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Genesis 42:24 - Joseph's hidden tears reveal compassion?

Genesis 42:24 - בראשית 42:24

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסֹּב מֵעֲלֵיהֶם וַיֵּבְךְּ וַיָּשָׁב אֲלֵהֶם וַיְדַבֵּר אֲלֵהֶם וַיִּקַּח מֵאִתָּם אֶת־שִׁמְעוֹן וַיֶּאֱסֹר אֹתוֹ לְעֵינֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and turned back to them, and spoke with them, and took from them Shim῾on, and bound him before their eyes.

Transliteration

Vayisov me'alehem vayevk vayashav alehem vayedaber alehem vayikach me'itam et-Shimon vaye'esor oto le'einehem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסֹּ֥ב מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם וַיֵּ֑בְךְּ וַיָּ֤שׇׁב אֲלֵהֶם֙ וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֵֽאִתָּם֙ אֶת־שִׁמְע֔וֹן וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃
וַיִּסֹּ֥ב מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם וַיֵּ֑בְךְּ וַיָּ֤שׇׁב אֲלֵהֶם֙ וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֵֽאִתָּם֙ אֶת־שִׁמְע֔וֹן וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Emotional Turmoil and Strategic Actions

The verse describes Yosef's complex emotional state and his calculated actions toward his brothers. Rashi (Bereshit 42:24) explains that Yosef wept because he saw his brothers' distress when they realized they were being accused as spies. Despite his position of power, Yosef retained compassion for them, yet he needed to test their character before revealing his identity.

Why Shim'on Was Taken

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:8) offers several reasons why Yosef specifically chose Shim'on to detain:

  • Retribution: Shim'on was one of the primary instigators in selling Yosef (as hinted in Bereshit 37:19-20).
  • Separation Strategy: Shim'on and Levi were known for their fierce unity (as seen in Shechem). By separating them, Yosef weakened their ability to resist.
  • Divine Justice: Shim'on was bound "before their eyes" as a measure-for-measure punishment, since the brothers had caused Yaakov to suffer "before their eyes" when they showed him Yosef's torn coat.

The Significance of Yosef's Tears

The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that controlled emotional expression is proper. Yosef turned away to weep privately, demonstrating his mastery over emotions in leadership. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 42:24) adds that Yosef wept because he foresaw the future exile and suffering his brothers' descendants would endure due to this conflict.

Binding Shim'on as a Test

The Sforno (Bereshit 42:24) explains that Yosef bound Shim'on to observe whether the brothers would abandon him as they had abandoned Yosef. This was part of his plan to gauge their repentance (Teshuvah) and unity, which would later be confirmed when Yehudah offered himself for Binyamin's safety (Bereshit 44:18-34).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef (Joseph) cry when he saw his brothers?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef cried because he saw his brothers showing remorse and compassion for their younger brother Binyamin (Benjamin), which proved they had repented for selling him into slavery years earlier. Their change of heart moved him to tears.
Q: Why did Yosef take Shimon (Simeon) and bind him?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef chose Shimon because he was the one who had initially suggested throwing Yosef into the pit (Genesis 37:20). By detaining Shimon, Yosef was testing whether the brothers would abandon another brother like they had abandoned him, or if they had truly changed.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef turning away to cry?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) teaches that Yosef's action demonstrates the importance of hiding one's emotions when necessary. Even though he was overcome with feeling, he first turned away to maintain his disguise as an Egyptian ruler, showing wisdom in controlling emotions for a greater purpose.
Q: Why did Yosef bind Shimon specifically 'before their eyes'?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef wanted the brothers to witness Shimon's binding to increase their distress and test their reaction. This was part of his plan to see if they had truly repented for how they treated him years earlier when they sold him into slavery.
Q: How does this verse show Yosef's internal conflict?
A: The Rambam teaches that this moment reveals Yosef's struggle between justice and mercy. While he needed to test his brothers (justice), he was also deeply moved by their situation (mercy). His weeping shows the difficulty of this test he orchestrated for their ultimate benefit.