18:6 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Take 1 three measures 2 of fine flour, knead it, and make bread.” 3
43:15 So the men took these gifts, and they took double the money with them, along with Benjamin. Then they hurried down to Egypt 4 and stood before Joseph.
1 tn The word “take” is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons. In the Hebrew text the sentence lacks a verb other than the imperative “hurry.” The elliptical structure of the language reflects Abraham’s haste to get things ready quickly.
2 sn Three measures (Heb “three seahs”) was equivalent to about twenty quarts (twenty-two liters) of flour, which would make a lot of bread. The animal prepared for the meal was far more than the three visitors needed. This was a banquet for royalty. Either it had been a lonely time for Abraham and the presence of visitors made him very happy, or he sensed this was a momentous visit.
3 sn The bread was the simple, round bread made by bedouins that is normally prepared quickly for visitors.
4 tn Heb “they arose and went down to Egypt.” The first verb has an adverbial function and emphasizes that they departed right away.
5 tn Heb “for his affection boiled up concerning his brother.” The same expression is used in 1 Kgs 3:26 for the mother’s feelings for her endangered child.
6 tn Heb “and he sought to weep.”