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Genesis 43:14 - Trusting divine mercy amid uncertainty

Genesis 43:14 - בראשית 43:14

Hebrew Text

וְאֵל שַׁדַּי יִתֵּן לָכֶם רַחֲמִים לִפְנֵי הָאִישׁ וְשִׁלַּח לָכֶם אֶת־אֲחִיכֶם אַחֵר וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִין וַאֲנִי כַּאֲשֶׁר שָׁכֹלְתִּי שָׁכָלְתִּי׃

English Translation

and God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother, and Binyamin. If I be bereaved of my children, then I am bereaved.

Transliteration

Ve'el Shadai yiten lachem rachamim lifnei ha'ish v'shilach lachem et-achichem acher v'et-Binyamin va'ani ka'asher shacholti shachalti.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֗י יִתֵּ֨ן לָכֶ֤ם רַחֲמִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ וְשִׁלַּ֥ח לָכֶ֛ם אֶת־אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אַחֵ֖ר וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִ֑ין וַאֲנִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁכֹ֖לְתִּי שָׁכָֽלְתִּי׃
וְאֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֗י יִתֵּ֨ן לָכֶ֤ם רַחֲמִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ וְשִׁלַּ֥ח לָכֶ֛ם אֶת־אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אַחֵ֖ר וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִ֑ין וַאֲנִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁכֹ֖לְתִּי שָׁכָֽלְתִּי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:14) is part of Yaakov Avinu's response to his sons when they must return to Egypt with Binyamin to obtain food during the famine. Yaakov initially resisted sending Binyamin due to fear of losing him, as he had already lost Yosef. Here, he reluctantly agrees, placing his trust in Hashem while expressing his deep anguish.

Interpretation of "El Shaddai"

Rashi explains that "El Shaddai" refers to Hashem as the One who said "די" ("enough") to the world during Creation, setting boundaries for nature. Here, Yaakov invokes this name to ask that Hashem limit the suffering and show mercy. The Ramban adds that "Shaddai" also implies divine power over all forces, suggesting Yaakov's plea for divine intervention beyond natural means.

Yaakov's Reluctance and Resignation

The phrase "If I be bereaved, then I am bereaved" reflects Yaakov's painful acceptance. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:11) notes that Yaakov speaks like one who has already given up hope, echoing his earlier tragedies. However, the Malbim explains that this is not despair but rather submission to divine will—Yaakov acknowledges that all outcomes are in Hashem's hands.

The Role of Rachamim (Mercy)

  • Rashi: The "mercy" requested is that the Egyptian ruler (unbeknownst to them, Yosef) would look favorably upon the brothers and release Shimon (the "other brother" held hostage) along with Binyamin.
  • Sforno: The mercy is not just for the immediate situation but also for the future—that the brothers would be spared further hardship and reunited fully.

Yaakov's Emotional State

The repetition of "שָׁכֹלְתִּי שָׁכָלְתִּי" ("bereaved, I am bereaved") emphasizes Yaakov's profound grief. The Kli Yakar suggests this double language indicates two levels of loss: the physical absence of Yosef and Binyamin, and the spiritual void left by their potential loss, as Binyamin represented the last connection to Rachel and the future of Klal Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'God Almighty give you mercy before the man' mean in Genesis 43:14?
A: In Genesis 43:14, Yaakov (Jacob) prays that Hashem (God) will grant his sons favor in the eyes of the Egyptian ruler (who is actually Yosef, though Yaakov doesn't know this). Rashi explains that Yaakov is asking for divine mercy so that the Egyptian leader will show kindness and release Shimon (who was held captive) and allow Binyamin to return safely.
Q: Why does Yaakov say 'If I be bereaved of my children, then I am bereaved'?
A: Yaakov expresses his deep fear and resignation in this verse. After losing Yosef years earlier (though Yosef was actually alive), Yaakov couldn't bear the thought of losing Binyamin, Rachel's other son. The Midrash explains that Yaakov was preparing himself emotionally for the worst possible outcome, showing his profound pain as a father.
Q: Why does Yaakov refer to God as 'El Shaddai' in this verse?
A: Yaakov uses the name 'El Shaddai' (God Almighty) to emphasize God's power to perform miracles and control all events. Ramban explains that this name is particularly appropriate here because Yaakov is acknowledging that only divine intervention can protect his sons in this dangerous situation in Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov's prayer in Genesis 43:14?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of turning to Hashem in difficult situations, even when things seem hopeless. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) derives from here that one should always pray for mercy, even when a 'sword is at one's neck.' Yaakov shows us that while we must take practical steps (like sending Binyamin), we must also rely on divine help.
Q: How does Yaakov's statement 'then I am bereaved' relate to Jewish mourning practices?
A: Yaakov's words reflect the Jewish approach to accepting difficult decrees while still maintaining faith. The Talmud (Berachot 60b) learns from this that one should bless Hashem for bad tidings just as for good. Yaakov demonstrates the balance between human emotion ('I am bereaved') and acceptance of God's will.