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Genesis 45:5 - Divine plan saves lives.

Genesis 45:5 - בראשית 45:5

Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה אַל־תֵּעָצְבוּ וְאַל־יִחַר בְּעֵינֵיכֶם כִּי־מְכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי הֵנָּה כִּי לְמִחְיָה שְׁלָחַנִי אֱלֹהִים לִפְנֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Transliteration

Ve'ata al te'atzvu ve'al yichar be'eineichem ki mechartem oti hena ki lemichya shelachani Elohim lifneichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּ֣ה <b>׀</b> אַל־תֵּעָ֣צְב֗וּ וְאַל־יִ֙חַר֙ בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם כִּֽי־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתִ֖י הֵ֑נָּה כִּ֣י לְמִֽחְיָ֔ה שְׁלָחַ֥נִי אֱלֹהִ֖ים לִפְנֵיכֶֽם׃
וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ אַל־תֵּעָ֣צְב֗וּ וְאַל־יִ֙חַר֙ בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם כִּֽי־מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתִ֖י הֵ֑נָּה כִּ֣י לְמִֽחְיָ֔ה שְׁלָחַ֥נִי אֱלֹהִ֖ים לִפְנֵיכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 45:5) is part of Yosef's emotional revelation to his brothers in Egypt, where he reassures them after they recognize him as the brother they had sold into slavery years earlier. Yosef emphasizes that their actions were part of a divine plan to ensure survival during the famine.

Yosef's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rashi explains that Yosef is teaching his brothers a fundamental principle of hashgachah pratit (divine providence): although they acted with wrongful intent, Hashem orchestrated events for a greater purpose—to sustain the family during famine. The phrase "לְמִחְיָה" ("to preserve life") underscores that their survival was the ultimate goal.

The Brothers' Emotional State

The Sforno notes that Yosef tells his brothers not to be grieved ("אַל־תֵּעָצְבוּ") or angry with themselves ("אַל־יִחַר בְּעֵינֵיכֶם") because their regret, while justified, should not overshadow the recognition of Hashem's hand in the events. The Ramban adds that Yosef alleviates their guilt by framing their actions as part of a divine plan.

Theological Implications

  • Human Agency vs. Divine Will: The Malbim explains that while humans have free will, Hashem guides events toward a higher purpose. The brothers chose to sell Yosef, but Hashem used their choice to fulfill a greater good.
  • Repentance and Forgiveness: The Kli Yakar highlights that Yosef's words model forgiveness and the importance of seeing divine wisdom even in suffering.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 8) elaborates that Yosef's descent to Egypt was a precursor to the eventual exile and redemption of Bnei Yisrael. His reassurance to his brothers reflects the idea that hardships are sometimes necessary steps in Hashem's larger plan for the Jewish people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chagigah 4b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine providence and how God's plans unfold through human actions, using Joseph's words to his brothers as an example.
📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the concept of divine intervention in human affairs, illustrating how Joseph recognized God's hand in his journey to Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Joseph mean when he says 'God sent me before you to preserve life'?
A: Joseph is explaining that although his brothers sold him into slavery, it was ultimately part of Hashem's plan to save lives during the famine. As Rashi explains, Joseph recognized that his suffering in Egypt was necessary so he could rise to power and provide food for his family and the entire region (Genesis 45:5 with Rashi's commentary).
Q: Why does Joseph tell his brothers not to be grieved about selling him?
A: Joseph comforts his brothers by showing them the bigger picture - that their actions, though wrong, were used by Hashem for a greater good. The Rambam teaches that we should try to see Hashem's hand in difficult situations (Hilchot De'ot 2:3), just as Joseph did here.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Joseph's words to his brothers?
A: This teaches us the important Jewish concept of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) - that Hashem guides all events, even difficult ones, toward a greater purpose. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:2) emphasizes how Joseph's wisdom in recognizing this shows his spiritual greatness.
Q: How does Joseph's perspective in this verse apply to challenges we face today?
A: Like Joseph, we should try to see challenges as opportunities for growth and helping others. The Talmud (Berachot 60b) teaches that we should say 'This too is for the good' in all circumstances, following Joseph's example of finding the positive purpose in difficulties.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of Joseph?
A: This moment marks Joseph's complete forgiveness of his brothers and his understanding of his life's mission. As the Sforno explains, it shows Joseph's maturity in recognizing that his suffering had the higher purpose of saving his family and preserving the Jewish people (commentary on Genesis 45:5).