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Genesis 44:1 - Test of brotherly repentance?

Genesis 44:1 - בראשית 44:1

Hebrew Text

וַיְצַו אֶת־אֲשֶׁר עַל־בֵּיתוֹ לֵאמֹר מַלֵּא אֶת־אַמְתְּחֹת הָאֲנָשִׁים אֹכֶל כַּאֲשֶׁר יוּכְלוּן שְׂאֵת וְשִׂים כֶּסֶף־אִישׁ בְּפִי אַמְתַּחְתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in the mouth of his sack.

Transliteration

Vaytzav et-asher al-beito lemor male et-amtachot ha'anashim ochel ka'asher yuchlun se'et vesim kesef-ish befi amtachto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְצַ֞ו אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־בֵּיתוֹ֮ לֵאמֹר֒ מַלֵּ֞א אֶת־אַמְתְּחֹ֤ת הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֹ֔כֶל כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יוּכְל֖וּן שְׂאֵ֑ת וְשִׂ֥ים כֶּֽסֶף־אִ֖ישׁ בְּפִ֥י אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃
וַיְצַ֞ו אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־בֵּיתוֹ֮ לֵאמֹר֒ מַלֵּ֞א אֶת־אַמְתְּחֹ֤ת הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֹ֔כֶל כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יוּכְל֖וּן שְׂאֵ֑ת וְשִׂ֥ים כֶּֽסֶף־אִ֖ישׁ בְּפִ֥י אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 44:1) describes Yosef's instruction to his steward to fill his brothers' sacks with food and return their money secretly. This occurs after Yosef's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain during the famine, unaware that the Egyptian viceroy is their brother.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 44:1) explains that Yosef's command to return the money was part of his plan to test his brothers' integrity. By placing the money in their sacks, Yosef created a scenario where they would be accused of theft, allowing him to observe whether they would stand by Binyamin (the youngest brother) when he was framed later. This tested whether they had repented for selling Yosef into slavery years earlier.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) discusses how Hashem orchestrates events to bring about repentance and reconciliation. Yosef's actions align with this principle—his seemingly harsh treatment of his brothers was ultimately for their spiritual benefit, leading them to acknowledge their past wrongdoing and demonstrate changed behavior.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 8): The return of the money symbolizes divine measure-for-measure justice. The brothers sold Yosef for silver (Bereshit 37:28), and now they unknowingly received silver back, forcing them to confront their past.
  • Bereishit Rabbah (92:8): Yosef's instruction to fill the sacks "as much as they can carry" reflects his desire to provide for his family generously, despite the test he was orchestrating. This hints at his underlying compassion.

Halachic Implications

The Chofetz Chaim (Shemirat HaLashon) derives from this episode the importance of judging others favorably. Yosef's brothers initially assumed the money was placed in their sacks by mistake (Bereshit 43:12), not realizing it was part of a larger divine plan. This teaches that one should not hastily suspect others of wrongdoing.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Joseph's actions and his treatment of his brothers, illustrating his kindness and wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 44:1?
A: In Genesis 44:1, Yosef (Joseph) instructs his steward to fill his brothers' sacks with as much food as they can carry and to secretly return each brother's money by placing it in their sacks. This is part of Yosef's test to see if his brothers have changed since they sold him into slavery.
Q: Why did Yosef return the money to his brothers' sacks?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Yosef returned the money to test his brothers' honesty and to see if they would return or confess about the money when confronted. This was a way to determine if they had repented for their past actions against him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 44:1?
A: This verse teaches the importance of kindness (chesed) and testing people's character with wisdom. Yosef showed generosity by giving his brothers food, but also tested their integrity. The Midrash highlights how Yosef acted with both compassion and caution to ensure true repentance.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment is a turning point in the reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers. By returning their money, Yosef creates a situation where they must confront their past dishonesty (when they sold him) and demonstrate whether they have changed. The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) discusses how hidden tests reveal true character.
Q: Why did Yosef give them extra food along with returning their money?
A: The Ramban explains that Yosef wanted to show his brothers kindness (even while testing them) by providing abundantly for their families in Canaan. This reflects the Jewish value of helping others generously, even when there are unresolved conflicts.