“And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave their asses provender.”
Genesis 43:24 is part of the narrative of Joseph and his brothers. To fully understand this verse, it is helpful to provide some context.
In the preceding chapters of Genesis, Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery out of jealousy. However, through a series of events, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt. Years later, a famine struck the land, and Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food.
In Genesis 43, Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt for a second time to buy grain. Joseph, who had not yet revealed his true identity to his brothers, tested them by accusing them of being spies. After assessing their honesty and integrity, Joseph chose to keep one of his brothers, Simeon, as collateral while allowing the rest to return home with the grain.
Now, let’s focus on Genesis 43:24 itself: “And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave their asses provender.”
In this verse, “the man” refers to Joseph’s steward or servant who was responsible for overseeing the affairs of Joseph’s house. Upon the brothers’ arrival at Joseph’s house, the steward performed acts of hospitality.
Gave them water: Providing water was an act of refreshment and hospitality in ancient times. Traveling in the desert would leave one thirsty and in need of water, so offering water to guests was a customary gesture of welcome.
They washed their feet: Washing the feet was a common practice in the ancient Near East, especially for travelers who wore sandals on dusty roads. It was an act of hospitality and showed care for the guests’ comfort and cleanliness.
He gave their asses provender: “Asses” refers to the brothers’ donkeys or pack animals, which they used for transportation. “Provender” refers to food or fodder for the animals. The steward provided the necessary sustenance for the brothers’ animals, ensuring their well-being.
This verse showcases Joseph’s hospitality and care for his brothers, even though they did not yet recognize him. It demonstrates the cultural customs and manners of the time, highlighting the significance of hospitality and respect shown to guests.
From a broader perspective, this verse also reminds us of the importance of extending hospitality and kindness to others. It encourages us to treat guests and strangers with warmth, compassion, and generosity. Moreover, it reflects the principle of loving one’s neighbor, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.
In conclusion, Genesis 43:24 illustrates the acts of hospitality and care shown by Joseph’s steward towards his brothers. It provides insight into the customs of the time and encourages us to demonstrate kindness and hospitality to others.
