Jacob tells his sons to gather the "best fruits of the land," which is literally translated as the "fruit of the song." This phrase highlights that these weren't just any fruits, but the choicest ones, so good they were celebrated in songs, making them a truly valuable present despite the famine. This detail shows Jacob's heart in wanting to offer the very best he had, even in difficult times, as a sign of respect and hope.
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jacob, desperate to save his family from starvation and secure Simeon's release, reluctantly agrees to let Benjamin travel to Egypt with his brothers. He instructs them to gather the finest produce of their land as a gift for the powerful Egyptian official, hoping to appease him and ensure a safe return for all his sons, including Benjamin.
Jacob's family is facing starvation, and a second trip to Egypt means sending his beloved youngest son. What wisdom guides his difficult decision?
Jacob's response to the famine and the demand for Benjamin shows a profound blend of parental love and practical wisdom.
Reluctant Acceptance
He doesn't readily agree to send Benjamin. The text says, 'If it must be so now...' This reveals his deep hesitation and the agonizing nature of the decision. His love for Benjamin is immense, and the past trauma of losing Joseph weighs heavily on him. Yet, the dire reality of the famine forces his hand. As Benson and Wesley note, constancy is a virtue, but obstinacy is not. Jacob understands that circumstances can necessitate a change in plans, even when those plans involve great personal cost.
Prudent Preparation
Despite the immense emotional toll, Jacob provides practical instructions. He tells them to take 'of the best fruits of the land' as a present for the Egyptian ruler. This isn't just about appeasing a powerful man; it's a strategic move born from experience and a deep understanding of how to navigate difficult relationships. He knows that a thoughtful gift can open doors and soften hearts, especially in a foreign land. This act also demonstrates faith – even in scarcity, they are to offer what they have as a sign of trust and hope. This is not about wealth, but about thoughtful provision.
Why gather specific, 'choice' fruits from a land supposedly suffering from famine? What do these items reveal about Jacob's faith and strategy?
Ask a follow-up
The present Jacob instructs his sons to take is more than just a collection of goods; it's a carefully chosen offering that speaks volumes.
Products of Faith and Hope
Even in famine, the land of Canaan still produced some things, particularly fruits that require less water than grain. Jacob directs them to gather the 'best fruits of the land'—balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachios, and almonds. As noted by Pulpit and Elllicott, these were not necessarily abundant, but they were the 'song of the land,' its most celebrated productions. This suggests that even in hardship, Jacob is focused on the best that God's provision can still offer. It's an act of faith, acknowledging that God can still bless them with a harvest, however small.
Strategic Diplomacy
These items were not randomly chosen. Balm and myrrh were valuable aromatics, pistachios and almonds were prized nuts. These were not common staples but luxury items, likely intended to impress the Egyptian governor. As Clarke and JFB point out, it was an established custom in the ancient Near East to approach powerful figures with gifts. Jacob remembers how he once appeased his brother Esau with gifts. This present is a calculated act of diplomacy, designed to secure their safety, facilitate the release of Simeon, and ensure their safe return home with Benjamin. It's a practical application of wisdom, acknowledging the power dynamics at play.
After giving practical instructions, Jacob turns to prayer. What does his prayer reveal about his understanding of divine sovereignty and human hearts?
Jacob's final instruction isn't just about the gifts; it's about invoking divine favor.
The Ultimate Authority
Before the brothers depart, Jacob offers a prayer: 'And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin.' This is crucial. While he has provided practical instructions and a strategic gift, Jacob understands that the ultimate outcome rests not in his plans or the sons' actions, but in God's sovereign hand. He acknowledges that even the powerful ruler of Egypt is subject to the will of the Almighty.
Acknowledging God's Control Over Hearts
As Calvin observes, Jacob recognizes that God is the 'secret governor of their hearts.' He prays for mercy before the man, knowing that human disposition is ultimately in God's control. This isn't a passive resignation, but an active trust. Jacob has done all he can within his power, and now he commits the situation to the One who holds all hearts and circumstances. His final, poignant words, 'If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved,' speak not of despair, but of a deep, albeit painful, surrender to whatever God allows. It's a testament to a faith that can entrust even the most precious to God's care, trusting that His will, however difficult, is ultimately for good.
Understand the original words
Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
The name given to Jacob by God, representing the covenantal lineage of the patriarchs and the identity of the people of God. It signifies one who struggles or prevails with God.
minchah · Hebrew Noun
A gift or offering given to a superior or person of authority to show respect, gain favor, or establish a peaceful relationship. In a biblical context, it often serves to appease or honor.
mor · Hebrew Noun
A fragrant resin or spice used for medicine, perfume, or burial preparation. It represents value, healing, and sometimes the sorrow associated with death.
This verse shows Jacob, a leader hardened by famine and the loss of his sons, strategically preparing a gift of the land's finest products. This isn't just about appeasing the Egyptian ruler; it's a father's desperate act to protect his beloved remaining son, Benjamin, by sending precious, rare goods as a sign of respect and goodwill.
c. 1700 BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt, eventually rising to a position of great power.
c. 1700-1650 BC
Severe famine grips Canaan and Egypt
A devastating famine causes widespread hardship and starvation across the region, forcing Jacob's family to seek food from Egypt.
c. 1650 BC
Brothers first travel to Egypt for grain
Jacob's sons travel to Egypt to buy grain, where they are interrogated by the powerful governor, whom they do not recognize as Joseph.
c. 1650 BC
Joseph tests his brothers
Joseph, acting as the Egyptian governor, devises a plan to test his brothers' character and see if they have changed, demanding they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, on their next visit.
c. 1650 BC— this verse
Jacob reluctantly allows Benjamin to go to Egypt
Faced with starvation and Judah's guarantee for Benjamin's safety, Jacob finally agrees to let his youngest son travel to Egypt to secure more grain.
This proverb highlights the long-standing cultural practice of using gifts to gain favor with those in authority, mirroring Jacob's strategy of sending a present to the Egyptian ruler.
Genesis 37:25This passage identifies some of the same valuable commodities (balm, spices, myrrh) that Jacob includes in his present, showing continuity in their use and perceived worth.
Genesis 45:17-20After Joseph reveals himself, Pharaoh tells Joseph to send his brothers back with wagons and supplies, demonstrating that the ruler of Egypt could indeed provide generously, much like Joseph, in his capacity as ruler, now facilitates their return.
Esther 4:16Esther's willingness to approach the king, facing potential death with the phrase 'If I perish, I perish,' echoes Jacob's resigned yet hopeful attitude when sending Benjamin, 'If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.'
1 Samuel 10:3-4Saul is instructed to offer gifts to the men at Bethel after Samuel anoints him, illustrating a similar pattern of presenting offerings to people he encounters, often as a sign of respect or to ensure a positive reception.
gillGenesis 43:11: "And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:"
And their father said unto them,.... Being in some measure convinced by their reasonings, and in part at least reconciled to let Benjamin go with them, there being nothing to be done, he perceived, unless he consented to it: if it must be so now, do t…
calvinGenesis 43:1-34: "And the famine was sore in the land."
And they said, The man asked us straitly of our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye another brother? and we told him according to the tenor of these words: could we certainly know that he would say, Bring your brother down?
Et dixerunt, Interrogando interrogavit vir ille de nobis et cognatione nostra, discendo, Num adhuc pater vester vivit? Num est vobis frater? Et nuntiavimus ei secundum verba ista:…
Jacob tells his sons to gather the "best fruits of the land," which is literally translated as the "fruit of the song." This phrase highlights that these weren't just any fruits, but the choicest ones, so good they were celebrated in songs, making them a truly valuable present despite the famine. This detail shows Jacob's heart in wanting to offer the very best he had, even in difficult times, as a sign of respect and hope.
Jacob, desperate to save his family from starvation and secure Simeon's release, reluctantly agrees to let Benjamin travel to Egypt with his brothers. He instructs them to gather the finest produce of their land as a gift for the powerful Egyptian official, hoping to appease him and ensure a safe return for all his sons, including Benjamin.
Jacob, desperate to save his family from starvation and secure Simeon's release, reluctantly agrees to let Benjamin travel to Egypt with his brothers. He instructs them to gather the finest produce of their land as a gift for the powerful Egyptian official, hoping to appease him and ensure a safe return for all his sons, including Benjamin.
"Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry a present down to the man, a little balm and a little honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds." — Jacob tells his sons to gather the "best fruits of the land," which is literally translated as the "fruit of the song." This phrase highlights that these weren't just any fruits, but the choicest one…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
