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Genesis 42:26 - Brothers' burdened return journey

Genesis 42:26 - בראשית 42:26

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׂאוּ אֶת־שִׁבְרָם עַל־חֲמֹרֵיהֶם וַיֵּלְכוּ מִשָּׁם׃

English Translation

And they loaded their asses with the corn, and departed from there.

Transliteration

Vayisu et-shivram al-chamorehem vayelchu misham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ אֶת־שִׁבְרָ֖ם עַל־חֲמֹרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ מִשָּֽׁם׃
וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ אֶת־שִׁבְרָ֖ם עַל־חֲמֹרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ מִשָּֽׁם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 42:26) appears in the story of Yosef's brothers traveling to Egypt to purchase grain during the famine. After being accused of being spies and undergoing Yosef's tests, they are allowed to return to Canaan with their provisions. The phrase "וישאו את־שברם" ("they loaded their grain") marks their departure from Egypt, laden with sustenance for their families.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the word שברם ("their grain") is written without the letter י (as שברם instead of שבירם), which alludes to the fact that the brothers were unknowingly carrying back their own money that Yosef had secretly returned to their sacks (Bereshit 42:25). This hints at the unfolding divine plan and Yosef's hidden kindness toward his brothers.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Miketz 10) notes that the brothers were preoccupied with their mission to bring food, yet they were also carrying the seeds of future events—both the returned money and the hidden goblet (later in the narrative) that would lead to Binyamin's arrival in Egypt.
  • The Alshich adds that their loading of the donkeys symbolizes the burden of their guilt over selling Yosef, now resurfacing as they unknowingly face him.

Symbolism of the Donkeys

The Kli Yakar highlights that donkeys (חמרים) are often symbolic of materiality (חומר, physicality). Here, the brothers' reliance on donkeys to carry grain—a physical necessity—contrasts with the spiritual reckoning they undergo through Yosef's tests. The journey back begins their teshuvah process.

Rambam's Perspective on Providence

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:17), Rambam discusses how divine providence operates through natural events. The brothers' loading of grain appears mundane, but every detail—the money, the grain, and their return—is part of Hashem's plan to reunite Yaakov's family and sustain them during famine.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'they loaded their asses with the corn' mean in Genesis 42:26?
A: This verse describes Joseph's brothers loading their donkeys with grain they had purchased in Egypt during the famine. Rashi explains that this was the first step in fulfilling Joseph's dreams, as his brothers bowed before him (unknowingly) and now carried grain from his storehouses back to Canaan.
Q: Why is this verse about Joseph's brothers important?
A: This moment marks the beginning of the reconciliation process between Joseph and his brothers. The Midrash notes that the brothers were unaware they were interacting with Joseph, setting in motion events that would eventually lead to their repentance and family reunification.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 42:26 today?
A: The Rambam teaches that this verse shows how Divine providence works through natural events - the brothers came for food but were really being guided toward repentance. We learn that even ordinary actions (like buying grain) can be part of a greater plan.