24 Then the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water , and they washed their feet ; and he gave their donkeys fodder . 25 So they prepared the present for Joseph's coming at noon ; for they had heard that they were to eat a meal there .
26 When Joseph came home , they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him. 27 Then he asked them about their welfare , and said , " Is your old father well , of whom you spoke ? Is he still alive ?" 28 They said , "Your servant our father is well ; he is still alive ." They bowed down in homage . 29 As he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin , his mother's son , he said , "Is this your youngest brother , of whom you spoke to me?" And he said , " May God be gracious to you, my son ." 30 Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother , and he sought a place to weep ; and he entered his chamber and wept there . 31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said , "Serve the meal ." 32 So they served him by himself , and them by themselves , and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves , because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews , for that is loathsome to the Egyptians . 33 Now they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth , and the men looked at one another in astonishment . 34 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.
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.