Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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another for himself, who durst not own himself a Hebrew, and yet would not sit with the Egyptians. See here an instance,
[1.] Of hospitality and good house-keeping, which are very commendable, according as the ability is.
[2.] Of compliance with people's humours, even whimsical ones, as bishop Patrick calls this of the Egyptians not eating with the Hebrews. Though Joseph was the lord of the land, and orders were given that all people should obey him, yet he would not force the Egyptians to eat with the Hebrews, against their minds, but let them enjoy their humours. Spirits truly generous hate to impose.
[3.] Of the early distance between Jews and Gentiles; one table would not hold them.
(2.) He placed his brethren according to their seniority (Ge 43:33), as if he could certainly divine. Some think they placed themselves so, according to their custom; but, if so, I see not why such particular notice is taken of it, especially as a thing they marvelled at.
(3.) He gave them a very plentiful entertainment, sent messes to them from his own table, Ge 43:34. This was the more generous in him, and the more obliging to them, because of the present scarcity of provisions. In a day of famine, it is enough to be fed; but here they were feasted. Perhaps they had not had such a good dinner for many months. It is said, They drank and were merry; their cares and fears were now over, and they ate their bread with joy, concluding they were now upon good terms with the man, the lord of the land. If God accept our works, our present, we have reason to be cheerful. Yet when we sit, as they here did, to eat with a ruler, we should consider what is before us, and not indulge our appetite, nor be desirous of dainties, Pr 23:1-3. Joseph gave them to understand that Benjamin was his favourite; for his