Why Judah Drew Near to Joseph Filled With the Wrath of War

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayigash 8:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation of "And Judah drew near to him" (Genesis 44:18): he drew near to do battle with him. For this expression is nothing other than the language of war, as it is said, "And Joab and the people drew near to the battle" (II Samuel 10:13). Our Rabbis said: When Judah was filled with fury, his hairs would stand on end and burst through his garments. And there are those who say that he would take iron beans and place them in his mouth and crunch them with his teeth, and his rage would mount. Therefore it is said, "And he drew near." "And he said: Please (bi), my lord, you bring injustice (biyah) upon us. Yesterday you said to us, 'Bring your younger brother down to me,' and we brought him. Now you have taken him. Is this not injustice?"

Themes

WarTribesAngerJosephHumor

Biblical References

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