Genesis 43

3. Judah. The strong and dominating character of Judah makes itself felt at this crisis. Cp. his action as shown in xxxvii. 26, 27, and see xlix. 8-10 and 1 Chr. v. 2.

8 the lad. So called as the youngest, though he was married, and had sons.

11 best fruits. Heb., “song of the land,” i.e., its most famous produce.

12 double money. The money for the last supply of corn, as well as “other money” (ver. 22) for that which was now to be procured.

16 mon. Indications of ancient Egyptian usages,—the dining at noon, the rigid attention to precedence at table, and the careful separation between Egyptians and those of a different nation. Their use of animal food is proved by the testimony of Herodotus (bk. ii. c. 37, 77), and by the evidence of existing monuments.

32 by themselves. Not difficult according to Eastern custom, as there is a separate tray for every two or three guests, who form a group round it. And it is a mark of honour to a person to put as many dishes as possible upon the tray set before him. See ver. 34.

Egyptians. Egyptians were as careful of ceremonial purity as Pharisees. The dislike of native Egyptians to shepherds is shown on their monuments. Cp. xlvi. 34.

33 according to his birthright . . . another. It is not said that Joseph thus placed them. They may have taken their seats in their natural order, and “marvelled” at the strangeness of the circumstances in which they found themselves.