This verse from Genesis 43:25 is a simple statement of preparation and anticipation. Let's break it down:
"They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon...": "They" refers to Joseph's brothers. They are in Egypt to buy grain and are about to encounter Joseph, whom they don't recognize. They have brought a "present" for him, likely hoping to appease this powerful Egyptian official and secure a favorable outcome in their dealings with him. The "noon" reference indicates they expect Joseph to arrive around midday.
"...for they heard that they should eat bread there.": This part explains their motivation for preparing the present now. They have been told (presumably by Joseph's steward or someone else in his household) that they are invited to eat a meal with Joseph. Sharing a meal was, and often still is, a sign of hospitality and potential favor. They understand the significance of being invited to eat with this important person, so they want to make a good impression by having the present ready when he arrives.
In simpler terms:
Joseph's brothers learned they were going to have lunch with the important Egyptian official (Joseph, though they don't know it's him). They quickly got the gift they brought ready, hoping to make a good impression before the meal.
Context is important:
This verse is part of a larger narrative filled with irony and drama. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery years ago, and now they are unknowingly standing before him in a position of powerlessness. Their attempts to appease him with gifts are a stark contrast to their past betrayal. The anticipation builds as they prepare for this fateful meeting.
This verse from Genesis 43:25 is a simple statement of preparation and anticipation. Let's break it down:
"They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon...": "They" refers to Joseph's brothers. They are in Egypt to buy grain and are about to encounter Joseph, whom they don't recognize. They have brought a "present" for him, likely hoping to appease this powerful Egyptian official and secure a favorable outcome in their dealings with him. The "noon" reference indicates they expect Joseph to arrive around midday.
"...for they heard that they should eat bread there.": This part explains their motivation for preparing the present now. They have been told (presumably by Joseph's steward or someone else in his household) that they are invited to eat a meal with Joseph. Sharing a meal was, and often still is, a sign of hospitality and potential favor. They understand the significance of being invited to eat with this important person, so they want to make a good impression by having the present ready when he arrives.
In simpler terms:
Joseph's brothers learned they were going to have lunch with the important Egyptian official (Joseph, though they don't know it's him). They quickly got the gift they brought ready, hoping to make a good impression before the meal.
Context is important:
This verse is part of a larger narrative filled with irony and drama. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery years ago, and now they are unknowingly standing before him in a position of powerlessness. Their attempts to appease him with gifts are a stark contrast to their past betrayal. The anticipation builds as they prepare for this fateful meeting.