the men into the house, BDB 97, KB 112, Hiphil IMPERATIVE
2. slay an animal, BDB 370, KB 368, Qal IMPERATIVE
3. make ready, BDB 465, KB 464, Hiphil IMPERATIVE
Egyptians mostly ate fish and fowl with vegetables and lots of bread. The slaughter of a larger animal was done at the home and only for special occasions (cf. James W. Freeman, Manners and Customs of the Bible, p. 50).
Gen 43:18 “he may seek occasion against us” This is an unusual and rare metaphor. The VERB (BDB 164 II, KB 193, Hithpoel INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) means “to roll” or “to roll away.” Here it implies “rolling over somebody so as to hurt them.” The only other usage in this stem is 2Sa 20:12, where it denotes rolling in ones own blood.
“and fall upon us” This VERB (BDB 656, KB 709, Hithpael INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT), in the Qal stem is used for being attacked (cf. Jos 11:7; Job 1:15) or falling into the hands (power) of an enemy (cf. Jdg 15:18). The use of this VERB in this stem is unique to this text.
These brothers did not understand why they were being brought to Joseph’s home and were very frightened. They thought it was related to their first visit and the money in their sacks (cf. Gen 43:20-22).
Gen 43:19 “So they came near to Joseph’s house steward” This man seems to be very well informed. This is true not only of the details of Joseph’s plan, but of the theology that informed Joseph’s faith. It is my assumption that Joseph had shared with the members of his own household and Egyptian associates about his personal faith in the covenant God of Abraham. It is interesting that the sons of Jacob in Gen 43:18 are so overwhelmed in the presence of the splendor of Egypt that they would have the nomadic fears of someone wanting to steal their animals. This is really a case of “country folks who had come to the big city.”
Gen 43:20 “we indeed came down the first time” This phrase is intensified by the use of an INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE and a PERFECT VERB of the same root (BDB 432, KB 434, both Qal stems).
Gen 43:23 “Be at ease” There is no VERB, just a PREPOSITION and the NOUN shalom. It is an implied IMPERATIVE.
“do not be afraid” This VERB (BDB 431, KB 432) is a Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
house. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject). House put for the servants of it.
slay. Hebrew “slay a slaying”. Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6, = slay abundantly.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Joseph Feasts His Brothers
Gen 43:16-34
Our Savior, of whom Joseph was such a striking emblem, knows all about us. Though we may fear Him with a great fear, He is providing for us with a thoughtful tenderness, which adapts itself to our every need. There is water for traveled feet; the benediction of peace for troubled hearts; a feast for hungry souls; tears of love for Benjamin; and a consideration of our very sitting at His table, which reveals His perfect knowledge of us. He waits to manifest himself as He does not to the world. The only thing that can separate is unconfessed sin. But just so soon as this is put away, the flood gates are opened and heart commingles with heart. Do not His mercies lead us to repentance?
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
the ruler: Gen 43:19, Gen 15:2, Gen 24:2-10, Gen 39:4, Gen 39:5, Gen 44:1
slay: Heb. kill a killing, Gen 21:8, Gen 26:30, Gen 31:54, 1Sa 25:11, Tevoch taivach, “slay a slaying,” or make a great slaughter: Let preparations be made for a great feast or entertainment. See note on a similar form of speech in Gen 31:54. 1Sa 25:11, Pro 9:2
dine with: Heb. eat
Reciprocal: Gen 43:25 – General Gen 43:32 – eat bread Gen 44:14 – he was yet Gen 44:32 – General Luk 17:8 – Make
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Joseph a Type of Grace
Gen 43:16-34
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
1. Grace defined. There is a verse in Romans which reads: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” There is a verse in Revelation which reads, “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins.” Both of these Scriptures display God’s love toward us while we were yet in sin, and utterly unworthy of His love. That is grace, Grace is Mercy to the unmerciful, Love to the unlovely.
In Deuteronomy it is written, “The Lord did not set His love upon you, * * because ye were more in number than any people; * * but because the Lord loved you.”
2. Grace inexplicable. Not one of us can explain the grace of God. This is particularly true when we remember the pit out of which we were digged. When we sit in reverie, thinking of how salvation came to us, we are amazed and filled with wonder. We were sinners worthy only of death, yet He came forth from the Father and died, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. There was no compelling force which nailed Christ to the Tree save that of His love. He died because He chose to die. He had the power to lay His life down, and He had power to take it again. All this He did willingly. As a sheep before the shearers He was dumb, as a lamb being led to the slaughter, He opened not His mouth.
Who can explain the “Father forgive them,” which Christ prayed as He hung upon the Cross, or, who can explain the “To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise,” which He spoke to the malefactor? No more can we explain God’s grace to us, which took our feet out of the miry clay, and set them on the Rock.
3. Grace all abounding. If grace cannot be explained, neither can it be measured. It is so full and so free in its benefactions that it goes beyond even the bounds of human comprehension.
4. Grace loves on. Grace is too big and too lasting to be confined to the few days of our earthly sojourn. Grace first touched us while we were yet sinners, Grace still enfoldeth us as we move along our Christian pathway. Grace will follow us into that great eternal Home beyond these earthly scenes.
There is a wonderful verse in Eph 2:7. Here it is: “That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Thus grace will ever be unveiling its matchless charms through the ever budding aeons of eternity. It will never cease to bring us some new marvels and benefactions of God’s undying love.
When rivers cease their course to run,
And seas are dry;
When never more shall shine the sun,
To light thy sky;
When mountains all have turned to dust,
And rocks are gone;
When gold and silver turn to rust,
He still loves on,
I. GRACE AS EXEMPLIFIED IN A DINNER (Gen 43:16)
1. A gracious invitation. When Joseph saw his brethren and Benjamin with them, he said: “Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon.” Even so we hear the Lord speaking the parable of a great supper, and of a great invitation. “Come; for all things are now ready.” Many began to say, “I pray thee have me excused.” The lord of the feast, however, sent his servants out into the byways and hedges saying, “Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
With what strange thrills did the sons of Jacob hear this call to eat with the great man of Egypt. Yes, and with what misgivings and marvelings! They could not grasp why the ruler in Egypt should ask them to eat at his table.
No more can we understand why the Lord of Glory asks us to sup with Him. Yet it is even so. Unworthy though we be, yet we are invited. Sinful though we be, yet we may eat at His feast.
2. A gracious combination. Study this picture. Joseph welcoming his brethren and sitting at meat with his would-be slayers. He was preparing to eat with the men who cast him into the pit; with the men who sold him to the Ishmaelites; with the men who had brought upon him those months of anguish in the prison in Egypt.
Such, however, is the grace of God in Christ Jesus. The scribes and the Pharisees said of Him, “This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” That is just what He did; and it is just what He still does. He eats with you and with me.
What is the result of this wonderful grace toward me? It is this, I love Him.
II. AFRAID OF UNMERITED GRACE (Gen 43:18)
1. Joseph was overkind, and his brethren were over-afraid. They had many misgivings. As yet they knew not Joseph. Yet they, who were never accustomed to act with such a magnanimous spirit, felt that the stranger, who was ruler of Egypt, was, through his goodness, in fact but seeking their ruin.
Thus they told the steward of Joseph’s house how they had each one found his money in the mouths of their several sacks, and that they had come back with that money, and also with additional money, with which to buy more corn.
The brethren, among themselves, said, Egypt’s ruler is trying to “seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen.”
Have we ever known God’s grace to be feared? Have we ever known wicked men to imagine that God was against them, and seeking to destroy them? Even so. Strange as it may seem, the ungodly, as a rule, have a very warped idea of God’s goodness and mercy.
They even go so far as to condemn God for all the sickness, all the sorrow, all the wants that befall them. The God of all grace is held responsible for all that Satan does against the sinner. He is blamed for all the trouble that they themselves, through their sins, bring upon themselves.
2. The brethren were trying by right living to justify their past evil acts and deeds. Yes, they did bring back the money they found in their sacks. They did make good explanations. We wonder if they thought that this would restore them to favor with the one whom they had years ago treated so wrongfully? We do know that many unsaved of today, in approaching the Lord Jesus, try to come with gifts, or with so-called good works, or with something in their hands to supposedly assist them in getting saved. That is wrong.
III. GRACE THE REALM OF PERFECT PEACE (Gen 43:26)
1. The sons of Jacob had been standing on the foundation of justice. They were saying, “We have done this, and we have done that.” They little realized that if they had received for all they had done, justice would have been their undoing. The mountain of Sinai, the mount of justice, reels under the throes of God’s judgments. Let no one ever come to God on such a basis, lest he come to dismay.
2. Joseph’s steward quickly placed them on the foundation of grace. He said, “Fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks.” The gift of God is Scripturally called, “the free gift.” That is because salvation lies in the regions of grace. It is “the grace of God, and the gift by grace” which hath abounded unto us in Christ Jesus.
The gift is again, Scripturally, joined with grace, for it is written: “Much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness.” So it is today, as it was with Joseph’s brethren, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”
3. Grace is the harbinger of peace. Joseph’s steward said to them that the money in their sacks was the gift of God. He also said, “Peace be to you, fear not.” Thus also is written, “Being justified by faith, we have peace.”
Why should his brethren fear, when Joseph (the ruler) was dealing with them not on the basis of their worth, or worthiness, but by grace? Why should they stand in jeopardy? Why should they fear? They had peace, why not enjoy it?
Others may be like the sea when it cannot rest; but to us Christ says, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Even though these men were about to be ushered into the presence of Joseph, they could come before him in confidence, even as it is written: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
IV. THE BESTOWALS OF GRACE (Gen 43:24-25)
1. The man gave them water. It reads so like the New Testament where the Lord Jesus took a basin, and girding Himself with a towel, He began to wash His disciples’ feet. The difference is that in Genesis the men washed their own feet.
In Genesis they were about to enter into Joseph’s presence; in the upper room they were about to enter into service for the Lord in a new way.
Thank God that grace provides for the washing of the feet. And, “He that is washed needed not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.” The “feet” stand for service. The “feet” stand for the walk of the believer. To walk in Christ’s way, the feet must be clean. Grace not only ushers us into the presence of the Lord, but it washes us from every defilement, that we may go forth to work His will.
In another chapter we read of the vessels in a great house. “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master’s use.”
“Who shall ascend into the Hill of the Lord? * * He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.” “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Thus, whether for fellowship in the Master’s presence, or in service for His name, we must be washed.
V. GRACE QUESTIONING (Gen 43:26-28)
1. The deep concern in the heart of Joseph. And Joseph said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?”
Does it appear strange to you that Joseph, after the many years of absence from his father and his home, should be so concerned as to his welfare? Well, Joseph did care, and he cared greatly.
Our Lord Jesus has gone beyond this pale of earthly suffering. He is now exalted at the Father’s right hand; even as Joseph was exalted to Pharaoh’s right hand. After the years, and the exaltation, does Jesus care?
2. The sons of Jacob answering. It is striking to see them draw near to Joseph, and to behold them bowing themselves down, and making obeisance. This they did in fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams of yore. It was grace-the graciousness of Joseph-that caused them to prostrate themselves before him. Shall we not, in a like manner, draw nigh to God, and to the throne of His grace, and bend the head and knee? It is thus that we will obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need.
Bend the knee, and prostrate fall,
Christ now reigneth over all;
Let the people on Him call,
He died for thee.
VI. GRACE YEARNING (Gen 43:30-31)
1. The deep throbbings of Joseph’s affections. It was not the stalwart ten sons of Jacob who alone drew upon Joseph’s spirit; it was the youngest brother, Benjamin. Somehow this lad had a strong appeal to Joseph. He took him near to himself, and said, “God be gracious unto thee, my son.” Even so the Lord gathered the children in His arms and blessed them, saying, “Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“And Joseph made haste; * * and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.”
The compassionate Joseph bespeaks of the compassionate Christ. “Jesus wept.” The Lord was no cold-hearted, formal preacher of righteousness, who withdrew Himself from the deep need of the populace. Nay, He was moved with compassion when He saw their sickness and their grief.
The Lord could weep with those who wept. He wept at the grave of Lazarus; He wept over the city of Jerusalem. The fact that they knew Him not did not change His tears to censure. He wept, saying, “How often would I have gathered thy children together.” His heart still cares for us, and also for the millions who are dying as rejecters of His grace.
2. A heart that can weep, can love. How deep was Joseph’s love for his own? Just as deep as were his tears. There is Another’s love that we may well measure by His tears and tender compassions. When Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus, the Jews said, “Behold how He loved him!”
Yes, Christ did love Lazarus, and He loves you and me.
Mark you this: The heart that loves, wants to be loved. Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” Even now He asks as much of thee.
“O my Friend, teach me to be Thine.”
VII. GRACE FEASTING (Gen 43:32-34)
1. They set on bread. Eating around the same table represents a “favored fellowship.” What a scene! The men who had stood against Joseph, now are seated with him in his home, eating with him of his bounty.
It will do well to study, just here, the word of Eph 2:1-22 : Ye were “the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, * * hath * * made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Then come the significant words: “For by grace are ye saved.”
Truly Joseph had abolished the enmity. He had broken down the middle wall of partition that was between them, so making peace.
Is any statement of Scripture from God more precious than this: “We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him”? Yes, our Lord does say, “I will sup with you, and ye with Me.” How wonderful it will be in the Father’s Kingdom, when Christ will fulfill His words relative to the eating again of the bread, and the drinking of the cup. “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s Kingdom.”
2. They drank and were merry with him. Perhaps we give too little attention to fellowshiping with our Lord. We imagine in some vague way, perhaps, that our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; and yet we know but little of a real and vital present-hour walking and talking with Him. If God has called us into fellowship with His Son, shall we dwell afar from Him? How plaintive is the voice of the Lord to Ephesus: “Thou hast left thy first love.” Let our heart’s experience be clothed in one word-“together.”
“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” Let us so lean, and leaning, cling to Him.
AN ILLUSTRATION
Joseph’s grace gave his father and brethren sufficient for the journey, as well as his love.
“A Christian merchant in Liverpool was talking with another business gentleman who appeared to be anxious about his soul. The Christian was speaking of the finished work of Christ (Joh 19:30)-what it was, and what it did for the sinner. Telling him that God in virtue of the work of the Lord pardoned a sinner so completely that there was not a single charge of sin left against him, he queried, ‘Isn’t that enough?’ ‘No,’ said the other man, ‘it is not enough.’ ‘If I were to fail in business, and could not pay, my creditors might take pity on me, put their heads together, and give me a free and full discharge, would that not be sufficient?’ said the Christian. ‘No,’ said the other; ‘I would want cash to go on with.’ The Christian pointed out that that was precisely what Christ did. He not only frees the. sinner from the guilt of his sin, but He lives to save him from the power of sin day by day (Heb 7:25), puts the Holy Spirit into his heart, the Word of God into his hand, and guarantees that he will go on safely to the end (Joh 6:39).”
Fuente: Neighbour’s Wells of Living Water
A better translation of, "I had your money," (Gen 43:23) is, "Your money had come to me."