The language of ivrit ( עברית ) Genesis 43, Post #6
Welcome to my Hebrew reading & language series.
Genesis 43:29-
As we discussed last week, Joseph's brothers were told to go back to their father and to return to Mistraim (Egypt) with their youngest brother Benjamin. Jacob had resisted allowing them to take Benjamin with until they were nearly starving. Now the brothers are back and Joseph enters as we return to the story.
Joseph asked them how their father is doing last week. Today we read that he first lays eyes on his little brother. When he saw him, he had to run out of the room and find a place to cry.
When he had composed himself, he came out and ordered the food to be served. They ate at different tables. It is stated that Egyptians and Hebrews were not to eat at the same table, that would be a cultural abomination. Next, the brothers are astonished that they had been seated in the order of their birth. This was part of the process that Joseph is planning to ease them into a situation where he could reveal himself to them as their brother.
The portions were taken from Joseph's table and served to them. Benjamin received five times the portion that his brothers got.
If you have ever heard the saying, "Eat drink and be merry. (for tomorrow we die)." I have seen it many times in the scriptures, usually before war or battles.
In Hebrew it is va-yeesh-too va-yeesh-k'roo eemoh (they drank and became drunk with him). It is the English translation that stuck and is used in our culture today.
Today's reading
English
And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!" Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, "Serve the food." They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth. And the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.
Hebrew
The story continues next week with the stolen cup...
Info on each letter starting at the beginning
If you are just starting, my lessons are all here starting at Alef, adding vowels (the dots and lines) as we go. I explain the meaning of each letter and its numerical value. Just go to my blog and scroll to the bottom or click here
Get your Hebrew Bible now!
Click here to obtain the book we are using. It is a free download or browser usable.
Thanks for reading.
Comments