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.
Changes of raiment. It was and is customary with great men to bestow upon their friends dresses of distinction; and in places where they are of the same description and quality, the value of these presents consists in their number (Job 27:16; Isaiah 3:6; James 5:2). The great number given to Benjamin bespoke the warmth of his brother's attachment to him; and Joseph felt, from the amiable temper they now all displayed, he might with perfect safety indulge this fond partiality for a mother's son.