Genesis 43:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He distributed food to each person, giving Benjamin a portion five times larger than the others. This perplexed them, leading them to believe it was simply a coincidence, much like the way young children might perceive events.

To prevent any suspicion, he shared portions of his own meal with them, yet he distributed larger servings to his brother Benjamin, giving him ten times the amount compared to the others.

The meal was presented to each individual, with Joseph personally serving the portions, giving Benjamin a larger share than the others. They were also provided with wine. The sons of Jacob felt a sense of relief and joy from the lavish and inviting feast. As wanderers who were not used to being self-aware, they indulged in rich food and plentiful drink. This banquet symbolized the spiritual nourishment provided by Christ the Saviour during the Divine Liturgy. The Lord chose to be our brother, claiming authority over the mysterious land of Egypt, and to His brothers, burdened by sin, He offered a meal and a cup of refreshment, as noted in Psalm 22:5, which consists of His sacred body and blood.

To Benjamin, he allocated a portion that was five times larger than those of his brothers. By honoring Benjamin, Joseph not only expresses his affection for him but also acknowledges his righteousness, all while contemplating whether this act might provoke jealousy among his siblings. They then gathered at his home for a meal. This depiction does not imply excessive drinking, but rather a joyful enjoyment of wine in the context of the celebration. Excessive drunkenness was completely unacceptable in ancient Egypt.