And he took [and sent] messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Ver. 34. And he took and sent messes.] So did Cyrus in Xenophon, to such as he favoured.
But Benjamin's mess, &c.] Love will creep where it cannot go; and good blood will never belie itself. Ambrose makes it a type and token of St Paul's excellent parts and gifts above the rest of the apostles, &c.