Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef invite his brothers to eat with him after seeing Binyamin?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef wanted to test his brothers to see if they were still jealous of Binyamin (Rachel's other son) like they had been of him. By showing special favor to Binyamin (giving him five times more food, as seen later in the parsha), he could observe their reaction and determine if they had repented for their earlier actions against him.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Yosef had the meal prepared 'at noon'?
A: The Midrash explains that noon was an unusual time for a formal meal, as people typically ate lighter meals during the day. Yosef arranged this special feast at midday to show honor to his brothers and to emphasize the importance of the occasion—reuniting with Binyamin.
Q: What is the significance of Yosef instructing his steward to 'slaughter a beast' for the meal?
A: The Ramban explains that slaughtering an animal for a meal was a sign of great honor and hospitality in ancient times. Since meat was not eaten daily, preparing it showed that Yosef was treating his brothers as esteemed guests. Additionally, the Talmud (Chullin 5a) notes that Yosef, as a righteous man, would have ensured the animal was slaughtered according to halachic standards (shechita), even before the Torah was given.
Q: Why did Yosef not reveal his identity to his brothers at this point?
A: The Sforno teaches that Yosef was following a Divine plan to bring his brothers to complete repentance (teshuva). By continuing the test—first with the money in their sacks and now with Binyamin—he allowed them to demonstrate genuine change. Only after seeing their self-sacrifice for Binyamin later (in Parshas Vayigash) did he reveal himself.
Q: How does this verse teach us about hakaras hatov (gratitude)?
A: Yosef showed gratitude to Hashem by hosting his brothers kindly, despite their past actions. The Kli Yakar explains that Yosef recognized everything was part of Hashem's plan to save their family, so he held no resentment. This teaches us to respond to difficulties with faith and to treat others with kindness, even if they wronged us in the past.
Yosef's Recognition of Binyamin
The verse states, "וַיַּרְא יוֹסֵף אִתָּם אֶת־בִּנְיָמִין" ("And Yosef saw Binyamin with them"). Rashi explains that Yosef was moved to tears upon seeing his full brother, Binyamin, after many years of separation. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 93:7) elaborates that Yosef inquired about Binyamin's well-being and examined him closely to see if he bore any resentment for Yosef's disappearance, but found none.
Invitation to a Meal
Yosef instructs his steward, "הָבֵא אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁים הַבָּיְתָה" ("Bring these men home"). The Ramban notes that Yosef's hospitality reflects Avraham's trait of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), demonstrating that Yosef maintained the values of his forefathers despite his high position in Egypt. The phrase "וּטְבֹחַ טֶבַח" ("slaughter a beast") is interpreted by the Sforno as a sign of honor, indicating a festive meal prepared in their merit.
The Significance of Dining at Noon
The verse concludes, "כִּי אִתִּי יֹאכְלוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים בַּצָּהֳרָיִם" ("for the men shall dine with me at noon"). The Kli Yakar explains that eating at midday was unusual for Egyptian nobility, who typically dined in the evening. Yosef deliberately chose this time to avoid suspicion, as dining with foreigners at night might have raised questions. Additionally, the Ibn Ezra suggests that noon was a time when Yosef could privately converse with his brothers without interruption.
Spiritual Lessons