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Genesis 43:34 - Favor foreshadows brotherly revelation?

Genesis 43:34 - בראשית 43:34

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא מַשְׂאֹת מֵאֵת פָּנָיו אֲלֵהֶם וַתֵּרֶב מַשְׂאַת בִּנְיָמִן מִמַּשְׂאֹת כֻּלָּם חָמֵשׁ יָדוֹת וַיִּשְׁתּוּ וַיִּשְׁכְּרוּ עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And he took and sent portions to them from before him: but Binyamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.

Transliteration

Va'yisa masot me'et panav alehem va'tereiv masat Binyamin mi'masot kulam chamesh yadot va'yishtu va'yishk'ru imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֨א מַשְׂאֹ֜ת מֵאֵ֣ת פָּנָיו֮ אֲלֵהֶם֒ וַתֵּ֜רֶב מַשְׂאַ֧ת בִּנְיָמִ֛ן מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת כֻּלָּ֖ם חָמֵ֣שׁ יָד֑וֹת וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֨א מַשְׂאֹ֜ת מֵאֵ֣ת פָּנָיו֮ אֲלֵהֶם֒ וַתֵּ֜רֶב מַשְׂאַ֧ת בִּנְיָמִ֛ן מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת כֻּלָּ֖ם חָמֵ֣שׁ יָד֑וֹת וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Special Treatment of Binyamin

The verse (Bereishit 43:34) describes Yosef giving portions to his brothers, with Binyamin receiving five times more than the others. Rashi explains that this was a subtle hint from Yosef, alluding to the future when Binyamin's descendant Mordechai would wear five royal garments (Esther 8:15). This reflects the principle that events in the Torah foreshadow future occurrences (מדרש תנחומא).

The Significance of Five Portions

Ramban offers additional insights:

  • The five portions correspond to the five senses, symbolizing Yosef's complete love for his full brother Binyamin.
  • Alternatively, it represents the five-fold honor due to Binyamin as the only other son of Rachel.
  • The number five may also allude to the five books of Torah, hinting at Binyamin's future role in Jewish leadership.

The Festive Atmosphere

The Talmud (Megillah 16b) notes that the phrase "וישכרו עמו" ("and were merry with him") teaches that when Yosef's brothers drank, they drank moderately, maintaining their dignity. This contrasts with Egyptian drinking customs, showing the brothers' moral superiority even in a foreign land.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 92:5) explains that Yosef's actions served multiple purposes:

  • To test whether the brothers would show jealousy toward Binyamin as they had toward him
  • To demonstrate special affection for his only full brother
  • To hint at future events where Binyamin's descendants would play key roles in Jewish history

Moral Lesson

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that Yosef's conduct teaches the importance of showing extra kindness to family members, particularly when they might feel vulnerable in unfamiliar circumstances. The brothers' acceptance of Binyamin's preferential treatment demonstrated their personal growth since the sale of Yosef.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef give Binyamin five times as much food as his brothers?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef gave Binyamin a larger portion to test his brothers' feelings—to see if they would be jealous as they were with him (Yosef) years earlier. The Midrash also suggests it was a sign of special affection, as Binyamin was his only full brother (both sons of Rachel).
Q: What is the significance of the brothers drinking and being merry with Yosef in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) explains that true joy comes from unity and reconciliation. Despite not yet recognizing Yosef, the brothers experienced a moment of harmony, hinting at future forgiveness. Rambam teaches that sharing meals fosters peace, which was essential for repairing their fractured family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the importance of showing extra kindness to family (especially after separation or strife), as Yosef did for Binyamin. The Sforno notes that Yosef balanced discretion (not revealing himself yet) with generosity—a model for addressing conflicts wisely while maintaining love.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'five portions' for Binyamin?
A: Ba'al HaTurim connects the number five to the fivefold honor Yosef later receives (e.g., royal garments, chariots). The number also alludes to Binyamin’s future role: his descendant Mordechai would wear five royal garments (Esther 8:15), showing Divine reward for this act of brotherly love.