share torah logo

Genesis 37:15 - Divine guidance in wandering

Genesis 37:15 - בראשית 37:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּמְצָאֵהוּ אִישׁ וְהִנֵּה תֹעֶה בַּשָּׂדֶה וַיִּשְׁאָלֵהוּ הָאִישׁ לֵאמֹר מַה־תְּבַקֵּשׁ׃

English Translation

And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?

Transliteration

Vayimtza'ehu ish vehineh to'eh basadeh vayish'alehu ha'ish lemor mah-tevakesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּמְצָאֵ֣הוּ אִ֔ישׁ וְהִנֵּ֥ה תֹעֶ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֧הוּ הָאִ֛ישׁ לֵאמֹ֖ר מַה־תְּבַקֵּֽשׁ׃
וַיִּמְצָאֵ֣הוּ אִ֔ישׁ וְהִנֵּ֥ה תֹעֶ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֧הוּ הָאִ֛ישׁ לֵאמֹ֖ר מַה־תְּבַקֵּֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 37:15) describes Yosef (Joseph) wandering in the field while searching for his brothers, who were shepherding their father's flocks. The "certain man" who finds him plays a pivotal role in directing Yosef toward his brothers, setting in motion the events that lead to his eventual descent to Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that this "man" was actually the angel Gavriel (Gabriel), sent by Hashem to ensure Yosef would meet his brothers. The Torah uses the term "אִישׁ" (man) to describe an angel in other instances as well (e.g., Jacob wrestling with the angel in Genesis 32:25). Rashi notes that Yosef was "תֹעֶה בַּשָּׂדֶה" (wandering in the field) because he was lost and uncertain of his brothers' location.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:13) elaborates that this encounter was divinely orchestrated to fulfill Hashem's plan for Yosef to eventually descend to Egypt and set the stage for the future redemption of Bnei Yisrael.
  • Some Midrashim suggest that the field symbolizes the world at large, and Yosef's wandering represents the Jewish people's historical journey through exile and divine providence.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), Rambam discusses how divine providence often operates through seemingly natural events. This "man" asking Yosef "מַה־תְּבַקֵּשׁ" (What seekest thou?) reflects Hashem's hidden guidance, steering Yosef toward his destiny.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that every encounter in life is orchestrated by divine providence. The "man's" question—"What seekest thou?"—can be understood as a spiritual challenge: a person must always clarify their true intentions and align them with Hashem's will.

Halachic Implication

The Gemara (Sotah 10b) derives from this verse the importance of asking for directions when lost, as Yosef humbly accepted guidance from the "man." This underscores the value of seeking help rather than persisting in confusion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the 'man' that found Yosef (Joseph) in the field in Genesis 37:15?
A: According to Rashi and Midrashic sources (Bereshit Rabbah 84:13), the 'man' who found Yosef was actually the angel Gavriel (Gabriel). This teaches that even when we feel lost, Hashem sends guidance in unexpected ways.
Q: Why was Yosef wandering in the field in this verse?
A: The verse shows Yosef searching for his brothers who were shepherding. Ramban explains that this demonstrates Yosef's dedication to fulfilling his father Yaakov's request to check on his brothers, despite the potential danger.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 37:15 about being lost?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91b) derives from this verse that when a person is sincerely searching for the right path (even if physically or spiritually lost), Divine assistance will come to guide them, just as Yosef received help when wandering.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize that Yosef was 'wandering in the field'?
A: Rashi explains that the field represents being in an unprotected, vulnerable state. The Midrash teaches this foreshadows Yosef's future challenges and how Hashem would ultimately protect him through all his trials.
Q: How does the man's question 'What are you seeking?' apply to us today?
A: The Seforno explains this question reminds us to constantly examine our true intentions in life. Just as Yosef had to clarify his purpose in searching for his brothers, we too should regularly reflect on whether our actions align with Torah values.