Bible Commentaries
Genesis 43

Verses 1-34

The Second Visit to Egypt

11. Balm] or ’balsam,’with healing properties. Honey] This was grape-honey, a syrup made of grapes and diluted with water for a drink. It is still exported from Hebron to Egypt. Syria is famous for its pistachio nuts and almonds which do not grow in Egypt.

12. Double money] (1) to repay that put in the sack, and (2) to purchase fresh stores.

18. Again the guilty conscience which dreads every fresh event.

30. Bowels] regarded as the seat of the affections by the Hebrews: cp. 2 Corinthians 6:12.

32. The distinctions observed here were due to the existence of various castes among the Egyptians. As with the Hindoos, it was unheard of for a man of one caste to eat from the vessels used by another.

34. He sent messes] ’Mess’ is derived from Lat. missum, ’sent’: so a dish of meat sent. To do this is an Eastern mark of honour: 2 Samuel 11:8. Sometimes the host personally puts a particularly choice morsel into the guest’s mouth. Joseph’s love for Benjamin is thus markedly shown.