16. ruler of his house--In the houses of wealthy Egyptians one
upper man servant was intrusted with the management of the house
(compare
Ge 39:5).
slay, and make ready--Hebrew, "kill a killing"--implying
preparations for a grand entertainment (compare
Ge 31:54;
1Sa 25:11;
Pr 9:2;
Mt 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 delicacy of
the dishes at their table.
dine . . . at noon--The hour of dinner was at
midday.
JFB.
Outline
1 Jacob is persuaded by his sons to send Benjamin
15 Joseph speaks with his brethren
31 Joseph makes his brothers a feast
Map of the Journeys of Abraham
The Journeys of Abram and Lot
Quick Reference Map
Map of the Nile River and Egypt
Ancient Customs
Famine
balm
honey
spices
myrrh
nuts
almonds
the inn
made obeisance
EGYPTIAN MODE OF DINING
POSITION OF GUESTS AT TABLE
MODE OF DISTRIBUTING FOOD
Ancient Topics
God Almighty
Ancient People
Jacob, Benjamin, Joseph, Simeon, Judah, steward
Egyptians
Geography
Egypt
The land of Canaan
The Old Testament
Genesis Resources
Creation
Adam and Eve
The
Flood
The Tower of Babel
Abraham the First Hebrew
Isaac, Son of Promise
Jacob
and the 12 Tribes
Joseph
and Egypt