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Genesis 37:17 - Seeking brothers, finds destiny

Genesis 37:17 - בראשית 37:17

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הָאִישׁ נָסְעוּ מִזֶּה כִּי שָׁמַעְתִּי אֹמְרִים נֵלְכָה דֹּתָיְנָה וַיֵּלֶךְ יוֹסֵף אַחַר אֶחָיו וַיִּמְצָאֵם בְּדֹתָן׃

English Translation

And the man said, They are departed from here; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dotan. And Yosef went after his brothers, and found them in Dotan.

Transliteration

Va'yomer ha'ish nas'u mi'zeh ki shamati omrim nelechah Dotayna va'yelech Yosef achar echav va'yimtza'em b'Dotan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הָאִישׁ֙ נָסְע֣וּ מִזֶּ֔ה כִּ֤י שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ אֹֽמְרִ֔ים נֵלְכָ֖ה דֹּתָ֑יְנָה וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ יוֹסֵף֙ אַחַ֣ר אֶחָ֔יו וַיִּמְצָאֵ֖ם בְּדֹתָֽן׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הָאִישׁ֙ נָסְע֣וּ מִזֶּ֔ה כִּ֤י שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙ אֹֽמְרִ֔ים נֵלְכָ֖ה דֹּתָ֑יְנָה וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ יוֹסֵף֙ אַחַ֣ר אֶחָ֔יו וַיִּמְצָאֵ֖ם בְּדֹתָֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Background

The verse (Bereishit 37:17) describes Yosef's search for his brothers after his father Yaakov sends him to check on their welfare. The "man" who directs Yosef to Dotan plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative of Yosef's eventual descent to Egypt.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that this "man" was the angel Gavriel, sent by Hashem to ensure Yosef would meet his brothers in Dotan. This aligns with the Midrashic tradition that major events in the lives of the Avot were directed by divine providence. Rashi notes that the phrase "וַיֹּאמֶר הָאִישׁ" ("And the man said") implies this was no ordinary passerby, but a malach (angel) in human guise.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 84:14) states this encounter occurred on the 10th of Tishrei (Yom Kippur), foreshadowing future atonement for the brothers' actions.
  • Dotan is interpreted as hinting to future events - the word "Dotan" (דתן) alludes to "dat" (דת, law), suggesting this was where the brothers judged Yosef.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (3:24) discusses how divine providence operates through natural means - what appears as chance encounters are actually guided by Hashem's plan. The "man's" directions set in motion the chain of events leading to Yosef's rise in Egypt.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that every detail in this narrative contains spiritual lessons. The brothers being in Dotan (from the root "dat") represents how Yosef's mission was to elevate worldly matters ("diet" or natural order) to holiness.

Halachic Connection

The Gemara (Sotah 11a) connects this verse to the mitzvah of searching for lost objects (Devarim 22:2), noting how Yosef diligently pursued his brothers despite the distance, teaching the importance of persistent effort in fulfilling mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef continue searching for his brothers after the man told him they went to Dotan?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef was fulfilling his father Yaakov's mission to check on his brothers' welfare (Genesis 37:14). Despite the danger, Yosef demonstrated obedience and responsibility by continuing his search until he found them in Dotan.
Q: What is the significance of Dotan in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:15) explains that Dotan was strategically located near trade routes, which later allowed the Ishmaelite traders to pass by when Yosef was sold. This shows how Divine Providence guided events even through ordinary geography.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef 'heard' his brothers went to Dotan?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 89b) learns from this that one should be careful with words, as even casual speech (like the brothers saying 'Let us go to Dotan') can have major consequences. This teaches us the power of speech in Jewish thought.
Q: How does this verse show Yosef's character traits?
A: Rambam (in his commentary on Pirkei Avot) derives from this episode that Yosef displayed great diligence in fulfilling his father's request, going beyond the basic requirement. This demonstrates the Jewish value of hiddur mitzvah - beautifying a commandment by performing it exceptionally well.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef searching for his brothers?
A: The Sforno teaches that this shows the importance of family unity and responsibility. Even though the brothers disliked him, Yosef still cared about their wellbeing. This reflects the Torah value of maintaining family bonds even in difficult relationships.