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Genesis 44:15 - Can you hide from divine justice?

Genesis 44:15 - בראשית 44:15

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם יוֹסֵף מָה־הַמַּעֲשֶׂה הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר עֲשִׂיתֶם הֲלוֹא יְדַעְתֶּם כִּי־נַחֵשׁ יְנַחֵשׁ אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר כָּמֹנִי׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to them, What deed is this that you have done? do you not know that such a man as I can certainly divine?

Transliteration

Va'yomer lahem Yosef ma-hama'aseh hazeh asher asitem halo yedatem ki-nachesh yenachesh ish asher kamoni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף מָֽה־הַמַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲשִׂיתֶ֑ם הֲל֣וֹא יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם כִּֽי־נַחֵ֧שׁ יְנַחֵ֛שׁ אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּמֹֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף מָֽה־הַמַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲשִׂיתֶ֑ם הֲל֣וֹא יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם כִּֽי־נַחֵ֧שׁ יְנַחֵ֛שׁ אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּמֹֽנִי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Rebuke and the Concept of Divination

The verse (Bereshit 44:15) records Yosef's confrontation with his brothers after the discovery of the goblet in Binyamin's sack. Yosef exclaims, "What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can certainly divine?" Rashi explains that Yosef was subtly hinting to his brothers that they should have known he had special insight, as he had accurately identified them earlier (when they first came to Egypt). This aligns with Yosef's earlier dream interpretation abilities (Bereshit 40-41).

The Nature of Yosef's "Divination"

The term "נַחֵשׁ יְנַחֵשׁ" (can certainly divine) raises questions about the permissibility of divination according to Halacha. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:4) prohibits various forms of divination, but Yosef's statement must be understood differently:

  • Radak suggests Yosef was merely employing a ruse to test his brothers, not actually practicing forbidden divination.
  • Sforno explains that Yosef was referring to his wisdom and deductive reasoning (like a judge who discerns truth), not occult practices.
  • Kli Yakar notes that Yosef used this language to intimidate them, playing the role of an Egyptian viceroy who would engage in such practices.

Moral Lesson in Yosef's Words

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:8) highlights that Yosef's rebuke echoes the brothers' earlier words to Yaakov ("Do you not know..." - Bereshit 37:10), showing measure-for-measure justice. The Talmud (Chullin 89b) also derives from this verse that leaders should sometimes employ indirect communication (like Yosef's rhetorical question) to prompt introspection.

Historical Context of Divination in Egypt

Ibn Ezra observes that Yosef adopted terminology familiar to Egyptians (who heavily practiced divination) to make his claim believable. This aligns with the principle of "דיברה תורה בלשון בני אדם" (the Torah speaks in human terms), where Yosef used culturally relevant language without endorsing its practices.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef mean when he says 'such a man as I can certainly divine'?
A: Yosef is referring to his ability to interpret dreams and divine hidden matters, as he had done earlier in Egypt (Rashi on Genesis 44:15). He is reminding his brothers that he has special insight, hinting that he knows about their past actions (like selling him into slavery).
Q: Why did Yosef accuse his brothers of wrongdoing in this verse?
A: Yosef was testing his brothers to see if they had changed since the time they sold him into slavery. By framing them for stealing his silver goblet (which he had planted), he wanted to observe whether they would protect Binyamin or abandon him as they had once abandoned Yosef (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 92:8).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's words to his brothers in this verse?
A: This teaches us about the importance of repentance (teshuvah) and how people can change. Yosef orchestrated this situation to give his brothers an opportunity to demonstrate their growth and loyalty, showing that even difficult tests can be for a higher purpose (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 2:1).
Q: How does Yosef's statement about divination fit with Torah law which forbids divination?
A: The Talmud explains that Yosef did not actually practice forbidden divination, but rather used wisdom and insight granted to him by Hashem (Chullin 95b). Alternatively, some commentaries say he was bluffing to intimidate his brothers (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 44:15).
Q: Why is this moment important in the story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This is the turning point where Yosef begins to reveal himself to his brothers. His dramatic accusation leads to Yehudah's passionate defense of Binyamin, showing the brothers' transformation and paving the way for their reconciliation (Sforno on Genesis 44:15).