And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.

Stood before Joseph. We may easily imagine the delight with which, amid the crowd of other applicants, the eye of Joseph would fix on his brethren and Benjamin. But occupied with his public duties, he consigned them to the care of a confidential servant until he should have finished the business of the day.

Ruler of his house. In the houses of wealthy Egyptians one upper man-servant was entrusted with the management of the house (cf. Genesis 39:5).

Slay and make ready. (Heb., 'kill a killing') - implying preparations for a grand entertainment (cf. Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 25:11; Proverbs 9:2; Matthew 22:4). The animals have to be killed as well as prepared at home. The heat of the climate requires that the cook should take the joints directly from the hands of the flesher; and the Oriental taste is, from habit, fond of newly-killed meat. A great profusion of viands, with an inexhaustible supply of vegetables was provided for the repasts, to which strangers were invited, the pride of Egyptian people consisting rather in the quantity and variety, than in the choice or deficacy of the dishes at their table.

Dine with me at noon, х batsaahªraayim (H6672)] - at the two noons (Deuteronomy 28:29): the hour of dinner was at midday.

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