“He raised his voice in weeping…. And his brothers could not answer him” – Abba Kohen Bardela said: Woe unto us from the Day of Judgment; woe unto us from the day of rebuke. Bilam, the wise man of the idolaters, could not withstand the rebuke of his donkey. That is what is written: “Have I been in the habit of doing so to you? He said: No” (Numbers 22:30). Joseph was the youngest of the tribes and they were unable to withstand his rebuke. That is what it is written: “And his brothers could not answer him because they were alarmed before him.” When the Holy One blessed be He will come and rebuke each and every one according to his status, as it is stated: “I would reprove you and set it before your eyes” (Psalms 50:21), all the more so.
“Please approach me, and they approached” – he showed them the circumcision. “I am Joseph.”
“And now, it was not you that sent me here, but God. He made me into a father to Pharaoh, and into a lord for all his house, and ruler over the entire land of Egypt” (Genesis 45:8).
“And now it was not you that sent…He made me into a father to Pharaoh, [and into a lord [uladon] for all his house, and ruler [umoshel] over…]” – a patron to the king, “uladon” – a lord; umoshel – a ruler.
“Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him: So said your son Joseph: God has made me lord for all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry” (Genesis 45:9).
“Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him” – do not miss the opportunity.
“And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that is speaking to you” (Genesis 45:12).
“That it is my mouth that is speaking to you” – in the sacred tongue.
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