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Genesis 42:25 - Secret kindness tests brothers

Genesis 42:25 - בראשית 42:25

Hebrew Text

וַיְצַו יוֹסֵף וַיְמַלְאוּ אֶת־כְּלֵיהֶם בָּר וּלְהָשִׁיב כַּסְפֵּיהֶם אִישׁ אֶל־שַׂקּוֹ וְלָתֵת לָהֶם צֵדָה לַדָּרֶךְ וַיַּעַשׂ לָהֶם כֵּן׃

English Translation

Then Yosef gave orders to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus it was performed.

Transliteration

Vayetzav Yosef vayemalu et-kleiyhem bar ulhashiv kaspayhem ish el-sako velatet lahem tzedah laderech vayaas lahem ken.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְצַ֣ו יוֹסֵ֗ף וַיְמַלְא֣וּ אֶת־כְּלֵיהֶם֮ בָּר֒ וּלְהָשִׁ֤יב כַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־שַׂקּ֔וֹ וְלָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם צֵדָ֖ה לַדָּ֑רֶךְ וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם כֵּֽן׃
וַיְצַ֣ו יוֹסֵ֗ף וַיְמַלְא֣וּ אֶת־כְּלֵיהֶם֮ בָּר֒ וּלְהָשִׁ֤יב כַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־שַׂקּ֔וֹ וְלָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם צֵדָ֖ה לַדָּ֑רֶךְ וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם כֵּֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Actions and Their Significance

The verse describes Yosef's command to fill his brothers' sacks with grain, return their money, and provide them with provisions for their journey. This act is laden with deeper meaning, as interpreted by classical Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 42:25) explains that Yosef's actions were part of a larger plan to test his brothers' character. By returning their money, he created a situation where they would feel compelled to demonstrate honesty when they returned to Egypt. This would reveal whether they had truly repented for their earlier mistreatment of him.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) discusses how Yosef's actions reflect hashgacha pratit (divine providence). Every detail - the returned money, the provisions, and the grain - was orchestrated to bring about the eventual reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers, showing how Hashem guides events toward tikkun (rectification).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:9) notes that the phrase "וַיַּעַשׂ לָהֶם כֵּן" ("and thus it was performed") emphasizes that Yosef personally oversaw these actions, showing his care for his brothers despite their past behavior.
  • Another Midrashic interpretation suggests that returning the money was meant to parallel the brothers having sold Yosef for money - this act began the process of rectifying that sin.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that Yosef's actions symbolize how Hashem often provides for us in hidden ways (the returned money in the sacks representing unexpected blessings). The "provision for the way" (צֵדָה לַדָּרֶךְ) represents both physical sustenance and spiritual guidance for life's journey.

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Bereshit 42:25) discusses how Yosef's actions demonstrate the principle of "darkhei shalom" (ways of peace) - going beyond strict legal requirements to maintain harmonious relationships, even with those who wronged him.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef return his brothers' money secretly?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef returned the money to his brothers secretly to test them. He wanted to see if they would return and admit the mistake when they found the money, showing honesty and repentance for their past actions against him.
Q: What is the significance of Yosef giving his brothers provisions for the journey?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef demonstrated kindness (chesed) by providing food for the journey, despite his brothers' past mistreatment of him. This teaches the importance of acting with compassion, even toward those who may have wronged us.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef 'commanded' his servants to fill the sacks with grain?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes that Yosef personally oversaw the distribution to ensure his brothers received enough food. This highlights his sense of responsibility and care for his family, despite the complex circumstances.
Q: How does this verse relate to the theme of repentance (teshuvah)?
A: Rambam teaches that true repentance involves being tested in the same situation where one previously sinned. By returning the money, Yosef created a scenario where his brothers could demonstrate whether they had changed from their earlier deceitful behavior (as when they sold him).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of foresight and preparation (hachana). Yosef ensured his brothers had food and provisions for their journey, modeling how we should thoughtfully provide for others' needs. The Sforno adds that this also reflects Yosef's wisdom in gradually revealing his identity to them.