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Genesis 43:24 - Kindness before revelation?

Genesis 43:24 - בראשית 43:24

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֵא הָאִישׁ אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁים בֵּיתָה יוֹסֵף וַיִּתֶּן־מַיִם וַיִּרְחֲצוּ רַגְלֵיהֶם וַיִּתֵּן מִסְפּוֹא לַחֲמֹרֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

And the man brought the men into Yosef’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

Transliteration

Vayave ha'ish et-ha'anashim beita Yosef vayiten mayim vayirchatzu ragleihem vayiten mispo lachamoreihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֵ֥א הָאִ֛ישׁ אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בֵּ֣יתָה יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיִּתֶּן־מַ֙יִם֙ וַיִּרְחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּתֵּ֥ן מִסְפּ֖וֹא לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם׃
וַיָּבֵ֥א הָאִ֛ישׁ אֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בֵּ֣יתָה יוֹסֵ֑ף וַיִּתֶּן־מַ֙יִם֙ וַיִּרְחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיהֶ֔ם וַיִּתֵּ֥ן מִסְפּ֖וֹא לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 43:24) describes the actions of Yosef's steward (הָאִישׁ) when Yosef's brothers arrive in Egypt for the second time. The steward brings them into Yosef's house, provides water for washing their feet, and feeds their donkeys. This occurs after the brothers had returned to Egypt with Binyamin, fulfilling Yosef's earlier condition.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments on the phrase "וַיִּרְחֲצוּ רַגְלֵיהֶם" ("and they washed their feet") by noting that this was a common practice in that region due to the prevalence of idolatry. People would worship by bowing to the dust, so washing one's feet upon entering a home was a way to demonstrate that they were not bringing any remnants of idol worship into a Jewish household. This aligns with the Torah's prohibition against any association with avodah zarah (idolatry).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim (Laws of Idolatry) emphasizes the importance of distancing oneself from practices associated with idol worship. The act of washing feet, as described here, can be seen as a precautionary measure to avoid even the appearance of engaging in or condoning idolatrous customs.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:5) elaborates on the steward's actions, suggesting that the phrase "וַיִּתֶּן־מַיִם" ("and he gave water") alludes to more than just physical water. It symbolizes the Torah, which is often compared to water in Jewish thought (as in Isaiah 55:1, "הוֹי כָּל־צָמֵא לְכוּ לַמַּיִם"). The steward's hospitality reflects Yosef's broader role in sustaining his family both physically and spiritually during the famine.

Symbolism of Feeding the Donkeys

The phrase "וַיִּתֵּן מִסְפּוֹא לַחֲמֹרֵיהֶם" ("and he gave their donkeys provender") is interpreted by Chazal as an act of chessed (kindness) that extends even to animals. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32b) derives from this that one must feed their animals before eating themselves, based on the principle of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing suffering to animals). This highlights the Torah's emphasis on compassion for all creatures.

Yosef's Hidden Identity

Malbim (Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yechiel Michel) notes that the steward's actions mirror Yosef's own hidden identity—just as the brothers do not yet recognize Yosef, the steward's kindness foreshadows Yosef's eventual revelation and forgiveness. The meticulous care shown to the brothers (and their animals) hints at Yosef's underlying love for his family, despite the tension between them.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef's steward give water to wash the brothers' feet?
A: Rashi explains that washing feet was a common act of hospitality in ancient times, especially after traveling. Since the brothers had come from Canaan to Egypt, it was proper to offer them this courtesy. Additionally, the Midrash suggests this act was meant to make them feel at ease in Yosef's house.
Q: What is the significance of feeding the brothers' donkeys?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 9:8) teaches that proper treatment of animals is a Torah value. By providing food for their donkeys, Yosef's steward demonstrated kindness to animals, fulfilling the mitzvah of tzaar baalei chayim (preventing suffering to living creatures). This also showed complete hospitality by caring for both the guests and their property.
Q: Why does the Torah mention these small details of hospitality?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 46b) derives from this verse that hosting guests is a great mitzvah, and these details teach us the proper way to do it. The verse shows that true hospitality includes both physical comforts (like washing feet) and practical needs (like feeding animals). This teaches us to be attentive to all aspects of our guests' needs.
Q: Why does it say 'the man' brought them in instead of naming Yosef's steward?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah often uses general terms like 'the man' when the specific identity isn't crucial to the narrative. Here, the focus is on the acts of hospitality rather than the identity of the servant. This teaches that the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim (hosting guests) is important regardless of who performs it.