Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Reuven mean when he offers his two sons as a guarantee in Genesis 42:37?
A: Reuven was trying to reassure his father Yaakov (Jacob) that he would take responsibility for bringing Binyamin (Benjamin) back safely from Egypt. By offering his own two sons as a guarantee, he was showing the seriousness of his promise. Rashi explains that Reuven was saying, 'If I fail to bring Binyamin back, you may punish my two sons as if they were responsible.' This was a strong way to express his commitment.
Q: Why did Yaakov not accept Reuven's offer in Genesis 42:37?
A: Yaakov did not accept Reuven's offer because he still feared for Binyamin's safety. The Midrash suggests that Yaakov may have doubted Reuven's ability to fulfill his promise, especially since Reuven had previously failed to protect Yosef (Joseph) when his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:29-30). Additionally, Yaakov's deep love for Binyamin, the youngest son of his beloved wife Rachel, made him extremely cautious.
Q: What can we learn from Reuven's statement in Genesis 42:37?
A: We learn the importance of taking responsibility and trying to correct past mistakes. Reuven had failed to protect Yosef earlier, and now he sought to prove his reliability by offering a strong guarantee. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) teaches that teshuvah (repentance) requires sincere effort to make amends. Reuven's attempt shows his desire to regain his father's trust, even if his method was not accepted.
Q: Why did Reuven mention 'slaying' his two sons in Genesis 42:37?
A: Reuven used extreme language to emphasize his commitment. In ancient times, oaths and guarantees were often stated in strong terms to show sincerity. However, according to Jewish tradition, Reuven did not literally mean that Yaakov should kill his grandsons. Rather, he was expressing that his own children would bear the consequences if he failed—a way of saying his promise was unbreakable (see Ramban on this verse).
Q: How does Reuven's offer in Genesis 42:37 relate to leadership in Judaism?
A: Reuven, as the firstborn, felt a responsibility to lead his brothers and reassure his father. Jewish tradition values leaders who take accountability for others. However, true leadership requires wisdom—Reuven's extreme offer may have lacked practicality, which is why Yehuda (Judah) later steps forward with a more reasoned approach (Genesis 43:8-10). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:9) highlights that effective leadership balances passion with thoughtful action.
Reuven's Pledge to Yaakov
The verse (Bereishit 42:37) describes Reuven's attempt to reassure his father Yaakov by offering a drastic guarantee for Binyamin's safe return. Reuven says, "Slay my two sons if I do not bring him back to you", demonstrating his willingness to take full responsibility.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (ad loc.) notes that Yaakov rejected Reuven's offer because:
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:9) elaborates:
Rambam's Perspective on Responsibility
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:3) teaches that one must carefully weigh their words before making commitments. Reuven's extreme guarantee, though well-intentioned, lacked prudence—a lesson in measured speech.
Ibn Ezra's Linguistic Analysis
Ibn Ezra highlights that Reuven's phrasing ("slay my two sons") was hyperbolic—a common rhetorical device in biblical pledges (similar to Eliyahu's oath in Melachim I 19:2). However, Yaakov sought practical assurances, not dramatic oaths.