Genesis 43

Chap. XLIII. Ver. 1-34. Jacob sends Benjamin into Egypt.—Heart-breaking as the thought was to part with Benjamin, there is no other alternative; Benjamin must go into Egypt, or he and his father must starve at home; for “the famine was sore in the land,” and his brethren would not go without him. Reuben indeed, had offered to pledge his two sons, and Judah pledged himself for the security of the lad; and it is observable, that these are the only two who in different ways laboured to save the life of Joseph, which marks them as the most humane of the family, though it is evident that their security amounted to nothing; for if any thing happened to Benjamin, the death of Reuben’s sons would not restore him, an more than the reproaches that could be heaped on Judah.

It was, however, a case of necessity, and upon that ground alone the aged Patriarch gives his consent. “If it must be so,” said he, “carry down the man a present”—“A man’s gift maketh room for him:” ((Proverbs 18:16).)—and though it be but “a little,” it will look respectful, and may be received with kindness. “And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved, I am bereaved.” As if he had said, “I throw myself into the hands of God Almighty, who is all-sufficient, either to deliver or support me!” Similar seems to have been the language of queen Esther, in a like desperate situation—“If I perish, I perish.” (Esther iv. 16.)

Here Joseph no sooner saw Benjamin with his brethren, than he ordered his steward to prepare dinner for them; and, it is observable, it was to consist of animal food, such as his brethren had been accustomed to: “Slay, and make ready;” or, as the margin reads, “Kill a killing;”

from which circumstance it should seem, that this man also was of the family of Abraham. Hence he says, when Joseph’s brethren came trembling before him to return the money found in their sacks, “Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure: I had your money.” —“A guilty conscience,” we often say, “needs no accuser;” so these men, the moment they were ordered to Joseph’s house, supposed it must be to answer to the charge of fraud: and though in this respect yet knew themselves to be innocent, yet they had so much salt upon their consciences, that they might well expect the judgment of God would follow them. All fear is, however, dissipated, when Simeon is brought out to them; their present is accepted, they are admitted to an audience, and the most affectionate inquiries are made after their father’s welfare.

But when he comes to lay his hand on the head of Benjamin, with “God be gracious to thee, my son!” he can go no farther; “he made haste” to retire from the overwhelming scene, and “entered into his chamber, and wept there.” But he recovered himself sufficiently to return to dine with them. Here again all appears mystery and amazement. They were seated according to their age, and they “marvelled one at another.” How should the governor or his steward know this? for if there had been inquiry, there could have been no amazement. And then, again, Benjamin’s mess was five times larger than the others, and this was another mystery; but they were all made welcome. They ate and they drank, and, as the margin says, “drank largely,”

or freely, “and were merry.” It does not follow, however, that they drank to excess, or became intoxicated; the expression is parallel to that used relative to the marriage in Cana of Galilee; ((John 2:10).) when, our Lord being present, we may be assured he would not sanction drunkenness. Wine was given to make the heart merry, but not the head mad.