Judah Accuses Joseph of Force and Demands a Just Law

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayigash 5:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation: "Then Judah drew near to him and said: Pray (bi), my lord" (Genesis 44:18). He said to him: With force (biyah) you are passing judgment over us. Why? Because you said to us, "Do this and live; I fear God" (Genesis 42:18). You do not fear the Holy One, blessed be He; rather, you resemble Pharaoh, as it is said, "for you are like Pharaoh" (Genesis 44:18). Thus: with force you are passing judgment over us. He said to him: You are judging us neither by the law of the kingdom nor by the law of Heaven. By the law of Heaven, one who is found stealing pays double, as it is said, "If the thief is found, he shall pay double" (Exodus 22:6); and if he has nothing with which to pay, he is sold for his theft. By the law of the kingdom, they take everything he has. If by the law of the kingdom you are seizing us, take for yourself everything that is in our hands; but if by the law of Heaven, if we cannot pay his price, here we are to you as slaves. "Pray (bi), my lord" — with force (biyah) you are passing judgment over us.

Themes

TribesJosephDivine JusticeKingsEgypt

Biblical References

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