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Genesis 50:19 - Divine justice, not mine

Genesis 50:19 - בראשית 50:19

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יוֹסֵף אַל־תִּירָאוּ כִּי הֲתַחַת אֱלֹהִים אָנִי׃

English Translation

And Yosef said to them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?

Transliteration

Va'yomer alehem Yosef al-tira'u ki hatachat Elohim ani.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֛ם יוֹסֵ֖ף אַל־תִּירָ֑אוּ כִּ֛י הֲתַ֥חַת אֱלֹהִ֖ים אָֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֛ם יוֹסֵ֖ף אַל־תִּירָ֑אוּ כִּ֛י הֲתַ֥חַת אֱלֹהִ֖ים אָֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yosef's Reassurance to His Brothers

The verse "And Yosef said to them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?" (Bereishit 50:19) occurs after the death of Yaakov, when Yosef's brothers fear retribution for their earlier betrayal. Yosef reassures them that he does not seek vengeance, recognizing that their actions were part of Hashem's divine plan.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yosef is telling his brothers: "Even if I wanted to harm you, am I in God’s place to contradict His will?" Yosef acknowledges that their sale of him was orchestrated by Hashem to bring about the survival of the family during the famine (Bereishit 45:5-8). Thus, he cannot take personal vengeance for an event that was divinely ordained.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 5:4) discusses how divine providence operates through human actions. Yosef's statement reflects this principle—he recognizes that while his brothers acted with free will, their deeds were ultimately directed by Hashem for a greater purpose. This aligns with the broader Jewish belief in hashgacha pratit (individual divine supervision).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 9) emphasizes Yosef's humility, noting that he does not elevate himself above divine judgment. His rhetorical question, "Am I in the place of God?" underscores his submission to Hashem’s will.
  • The Sforno adds that Yosef is reminding his brothers that only Hashem can truly judge human actions, as He alone knows the intentions of the heart.

Halachic Implications

The Chofetz Chaim (in Shemirat HaLashon) cites this verse as a model of forgiveness and avoiding grudges. Yosef’s response teaches that one should not harbor resentment when recognizing that events unfold according to divine wisdom, even through human intermediaries.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 89a
The verse is cited in a discussion about humility, where Yosef's statement is contrasted with the humility of Moses and Aaron.
📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of Yosef's brothers' fear and Yosef's reassurance to them, illustrating his righteousness and forgiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Yosef mean when he says 'am I in the place of God?' in Genesis 50:19?
A: Yosef is reassuring his brothers that he does not hold himself as a replacement for Hashem's judgment. Rashi explains that Yosef was telling them, 'Even if I wanted to harm you, it is not in my power, for judgment belongs only to Hashem.' This teaches humility and recognition that ultimate justice comes from God.
Q: Why did Yosef tell his brothers 'Fear not' in this verse?
A: After their father Yaakov's passing, Yosef's brothers feared he would now take revenge for their earlier betrayal (selling him into slavery). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 100:8) explains that Yosef comforted them by showing his complete forgiveness and trust in Hashem's plan, demonstrating the importance of letting go of grudges.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's words in Genesis 50:19?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 7:7) teaches that Yosef's response models proper character traits—forgiveness and recognizing that all events are ultimately directed by Hashem. This verse teaches us to avoid holding resentment and to trust in divine providence even when others wrong us.
Q: How does Yosef's statement apply to conflicts between people today?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 23a) derives from this verse that one should not take personal vengeance, as Yosef did not. Instead, we should emulate Yosef by recognizing that Hashem guides all situations, and we must strive for reconciliation and peace, even when we have the upper hand.