15 And when Joseph saw Benjamin, he said to his chief servant, Take these men into my house, and make ready a meal, for they will take food with me in the middle of the day. 16 And the servant did as Joseph said, and took the men into Joseph's house. 17 Now the men were full of fear because they had been taken into Joseph's house and they said, It is because of the money which was put back in our bags the first time; he is looking for something against us, so that he may come down on us and take us and our asses for his use. 18 So they went up to Joseph's chief servant at the door of the house, 19 And said, O my lord, we only came down the first time to get food; 20 And when we came to our night's resting-place, on opening our bags we saw that every man's money was in the mouth of his bag, all our money in full weight: and we have it with us to give it back; 21 As well as more money, with which to get food: we have no idea who put our money in our bags. 22 Then the servant said, Peace be with you: have no fear: your God, even the God of your father, has put wealth in your bags for you: I had your money. Then he let Simeon come out to them. 23 And the servant took them into Joseph's house, and gave them water for washing their feet; and he gave their asses food. 24 And they got ready the things for Joseph before he came in the middle of the day: for word was given to them that they were to have a meal there. 25 And when Joseph came in, they gave him the things which they had for him, and went down to the earth before him.
26 And he said, How are you? is your father well, the old man of whom you were talking to me? is he still living? 27 And they said, Your servant, our father, is well, he is still living. And they went down on their faces before him. 28 Then, lifting up his eyes, he saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother's son, and he said, Is this your youngest brother of whom you gave me word? And he said, God be good to you, my son. 29 Then Joseph's heart went out to his brother, and he went quickly into his room, for he was overcome with weeping. 30 Then, after washing his face, he came out, and controlling his feelings said, Put food before us.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 43:15-30
Commentary on Genesis 43:15-25
(Read Genesis 43:15-25)
Jacob's sons went down the second time into Egypt to buy corn. If we should ever know what a famine of the word means, let us not think it much to travel as far for spiritual food, as they did for bodily food. Joseph's steward had orders from his master to take them to his house. Even this frightened them. Those that are guilty make the worst of every thing. But the steward encouraged them. It appears, from what he said, that by his good master he was brought to the knowledge of the true God, the God of the Hebrews. Religious servants should take all fit occasions to speak of God and his providence, with reverence and seriousness.
Commentary on Genesis 43:26-34
(Read Genesis 43:26-34)
Observe the great respect Joseph's brethren paid to him. Thus were Joseph's dreams more and more fulfilled. Joseph showed great kindness to them. He treated them nobly; but see here the early distance between Jews and gentiles. In a day of famine, it is enough to be fed; but they were feasted. Their cares and fears were now over, and they ate their bread with joy, reckoning they were upon good terms with the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful. Joseph showed special regard for Benjamin, that he might try whether his brethren would envy him. It must be our rule, to be content with what we have, and not to grieve at what others have. Thus Jesus shows those whom he loves, more and more of their need. He makes them see that he is their only refuge from destruction. He overcomes their unwillingness, and brings them to himself. Then, as he sees good, he gives them some taste of his love, and welcomes them to the provisions of his house, as an earnest of what he further intends for them.