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Genesis 44:2 - Yosef tests brothers' repentance

Genesis 44:2 - בראשית 44:2

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־גְּבִיעִי גְּבִיעַ הַכֶּסֶף תָּשִׂים בְּפִי אַמְתַּחַת הַקָּטֹן וְאֵת כֶּסֶף שִׁבְרוֹ וַיַּעַשׂ כִּדְבַר יוֹסֵף אֲשֶׁר דִּבֵּר׃

English Translation

And put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Yosef had spoken.

Transliteration

Ve'et-gvi'i gvi'a hakesef tasim b'fi amtachat hakatan ve'et kesef shivro vaya'as kidvar Yosef asher diber.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־גְּבִיעִ֞י גְּבִ֣יעַ הַכֶּ֗סֶף תָּשִׂים֙ בְּפִי֙ אַמְתַּ֣חַת הַקָּטֹ֔ן וְאֵ֖ת כֶּ֣סֶף שִׁבְר֑וֹ וַיַּ֕עַשׂ כִּדְבַ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽר׃
וְאֶת־גְּבִיעִ֞י גְּבִ֣יעַ הַכֶּ֗סֶף תָּשִׂים֙ בְּפִי֙ אַמְתַּ֣חַת הַקָּטֹ֔ן וְאֵ֖ת כֶּ֣סֶף שִׁבְר֑וֹ וַיַּ֕עַשׂ כִּדְבַ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Strategy and Divine Providence

This verse (Bereshit 44:2) describes Yosef's instruction to place his silver goblet in Binyamin's sack, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with his brothers. The commentators explore the deeper meaning behind this action:

  • Rashi explains that Yosef used his silver goblet for divination (though he didn't actually practice it) to give his brothers the impression he was an Egyptian ruler who would suspect them of theft. This was part of his plan to test whether they had repented for selling him into slavery.
  • Ramban suggests the goblet was specifically placed in Binyamin's sack because Yosef wanted to see if the brothers would abandon Binyamin as they had abandoned him years earlier, thus testing their moral growth.
  • Sforno notes that the phrase "וַיַּעַשׂ כִּדְבַר יוֹסֵף" ("he did according to Yosef's word") hints that Yosef's servant carried out the plan exactly, showing how every detail was orchestrated by Divine Providence to bring about the eventual reconciliation.

The Significance of the Silver Goblet

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:8) comments on why Yosef specifically chose his silver goblet for this test:

  • The goblet represented royalty and authority, making the accusation more serious and the test more meaningful.
  • Silver (כֶּסֶף) alludes to the money (כֶּסֶף) for which Yosef was sold, creating a thematic connection to the brothers' earlier sin.
  • The placement in Binyamin's sack specifically tested whether the brothers would show favoritism to Rachel's other son as they had to Yosef.

Moral Lessons from the Narrative

The Talmud (Chullin 91a) derives from this incident that one should not suspect others without cause. Yosef's elaborate test was necessary because he had legitimate reasons to suspect his brothers, unlike ordinary situations where we must judge others favorably.

This episode ultimately leads to the brothers' complete repentance (תשובה) when Yehudah offers himself in place of Binyamin, demonstrating the transformative power of the events Yosef orchestrated through this silver goblet.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 92a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of Joseph and his brothers, illustrating the fulfillment of Joseph's words.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef put his silver cup in Binyamin's sack?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 44:2), Yosef placed his silver cup in Binyamin's sack as a test to see if his brothers would stand up for Binyamin like they had once betrayed Yosef. This was part of Yosef's plan to determine whether his brothers had truly repented for their past actions.
Q: What is the significance of the silver cup in this story?
A: The silver cup was a valuable item belonging to Yosef, who was the viceroy of Egypt. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 92:8) explains that this cup was also used for divination (though Yosef did not actually practice it), making its theft seem like a serious crime. This heightened the drama of the test Yosef set for his brothers.
Q: Why did Yosef specifically choose Binyamin's sack for the cup?
A: Yosef chose Binyamin's sack because he wanted to see if the brothers would protect their youngest brother, Binyamin, or abandon him as they had once done to Yosef. The Ramban (Genesis 44:17) explains that this was a way for Yosef to test their unity and repentance.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's test with the silver cup?
A: The story teaches the importance of repentance (teshuvah) and brotherly unity. Yosef wanted to ensure his brothers had changed since the days they sold him into slavery. When they defended Binyamin (Genesis 44:33-34), it showed their growth. The Talmud (Yoma 86b) discusses how true repentance is demonstrated when one faces the same situation but acts differently.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This verse is a key moment in the reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers. According to Sforno (Genesis 44:1), Yosef orchestrated this test to bring about a complete resolution to their past conflict. Only when the brothers proved their loyalty to Binyamin did Yosef reveal his identity, leading to their eventual reunion and forgiveness.