421 When Jacob learned that there was food in Egypt, he said to his sons, "Why do you sit around here and look at one another? 2 I've heard that there is food in Egypt. Go down there and buy some so that we can survive and not starve to death." 3 Ten of Joseph's brothers went down to Egypt to get food. 4 Jacob didn't send Joseph's brother Benjamin with them; he was afraid that something bad might happen to him. 5 So Israel's sons joined everyone else that was going to Egypt to buy food, for Canaan, too, was hit hard by the famine. 6 Joseph was running the country; he was the one who gave out rations to all the people. When Joseph's brothers arrived, they treated him with honor, bowing to him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 42:1-6
Commentary on Genesis 42:1-6
(Read Genesis 42:1-6)
Jacob saw the corn his neighbours had bought in Egypt, and brought home. It is a spur to exertion to see others supplied. Shall others get food for their souls, and shall we starve while it is to be had? Having discovered where help is to be had, we should apply for it without delay, without shrinking from labour, or grudging expense, especially as regards our never-dying souls. There is provision in Christ; but we must come to him, and seek it from him.