Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 43:10 mean when it says 'if we had not lingered'?
A: This verse is spoken by Judah to his father Jacob, explaining that their delay in returning to Egypt with Benjamin caused unnecessary hardship. Rashi explains that Judah is admitting their mistake in hesitating, which prolonged their family's suffering during the famine. The lesson is about taking timely action in fulfilling responsibilities.
Q: Why is Judah mentioning 'this second time' in Genesis 43:10?
A: Judah is referring to their second trip to Egypt to buy food during the famine. The Midrash notes that this highlights how their initial reluctance to bring Benjamin (as Joseph demanded) caused delays. The 'second time' emphasizes that proper obedience to instructions would have resolved matters sooner, teaching the importance of listening to wise counsel.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Genesis 43:10?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 40a) derives from this verse that unnecessary delays in important matters can lead to avoidable difficulties. In daily life, this teaches us to act promptly when fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) or handling responsibilities, as procrastination often creates additional challenges.
Q: How does Genesis 43:10 show Judah's leadership?
A: Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 2:1) notes that Judah demonstrates true leadership by taking responsibility for the delay. Unlike blaming others, he acknowledges their collective hesitation ('we had not lingered'), showing the Jewish value of accepting accountability—a key trait in Torah leadership.
Q: Why does the Torah include this detail about their delay in Genesis 43:10?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 8) explains that this verse teaches how minor decisions (like lingering) can have major consequences. The brothers' delay extended Jacob's grief and the family's hunger, illustrating the Torah's principle that our actions—or inactions—impact others, urging careful consideration in all matters.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 43:10) is part of the dialogue between Judah and his father Jacob, as the brothers prepare to return to Egypt to buy food during the famine. Judah explains that their delay in returning to Egypt with Benjamin has prolonged their suffering, and had they not hesitated, they could have already made a second trip by now.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Judah is emphasizing the consequences of their delay. The phrase "כִּי לוּלֵא הִתְמַהְמָהְנוּ" ("For if we had not lingered") implies that their hesitation caused unnecessary hardship. Rashi notes that Judah is acknowledging their mistake in not acting sooner, which aligns with the principle of zerizut (alacrity) in fulfilling mitzvot and addressing critical matters.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra focuses on the phrase "כִּי־עַתָּה שַׁבְנוּ זֶה פַעֲמָיִם" ("surely now we had returned this second time"). He explains that Judah is calculating the time lost due to their delay. Had they acted promptly, they could have completed two round trips to Egypt by now, thereby alleviating their family's hunger sooner.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) delves deeper into Judah's words, suggesting that his statement reflects a broader spiritual lesson. The delay symbolizes missed opportunities for repentance (teshuvah) and reconciliation. Judah's admission serves as a model for taking responsibility and avoiding procrastination in matters of both physical and spiritual sustenance.
Halachic Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4) draws from this verse to emphasize the importance of timely action in repentance. Just as Judah recognized the cost of delay in a physical sense, we must apply the same urgency to spiritual matters, particularly in correcting wrongs and seeking forgiveness.
Key Lessons