Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 37:30 mean when it says 'The child is not'?
A: In Genesis 37:30, Reuven returns to his brothers after discovering that Yosef (Joseph) is no longer in the pit where they had placed him. The phrase 'The child is not' refers to Yosef's absence. According to Rashi, Reuven had intended to save Yosef later, but the brothers had already sold him to traders. This verse shows Reuven's distress over Yosef's disappearance.
Q: Why is Reuven upset in Genesis 37:30?
A: Reuven is upset because he had planned to rescue Yosef from the pit and return him to their father Yaakov (Jacob). When he sees that Yosef is gone, he exclaims, 'The child is not; and I, where shall I go?' This reflects his fear and guilt, as he realizes he cannot fulfill his plan and must face their father without Yosef. The Midrash highlights Reuven's anguish over the situation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 37:30?
A: This verse teaches the consequences of impulsive actions and the importance of taking responsibility. Reuven's brothers acted rashly by selling Yosef, and Reuven, despite his good intentions, failed to prevent it. The Talmud (Shabbat 10b) discusses how delaying justice or failing to act promptly can lead to irreversible harm. The verse reminds us to act with care and foresight.
Q: How does Genesis 37:30 relate to sibling relationships?
A: Genesis 37:30 highlights the tension and regret within sibling relationships. Reuven's distress shows that even when one sibling tries to do the right thing (as Rashi explains), others' actions can lead to tragedy. The Torah emphasizes the importance of unity and communication among siblings, as seen later when Yosef reconciles with his brothers in Egypt.
Q: What does 'where shall I go?' mean in Genesis 37:30?
A: When Reuven says, 'where shall I go?' he expresses his despair over how to face his father Yaakov without Yosef. According to Ramban (Nachmanides), Reuven feels lost because he cannot undo what has happened. This phrase reflects the emotional weight of guilt and helplessness, teaching us about the moral responsibility we have toward family.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 37:30) describes Reuven's reaction upon discovering that Yosef was no longer in the pit where his brothers had cast him. Reuven had initially planned to save Yosef later (Bereshit 37:22), but the brothers sold Yosef to the Ishmaelites in his absence. This verse captures Reuven's distress upon realizing Yosef was gone.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Reuven was not present when Yosef was sold, as he had gone to attend to his father Yaakov or to fast and repent for his earlier sin with Bilhah (see Rashi on Bereshit 37:29). When he returned, he tore his clothes in grief, exclaiming, "The child is not"—meaning Yosef was no longer in the pit. His cry, "And I, where shall I go?" reflects his anguish over how to face Yaakov, knowing he had failed to protect Yosef.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra notes that Reuven's words reveal his deep sense of responsibility. The phrase "where shall I go?" indicates his dilemma—whether to return to his father without Yosef or to search for him. This underscores Reuven's role as the eldest and his awareness of the consequences of Yosef's disappearance.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 84:19) elaborates that Reuven's distress was twofold:
The Midrash also connects Reuven's exclamation to his earlier plea to his brothers, "Do not sin against the child" (Bereshit 37:22), highlighting his moral struggle.
Rambam's Ethical Lesson
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1) implicitly draws from this episode to teach about the weight of responsibility. Reuven's anguish exemplifies the Torah's emphasis on accountability—even when one's intentions are good, failure to act decisively can lead to tragic outcomes. This aligns with the broader Jewish principle of arevut (mutual responsibility).
Chizkuni's Perspective
Chizkuni suggests that Reuven's cry, "where shall I go?" may also reflect his fear of Divine punishment. Having sinned earlier (with Bilhah), he worried that this new failure would compound his guilt. This interpretation emphasizes the theme of repentance and the continuous striving for moral improvement.