“Since, had we not tarried, we would now have returned twice” (Genesis 43:10). “Their father, Israel, said to them: If so then, do this: Take of the choice produce of the land in your vessels, and take a gift down to the man, a little balm, and a little honey, spices and ladanum, pistachio nuts and almonds” (Genesis 43:11). “Since, had we not tarried… Their father, Israel, said to them: If so then [efo]” – Rabbi Levi in the name of Rabbi Tanḥum ben Ḥanilai: Can it be that the same trembling that I caused my father to tremble – “[Isaac was overcome with great trembling, and he said:] Who then [efo] is he [who hunted game and brought it to me?
And I ate from all before you came, and I blessed him]” (Genesis 27:33) – is causing my trembling here? I wonder. “Take of the choice produce [mizimrat] of the land in your vessels” – Rabbi Yehoshua of Sikhnin in the name of Rabbi Levi: Items that bring song [mizmarin] to the world: Snail [ḥilazon],64The snail from which the expensive tekhelet dye was produced. wine with balsam,65Wine enhanced with the scent of balsam (Midrash HaMevoar; see Matnot Kehuna, Etz Yosef). myrrh with the oil accumulated within it.
“A little balm” – balsam oil, “a little honey” – Rabbi Yehuda bar Rabbi said: Honey that is hard as a rock;66This was a special honey that was very valuable because it would last a long time, could be easily transported, and provided a high quality flavor. “spices” – beeswax; “ladanum” – gum Arabic; “pistachio nuts and almonds” – nut oil and almond oil. “And take double the silver in your hand, and the silver that was returned in the opening of your sacks return in your hand; perhaps it was an oversight” (Genesis 43:12).
“And take your brother, and arise and return to the man” (Genesis 43:13). “And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and he will send with you your other brother, and Benjamin; and me, as I am bereaved, I am bereaved” (Genesis 43:14). “And take double the silver in your hand” – Rabbi Yitzḥak said: Perhaps the price has risen. “And the silver that was returned…And…your…brother” – he said to them: ‘Here is the silver, here is the gift, and here is your brother, do you need anything else?’
They said to him: ‘We need your prayer.’ He said to them: ‘If you need my prayer, “and may God Almighty grant you mercy…”.’