“And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin’s mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Genesis that tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. It occurs during a significant moment when Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, is now a high-ranking official in Egypt. His brothers have come to Egypt to buy grain during a famine, but they do not recognize Joseph.
In this verse, Joseph arranges a feast for his brothers. He sends them portions or “messes” of food from his table. It is important to note that Joseph’s brothers are unaware of his true identity. Additionally, Benjamin, Joseph’s younger brother, receives a portion of food that is five times larger than any of the other brothers.
There are a few key points we can draw from this verse:
- Joseph’s generosity:Joseph shows great generosity towards his brothers by providing them with a feast. Despite their previous mistreatment of him, he still chooses to bless them with abundance.
- Benjamin’s special treatment:Benjamin, who is Joseph’s only full brother, receives a portion of food that is significantly larger than the others. This gesture may be seen as an act of favoritism towards Benjamin or as a way for Joseph to test his brothers’ reaction to Benjamin’s preferential treatment.
- Reconciliation and testing:The entire story of Joseph and his brothers is one of reconciliation and testing. Joseph seeks to test the sincerity and character of his brothers, as well as their remorse for their past actions. By treating Benjamin differently and observing their reaction, Joseph is assessing their changed attitudes and the potential for reconciliation.
- Symbolic significance:This verse can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the future restoration and reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. The feast and their enjoyment together signify a temporary reunion and the beginning of the healing process within their fractured family.
Overall, this verse highlights themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the test of character. It demonstrates Joseph’s magnanimity and his desire to bring about a resolution to the strained relationship with his brothers. It also foreshadows the eventual revelation of Joseph’s identity and the profound impact it will have on their lives.
