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. 31 And they put a meal ready for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians who were with him by themselves; because the Egyptians may not take food with the Hebrews, for that would make them unclean. 32 And they were all given their seats before him in order of birth, from the oldest to the youngest: so that they were looking at one another in wonder. 33 And Joseph sent food to them from his table, but he sent five times as much to Benjamin as to any of the others. And they took wine freely with him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 43:24-50
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.