1)

Why was Reuven so distraught when he discovered that Yosef was no longer in the pit?

1.

Rashi and Targum Yonasan: Because he was concerned about his father's grief. 1

2.

Moshav Zekenim, Hadar Zekenim, and Ba'al ha'Turim (citing Midrash Sechel Tov): He was afraid that his father would blame him for Yosef's death, which he would attribute to the fact that Yosef had taken over the Bechorah from him, 2 for which he had now taken revenge.

3.

Malbim, from the Ari Zal: Yaakov was destined to father Efrayim and Menasheh; he did not, because Reuven disturbed his bed. Reuven's Mazal understood that his sin will be fixed through sons that will come from Yosef. 'But now Yosef is gone - how can I fix my sin?!' Refer to 35:22:6:9 and the note there.


1

See above, 37:29:1:2* and 37:29:2 .

2

But it was only later that Yaakov gave Reuven's Bechorah to Yosef! Hadar Zekenim connotes that the Pasuk "uv'Chalelo Yetzu'ei Aviv Nitnah Bechoraso l'Yosef" (Divrei Hayamim I 5:1) was already known (through Ru'ach ha'Kodesh).

2)

Why were the brothers not concerned about their father's grief - considering that even Esav stated that he would not kill Yaakov while Yitzchak was alive, in order not to cause his father pain?

1.

Oznayim la'Torah: It was a Divine decree that Yosef should go to Egypt to prepare the way for Galus Mitzrayim - and that the brothers should therefore act the way they did. 1


1

The question then arises how the brothers could be taken to task for the sale of Yosef - including later Divine retribution in the Asarah Harugei Malchus? (EC)

3)

What was Reuven's lament, "Ana Ani Ba"? He had not told the brothers that he planned to return Yosef!

1.

Rashi: He wondered where he could run away to escape witnessing his father's pain.

2.

Ohr ha'Chayim: Since I am the Bechor, Yaakov will ask me 1 to search the entire world to find Yosef. Had Yosef died in the pit, I would bring the body killed via Chayos. Now, where will I go to find him? To solve this, they slaughtered a kid [and dipped his robe in the blood].

3.

Ha'amek Davar: Had I not suggested throwing him in the pit, I would never have allowed to kill or sell him. He was killed via my counsel. Where can I go to exile, like one who killed b'Shogeg? Hashem told Kayin "Na va'Nad Tihyeh ba'Aretz" (4:12) for killing b'Shogeg! 2


1

Would Yaakov ask only Reuven, and exempt the other brothers?! (PF)

2

Ha'amek Davar (to 4:10): Hashem judged Kayin like one who killed b'Shogeg, for he misunderstood Hashem's word "v'Atah Timshol Bo" (4:7).

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