MPV Commentary

The Dinner.

Joseph instructed his servants to set out the food, using the term "bread" to refer to all the dishes available (31). In ancient Egyptian culture, tables were often small stools with a round shape, allowing guests to be seated according to their social status or rank. Typically, two or three people sat at one table, but the host would have his own separate table. This arrangement also ensured that Egyptians and Hebrews did not share dishes.

The Egyptians had a strong prejudice against eating bread with Hebrews, considering it an abomination (32). This aversion likely stemmed from the historical conflicts between Egyptian rulers and the shepherd-kings of Israel.

When serving their guests, the Egyptians would often show respect by giving them a choice piece of food or ordering a special dish to be taken to the stranger. In this case, Benjamin received five times more than his brothers (34), indicating a high level of honor and distinction. The other brothers drank freely with Joseph, enjoying themselves in his company (same as So 5:1; Joh 2:10). This suggests that their earlier anxieties had been alleviated, and they were now at ease.