Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him. - Free Bible Online

Genesis 43:34 And he took portions to them from his own table; but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they feasted and drank freely with him.


      34. took and sent messes . . . Benjamin's mess was five times--In Egypt, as in other Oriental countries, there were, and are, two modes of paying attention to a guest whom the host wishes to honor--either by giving a choice piece from his own hand, or ordering it to be taken to the stranger. The degree of respect shown consists in the quantity, and while the ordinary rule of distinction is a double mess, it must have appeared a very distinguished mark of favor bestowed on Benjamin to have no less than five times any of his brethren.
      they drank, and were merry with him--Hebrew, "drank freely" (same as So 5:1; Joh 2:10). In all these cases the idea of intemperance is excluded. The painful anxieties and cares of Joseph's brethren were dispelled, and they were at ease.

JFB.


Questions Related to this Verse

Where In Scripture Does It Talk About Ancient Customs At Men Alone Present At Feasts?

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Genesis 43 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: Jacob is persuaded to send Benjamin to Egypt, Joseph's brethren bow down to him, They all eat and drink together in Egypt.

Outline
1 Jacob is persuaded by his sons to send Benjamin
15 Joseph speaks with his brethren
31 Joseph makes his brothers a feast

Map of the Journeys of Abraham
Map of the Journeys of Abraham
The Journeys of Abram and Lot

Quick Reference Map
Map of the Nile River
Map of the Nile River and Egypt

Ancient Customs
Famine
balm
honey
spices
myrrh
nuts
almonds
the inn
made obeisance
EGYPTIAN MODE OF DINING
POSITION OF GUESTS AT TABLE
MODE OF DISTRIBUTING FOOD

Ancient Topics
God Almighty

Ancient People
Jacob, Benjamin, Joseph, Simeon, Judah, steward
Egyptians

Geography
Egypt
The land of Canaan

The Old Testament

The Old Testament

Genesis Resources

Creation
Adam and Eve
The Flood
The Tower of Babel
Abraham the First Hebrew
Isaac, Son of Promise
Jacob and the 12 Tribes
Joseph and Egypt
 

Bibliography Information

Free Bible Online Picture Study Bible, King James Version. New York: American Bible Society: www.free-bible.com, 1995-2013. Bible History Picture Study Bible. May 18, 2024.


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