Genesis 43:31 Commentary and Bible Study

Joseph returns having removed any trace of his strong feelings; it is essential that at present they do not know who he is, for he has further important lessons to teach them, and the sight of him weeping would have been so strange, that even they might have questioned who he really was. The seating arrangement was unusual, but, as Calvin says, was organised by Joseph. The Egyptians sat apart from the eleven brothers, for the reason given – it was an abomination to them to eat with Hebrews, but Joseph also apparently chose to eat by himself, perhaps to maintain his dignity, as Calvin suggests. The brothers do not choose their own seats but are seated in order by Joseph, according to their age. This was remarkable and they commented on it. It further raised their sense of unease at everything that was happening to them. How did this man, who had arranged this meal for them, know the order of their birth? Was this further evidence of his powers of divination? They are served not from the kitchen by the household servants, but with food taken directly from Joseph’s table, as if they are receiving a personal gift from him. Benjamin is given five times as much as any of the others. These are honour portions that would be served in the ancient world. If you were a very special guest, you got an honour portion. You weren't supposed to eat it, but they were lined up alongside your plate. Again, why is this happening? Joseph has asked for Benjamin to come to Egypt and now is favouring him in an astonishing way. How does he eat so much? They were honour portions, and not necessarily eaten. Would this favouring of Benjamin excite their jealousy as it had done before with Joseph when Joseph was favoured by his father and given the special coat? Lawson suggests that it was Joseph’s purpose to observe this (p 203). The brother’s apprehension begins to dissipate during the feast, but they do not know what is coming next.