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Genesis 43:15 - Brothers return with Binyamin

Genesis 43:15 - בראשית 43:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְחוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים אֶת־הַמִּנְחָה הַזֹּאת וּמִשְׁנֶה־כֶּסֶף לָקְחוּ בְיָדָם וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִן וַיָּקֻמוּ וַיֵּרְדוּ מִצְרַיִם וַיַּעַמְדוּ לִפְנֵי יוֹסֵף׃

English Translation

And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Binyamin; and they rose up, and went down to Miżrayim, and stood before Yosef.

Transliteration

Vayikchu ha'anashim et-hamincha hazot umishne-kesef lakchu veyadam ve'et-Binyamin vayakumu vayeredu Mitzrayim vaya'amdu lifnei Yosef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְח֤וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֶת־הַמִּנְחָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וּמִשְׁנֶה־כֶּ֛סֶף לָקְח֥וּ בְיָדָ֖ם וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִ֑ן וַיָּקֻ֙מוּ֙ וַיֵּרְד֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵֽף׃
וַיִּקְח֤וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֶת־הַמִּנְחָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את וּמִשְׁנֶה־כֶּ֛סֶף לָקְח֥וּ בְיָדָ֖ם וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִ֑ן וַיָּקֻ֙מוּ֙ וַיֵּרְד֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵֽף׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:15) describes the moment when Yosef's brothers return to Egypt with Binyamin, bringing gifts and double the money they had previously found in their sacks. This occurs after Yaakov reluctantly agrees to send Binyamin with them, following Yehudah's guarantee of his safety.

Key Themes and Interpretations

  • The Double Money: Rashi explains that the brothers took "double money" (mishneh-kesef) to repay both the original payment for the grain and an additional amount, demonstrating their honesty. This aligns with Yosef's earlier test to see if they would return the money found in their sacks (Bereshit 42:25-28).
  • Binyamin's Presence: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:10) highlights the significance of Binyamin accompanying them, as Yosef had demanded his presence to test whether the brothers would protect him as they had once failed to protect Yosef.
  • Standing Before Yosef: The phrase "stood before Yosef" suggests both a physical and spiritual confrontation. The Ramban notes that this moment foreshadows the brothers' eventual teshuvah (repentance) for selling Yosef, as they now stand before him unaware of his true identity.

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The brothers' actions reflect their growth in integrity and responsibility. By returning the money and safeguarding Binyamin, they demonstrate a commitment to rectifying past mistakes. The Sforno emphasizes that their willingness to face Yosef again—despite their fear—shows their dedication to securing food for their family, fulfilling the mitzvah of providing for one's household.

Symbolism of the Gifts

The minchah (gift) they brought—comprising choice fruits, honey, and spices (Bereshit 43:11)—symbolizes reconciliation. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) connects these offerings to the future gifts brought by the tribes, suggesting that their act of bringing tribute anticipates the unity of the twelve tribes under Yosef's leadership in Egypt.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef's brothers take double money with them to Egypt?
A: According to Rashi, the brothers took double money because they were returning the money that had mysteriously appeared in their sacks from their first trip (Genesis 42:25-28), plus new money to buy additional food. This showed their honesty and fear of appearing as thieves.
Q: Why was it significant that Binyamin went with his brothers to Egypt?
A: Binyamin's presence was crucial because Yosef had demanded to see him as proof that the brothers weren't spies (Genesis 42:15-20). The Midrash explains that Yosef wanted to see if his brothers would protect Binyamin like they had failed to protect him years earlier.
Q: What can we learn from the brothers standing before Yosef?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) learns from this moment that one should approach important matters with proper preparation and respect. The brothers didn't rush in, but 'stood before Yosef,' showing proper decorum when appearing before a leader.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both 'they rose up' and 'they went down' when describing the journey?
A: Rashi explains the dual language teaches that their 'rising up' to do the mitzvah of honoring their father (by getting food) gave them spiritual elevation, while physically they were 'going down' to Egypt, which was always considered a descent spiritually.
Q: What was the purpose of the presents they brought to Yosef?
A: The Ramban explains that these gifts were customary when approaching royalty in ancient times (similar to Esther 2:18). The Midrash adds that the specific items (honey, nuts, etc.) were delicacies from Israel that couldn't be found in Egypt, showing respect through rare gifts.