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Genesis 42:4 - Yaakov's protective love for Binyamin

Genesis 42:4 - בראשית 42:4

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִין אֲחִי יוֹסֵף לֹא־שָׁלַח יַעֲקֹב אֶת־אֶחָיו כִּי אָמַר פֶּן־יִקְרָאֶנּוּ אָסוֹן׃

English Translation

But Binyamin, Yosef’s brother, Ya῾aqov sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest mischief befall him.

Transliteration

Ve'et-Binyamin achi Yosef lo-shalach Yaakov et-echav ki amar pen-yikra'enu ason.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִין֙ אֲחִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף לֹא־שָׁלַ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־אֶחָ֑יו כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר פֶּן־יִקְרָאֶ֖נּוּ אָסֽוֹן׃
וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִין֙ אֲחִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף לֹא־שָׁלַ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת־אֶחָ֑יו כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר פֶּן־יִקְרָאֶ֖נּוּ אָסֽוֹן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Concern for Binyamin

The verse (Bereishit 42:4) states that Yaakov did not send Binyamin with his brothers to Egypt due to fear that "mischief befall him." Rashi explains that Yaakov's concern stemmed from the fact that Binyamin was the only remaining son of Rachel, as Yosef was presumed dead. This reflects Yaakov's deep emotional attachment and protective instinct toward Binyamin, rooted in the loss of Rachel and Yosef.

Spiritual and Psychological Dimensions

The Ramban (Nachmanides) offers a deeper insight, suggesting that Yaakov's fear was not merely natural parental concern but also a spiritual intuition. Since Binyamin was the youngest and had never been separated from his father, Yaakov sensed that sending him might expose him to danger beyond the ordinary risks of travel. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:9) further elaborates that Yaakov feared the "evil eye" (ayin hara) due to Binyamin's unique status as Yosef's full brother.

Halachic Implications of Risk Avoidance

The Talmud (Bava Metzia 107b) discusses the principle of avoiding unnecessary danger, derived from this verse. Yaakov's decision exemplifies the Torah's emphasis on safeguarding life (pikuach nefesh). The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 116:5) later codifies this idea, ruling that one must take reasonable precautions to avoid potential harm, as Yaakov did by withholding Binyamin from the journey.

Yaakov's Foreshadowing of Future Events

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that Yaakov's reluctance to send Binyamin inadvertently set the stage for the eventual reunion with Yosef. By withholding Binyamin initially, Yaakov ensured that the brothers would have to return to Egypt with him, leading to the dramatic revelation of Yosef's identity. This demonstrates hashgacha pratit (divine providence) working through human decisions.

  • Rashi: Highlights Yaakov's emotional attachment to Binyamin as Rachel's remaining son.
  • Ramban: Views Yaakov's fear as a spiritual premonition beyond natural concern.
  • Midrash: Suggests the "evil eye" as a factor in Yaakov's decision.
  • Halacha: Derives a principle of risk avoidance from Yaakov's actions.
  • Rabbi Hirsch: Sees divine providence in Yaakov's choice leading to Yosef's revelation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why didn't Yaakov send Binyamin with his brothers to Egypt?
A: Yaakov did not send Binyamin because he feared that harm might come to him, just as he had lost Yosef (Genesis 42:4). Rashi explains that Yaakov was especially protective of Binyamin since he was the only remaining son of his beloved wife Rachel.
Q: What does this verse teach us about Yaakov's feelings toward Binyamin?
A: This verse shows Yaakov's deep love and concern for Binyamin, as he was unwilling to risk losing another son from Rachel. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:8) highlights that Yaakov acted out of parental love and past trauma from Yosef's disappearance.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This verse sets the stage for future events, as Yosef later demands that Binyamin be brought to Egypt (Genesis 42:15-20). The Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes that this was part of Hashem's plan to reunite the family and bring about repentance among the brothers.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's caution in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of protecting those we love, especially after experiencing loss. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that balanced caution is necessary, though excessive fear can also hinder necessary actions—a tension seen in Yaakov's later decisions regarding Binyamin.
Q: Why is Binyamin specifically called 'Yosef’s brother' in this verse?
A: The Torah emphasizes their bond as full brothers (sons of Rachel) to explain Yaakov's heightened concern. Rashi notes that this phrasing hints at Yaakov's unresolved grief over Yosef, making him extra protective of Binyamin.