Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 43:17 mean when it says 'the man did as Yosef bade'?
A: This verse refers to Yosef's steward (the 'man') following Yosef's instructions to bring his brothers into his house. According to Rashi, this shows the steward's complete obedience to Yosef's authority, demonstrating how Yosef had risen to a position of great power in Egypt.
Q: Why is this verse about Yosef's brothers coming to his house important?
A: This moment is significant because it sets the stage for the emotional reunion between Yosef and his brothers. The Midrash explains that every detail in this story teaches us about Divine Providence - how Hashem orchestrated events to bring Yosef's family together and ultimately save them from famine.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Yosef's steward obeyed his commands?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 19a) teaches that we should learn from the steward's example of faithfully carrying out instructions. Just as he obeyed Yosef completely, we should fulfill mitzvot and the words of our sages with the same dedication and precision.
Q: How does Yosef's treatment of his brothers in this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: The Rambam teaches that Yosef's actions - bringing his brothers into his home despite their past wrongs - model the Jewish values of forgiveness and family unity. Even when we have been hurt, we should seek ways to reconcile with proper boundaries, as Yosef did.
Q: Why did Yosef have his brothers brought to his house instead of meeting them elsewhere?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef wanted to host them properly according to the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality). By bringing them home, he could privately reveal his identity and provide for them generously, showing that his intentions were for family reconciliation, not revenge.
Verse Analysis: וַיַּעַשׂ הָאִישׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר אָמַר יוֹסֵף
This verse (Bereshit 43:17) describes the steward of Yosef's household carrying out Yosef's instructions to bring his brothers into his home. The phrasing emphasizes the steward's exact compliance, reflecting broader themes of divine providence and Yosef's concealed identity.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bereshit 43:17) notes that the term "הָאִישׁ" (the man) refers to Yosef’s steward, who acted precisely as commanded. Rashi highlights the steward’s unwavering obedience, suggesting it mirrors the broader narrative of Yosef’s brothers unknowingly fulfilling Yosef’s plans—which ultimately align with Hashem’s will (Bereshit 45:5-8).
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam discusses how Yosef’s orchestration of events demonstrates the interplay of human free will and divine plan. The steward’s compliance exemplifies how individuals unknowingly contribute to a larger divine design, even when acting autonomously.
Halachic Nuance
The Talmud (Chullin 91a) derives from this verse that one should fulfill instructions faithfully, as the steward did. This principle is later codified in halachic works (e.g., Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 182:1) regarding agents (shluchim) executing their duties meticulously.
Thematic Significance
The verse underscores the tension between human perception and divine orchestration. Yosef’s brothers fear retribution (Bereshit 43:18), unaware they are being guided toward reconciliation—a microcosm of how adversity may conceal redemption (yeridah l'tzorech aliyah).