Joseph Forgives His Brothers After Jacob's Death in Tanchuma

Another interpretation: "And these are the names of the sons of Israel" (Exodus 1:1). This is what Scripture says: "He heals the broken-hearted, etc. He counts the number of the stars; to all of them He gives names" (Psalms 147:3-4). When Jacob died, what is written? "And Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead" (Genesis 50:15). What did they see? They saw that all the days that Jacob was alive, Joseph had dined with them, and they used to eat at his table; but once Jacob died, they no longer ate at his table, as it is said, "And Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead." They said: There is an evil hidden in Joseph's heart, "and he will surely requite us all the evil which we did to him" (ibid.). "And they commanded Joseph, saying" (Genesis 50:16). To whom did they give the command? To Bilhah, as it is said, "Thus shall you say to Joseph: Please, forgive, etc." (Genesis 50:17). Rabbi Avin said: The Holy One, blessed be He, said: You said with this expression "Please" (ana); in the future the High Priest is destined to enter the Holy of Holies and teach a plea of defense for your children with this expression, "Please (ana), O Name." "And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father" (ibid.). It is not written here "the transgression of your servants," but rather "the transgression of the servants of the God of your father" — even though your father has died, know that his God endures. "And Joseph wept when they spoke to him" (ibid.). Joseph said: My brothers suspected me thus! "And he comforted them and spoke to their heart" (Genesis 50:21) — words that rest upon the heart. He said to them: Before you came down to Egypt, people disputed about me, saying he is a slave; but you came down and made known that I am freeborn — and shall I now kill you? They will say: Is there a man who kills his brothers? Therefore, "and he comforted them."