John Calvin Commentary


John Calvin Commentary
"To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment." — Genesis 45:22 (ASV)
And to all of them he gave each man changes of raiment. That he provides his brothers with supplies for their journey is not surprising: but for what purpose did he load them with money and garments, since they would return so soon? I, indeed, do not doubt that he did it on account of his father and the wives of his brothers, so that they might have less reluctance to leave the land of Canaan.
For he knew that his message would hardly be believed, unless some clear signs of its truth were presented. It might also be that he not only sought to entice those who were absent, but that he also wished to show his love more and more towards his brothers. But the former consideration has more weight with me, because he took greater care in providing for Benjamin than the rest.
Jerome has translated the expression, “changes of raiment,” by “two robes,” and other interpreters, following him, interpret it as meaning “different kinds of garments.” I do not know whether this is sound. I rather suppose they were elegant garments, such as were used at weddings and on festivals; for I think that prevailing custom was silently opposed to this variety of dress.