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Genesis 44:12 - Brotherly test reveals destiny

Genesis 44:12 - בראשית 44:12

Hebrew Text

וַיְחַפֵּשׂ בַּגָּדוֹל הֵחֵל וּבַקָּטֹן כִּלָּה וַיִּמָּצֵא הַגָּבִיעַ בְּאַמְתַּחַת בִּנְיָמִן׃

English Translation

And he searched, and began at the eldest, and ended at the youngest: and the cup was found in Binyamin’s sack.

Transliteration

Vaychapes bagadol hechel uvakatan kila vayimatze hagavia b'amtahtat Binyamin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ בַּגָּד֣וֹל הֵחֵ֔ל וּבַקָּטֹ֖ן כִּלָּ֑ה וַיִּמָּצֵא֙ הַגָּבִ֔יעַ בְּאַמְתַּ֖חַת בִּנְיָמִֽן׃
וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ בַּגָּד֣וֹל הֵחֵ֔ל וּבַקָּטֹ֖ן כִּלָּ֑ה וַיִּמָּצֵא֙ הַגָּבִ֔יעַ בְּאַמְתַּ֖חַת בִּנְיָמִֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 44:12) describes Yosef's steward searching the brothers' sacks for the "stolen" silver goblet, starting with the eldest (Reuven) and concluding with the youngest (Binyamin). The goblet is ultimately found in Binyamin's sack, setting the stage for Yehudah's impassioned plea in the following chapter.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Yosef's steward searched "from the eldest to the youngest" to avoid suspicion that he planted the goblet in Binyamin's sack. Had he begun with Binyamin, the brothers might have accused him of targeting the youngest. By searching in order of age, he demonstrated fairness (Rashi on Bereshit 44:12).

Midrashic Insights

  • Divine Providence: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:8) notes that the search mirrored the brothers' earlier sin—they sold Yosef "from the eldest to the youngest" (Bereshit 37:2), and now their judgment unfolded similarly.
  • Binyamin's Innocence: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) highlights that Binyamin was unaware of the goblet's presence, emphasizing his righteousness and the brothers' growing remorse.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) interprets this episode as part of Yosef's Divine-guided plan to test his brothers' repentance. By framing Binyamin, Yosef forced them to confront their past cruelty toward a younger brother (himself) and choose righteousness over self-preservation.

Symbolism of the Goblet

The goblet (גביע) is identified by the Zohar (1:201b) as a symbol of kingship—foreshadowing Binyamin's future role as the ancestor of Mordechai and Esther, who would save Klal Yisrael. Its discovery in his sack hinted at his tribe's destined greatness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 10b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the story of Joseph and his brothers, particularly focusing on the search for the cup in Benjamin's sack as an example of divine providence and the unfolding of events according to God's plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef search the brothers' sacks starting from the eldest to the youngest?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef searched from the eldest to the youngest to avoid suspicion. If he had started with Binyamin right away, the brothers might have thought he was framing him. By searching in order, it appeared fair and unbiased.
Q: Why was the cup placed specifically in Binyamin's sack?
A: The Midrash explains that Yosef wanted to test his brothers to see if they would stand up for Binyamin, just as they had once betrayed him. By framing Binyamin, Yosef could observe whether they had repented for their past actions towards him.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the brothers' reaction when the cup was found in Binyamin's sack?
A: The Talmud teaches that this incident shows the importance of standing up for family and protecting the innocent. Unlike when they sold Yosef, the brothers now defended Binyamin, demonstrating personal growth and repentance (teshuvah).
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This moment is a turning point in the parsha, as it sets the stage for Yosef revealing his identity. The Rambam explains that Yosef orchestrated this test to see if the brothers had truly changed, paving the way for reconciliation.
Q: Why is Binyamin referred to as 'the youngest' instead of by name in this verse?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah calls Binyamin 'the youngest' here to emphasize his innocence and vulnerability. This highlights the brothers' moral test—whether they would abandon him as they once did Yosef or protect him.