וַיִּשָּׂ֣א עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת־בִּנְיָמִ֣ין אָחִיו֮ בֶּן־אִמּוֹ֒ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הֲזֶה֙ אֲחִיכֶ֣ם הַקָּטֹ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֵלָ֑י וַיֹּאמַ֕ר אֱלֹהִ֥ים יָחְנְךָ֖ בְּנִֽי׃
요셉이 눈을 들어 자기 어머니의 아들 자기 동생 베냐민을 보고 가로되 너희가 내게 말하던 너희 작은 동생이 이냐 그가 또 가로되 소자여 하나님이 네게 은혜 베푸시기를 원하노라
Chizkuni
וחנון, “and gracious;” this attribute is also applied to the wealthy, as we know from Psalms 37,21: וצדיק תוע ונותן, “the righteous is generous and keeps giving.” The same expression in the same meaning also occurs in Genesis 43,29: אלקים יחנך בני, “may G-d grant you grace my son (Joseph to Binyamin).” Compare also Numbers 6,25 on the word ויחנך in the priestly blessing, which is understood by commentators as a blessing in which the priest promises the recipient the G-d in whose name he recites the blessing is the One Who provides all living creatures with their daily needs. (B’chor Shor)
Rabbeinu Bahya
A rational/investigative approach: the words ויעבור ה’ על פניו ויקרא ה’ ה’ אל. These words contain three references to the tetragram. The balance of the words in that whole sequence are names for attributes of the Lord. In other words, the Torah here lists a total of ten attributes.The word מדות, “attributes” applies also to the names of G’d. The reason that the name of the Lord appears three times in this verse is to hint at the fact that the Lord is the G’d is unique and in charge in all three worlds, the world of the angels, the world of the planets, (outer space) and our terrestrial universe. Regarding the two worlds which are of infinite duration, i.e. the world of the angels and that of the planets, the Torah used the two names of G’d which do not undergo any changes. [They are not used as different attributes on different occasions. Ed.] The Torah used the name אל in connection with the terrestrial world which is subject to a metamorphosis. We find these views reflected in Psalms 148,6 “He made them endure forever, establishing an order that will never change.” David had already referred to the world of the angels in the opening verses of the same Psalm when he said: “Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him all His angels, praise Him all His hosts.” In respect of the “lower” world, the part of the universe we humans inhabit, a universe which is subject to renewal, to destruction in its present form, the Torah uses the name אל, which is actually the name of an adjective. It is the attribute which can change from being the attribute of Justice to becoming the attribute of Mercy and vice versa. This is reflected in Psalm 22,2 אלי, אלי, למה עזבתני, ”My G’d My G’d, why have You abandoned me?” Clearly, this was a reference to the attribute of Mercy as one does not complain about being abandoned by G’d’s attribute of Justice.
At any rate, we are left with ten attributes used by the Creator to run His universe. The attributes רחום וחנון are two attributes which apply to the guidance of our fates by what is known as השגחה כללית, “G’d’s general system of supervising our fates,” and השגחה פרטית, “G’d’s specific supervision of the fates of individuals. The former refers to the השגחה כללית, as we are reminded in Psalms 145,18: “His רחמים extends to all His works.” The word חנון describes the attribute which supervises individual fates. You will never encounter this attribute mentioned in connection with any creature which is not a human being. In the book of Job (33,24) Elihu refers to it when he says ויחוננו ויאמר פדעהו מרדת שחת מצאתי כפר, ”then He has mercy on him and decrees ‘redeem him from descending into the Pit.’” We also encounter the word חנון in Genesis 43,29 where Joseph blesses his brother Binyamin commending him to the special attention of G’d. Seeing that man is the most accomplished of all of G’d’s creations, it is no more than natural that G’d should relate to him with special attention. Man therefore rates an attribute of G’d which is exclusive to his species.
The attribute ארך אפים is an attribute everyone is in need of, regardless of whether they are G’d-fearing, Torah-observant people or not. After all, we have been told by Solomon in Kohelet 7,20 “that there is no single individual alive on earth who does good only and does not commit a sin on occasion.” We do not need to mention that the habitual sinners are in need of this attribute of G’d. This too is an attribute reserved for the human species and relates to the dispensation of reward or punishment respectively, a concept unique to the relationship between man and his G’d.
This leaves us with seven more attributes, three of which basically favor man while four discriminate against him. The attributes רב חסד, ואמת basically work in man’s favor, whereas the attributes נושא עון, ופשע וחטאה as well as the attribute ונקה basically are attributes which man has to be afraid of. The attribute of נושא עון refers to G’d considering sins committed in thought only, whereas פשע וחטאה are attributes activated by actually committed sins, the former referring to deliberately committed sins whereas the attribute חטאה refers to unintentionally committed sins. Concerning the attribute ונקה, the Talmud Yuma 86 claims that it is an attribute reserved for penitents. It is certainly inconceivable that G’d should completely exonerate anyone who did not even repent his sins. A sinner who maintains his rebellious posture against G’d does not qualify for G’d’s favorable consideration as if G’d did extend such consideration to him the result would contradict a long-standing principle that sinners must not be perceived as actually benefiting from their sins (Yevamot 92). The institution of purgatory as an instrument of punishment was invented for the sake of the unrepentant sinner.
At any rate, we are left with ten attributes used by the Creator to run His universe. The attributes רחום וחנון are two attributes which apply to the guidance of our fates by what is known as השגחה כללית, “G’d’s general system of supervising our fates,” and השגחה פרטית, “G’d’s specific supervision of the fates of individuals. The former refers to the השגחה כללית, as we are reminded in Psalms 145,18: “His רחמים extends to all His works.” The word חנון describes the attribute which supervises individual fates. You will never encounter this attribute mentioned in connection with any creature which is not a human being. In the book of Job (33,24) Elihu refers to it when he says ויחוננו ויאמר פדעהו מרדת שחת מצאתי כפר, ”then He has mercy on him and decrees ‘redeem him from descending into the Pit.’” We also encounter the word חנון in Genesis 43,29 where Joseph blesses his brother Binyamin commending him to the special attention of G’d. Seeing that man is the most accomplished of all of G’d’s creations, it is no more than natural that G’d should relate to him with special attention. Man therefore rates an attribute of G’d which is exclusive to his species.
The attribute ארך אפים is an attribute everyone is in need of, regardless of whether they are G’d-fearing, Torah-observant people or not. After all, we have been told by Solomon in Kohelet 7,20 “that there is no single individual alive on earth who does good only and does not commit a sin on occasion.” We do not need to mention that the habitual sinners are in need of this attribute of G’d. This too is an attribute reserved for the human species and relates to the dispensation of reward or punishment respectively, a concept unique to the relationship between man and his G’d.
This leaves us with seven more attributes, three of which basically favor man while four discriminate against him. The attributes רב חסד, ואמת basically work in man’s favor, whereas the attributes נושא עון, ופשע וחטאה as well as the attribute ונקה basically are attributes which man has to be afraid of. The attribute of נושא עון refers to G’d considering sins committed in thought only, whereas פשע וחטאה are attributes activated by actually committed sins, the former referring to deliberately committed sins whereas the attribute חטאה refers to unintentionally committed sins. Concerning the attribute ונקה, the Talmud Yuma 86 claims that it is an attribute reserved for penitents. It is certainly inconceivable that G’d should completely exonerate anyone who did not even repent his sins. A sinner who maintains his rebellious posture against G’d does not qualify for G’d’s favorable consideration as if G’d did extend such consideration to him the result would contradict a long-standing principle that sinners must not be perceived as actually benefiting from their sins (Yevamot 92). The institution of purgatory as an instrument of punishment was invented for the sake of the unrepentant sinner.
Ramban
ARE WE TO BRING YOU FORTH WATER OUT OF THIS ROCK? Far be it and [G-d] forbid that [we should explain this] as a question indicating impossibility! For Moses our teacher, who was trusted in all G-d’s house,160See above, 12:7. [knew] that nothing is too hard for Him;161See Genesis 18:14. and he together with all Israel had seen greater and more wondrous miracles than this, and especially since this [miracle of providing water from a rock] had already been done once before through him at the rock in Horeb!124Exodus 17:6. Now the commentators162R’dak on I Samuel 2:27. have said that there are certain questions which [by apparently doubting that which cannot be denied], have the force of an [impassioned or indignant] affirmation. Thus we find: Did I reveal Myself to the house of thy father?;163Ibid. The sense is: “Did I not reveal Myself, although your sons, by their actions appear to belie it!” The king said also unto Zadok the priest: ‘Seest thou?’;164II Samuel 15:27. The sense here is: “Do you not see [that it is best that you return to the city in peace]!” Wilt thou judge?;165Ezekiel 22:2. The meaning is: “Wilt thou not judge? Of course you will judge!” Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?166Genesis 3:11. The meaning is: “Have you not eaten? Of course you have eaten!” But Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra wrote [that the meaning of the verse is]: “Do we indeed have power to bring you forth water out of the rock?” He means thereby to explain that Moses said to them: “Hear now, ye rebels against G-d, who say, ‘and why have ye brought the assembly of the Eternal167Above, Verse 4. unto this evil place?’168Ibid., Verse 5. Do we have the power by natural means to bring you forth water out of this flint? You should therefore recognize that this is all from G-d, for it is He Who took you out of Egypt, and brought you to this place, and it is He Who will feed you here.” This is similar to what he [Moses] told the people in the case of the manna, and ye shall know that the Eternal hath brought you out from the land of Egypt.169Exodus 16:6.
In my opinion this letter hei [in the word hamin — “out of”] indicates a [real] query, [and the meaning thereof is as follows]: “Are we to bring you forth water out of this rock or not?” For sometimes Scripture explains a question in its positive and negative aspects, such as: whether there are trees therein or not?170Above, 13:20. whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or not?171Deuteronomy 8:2. — and at other times it mentions only the positive aspect, [such as in the following verses]: Is this your youngest brother?;172Genssis 43:29. Know ye Laban the son of Nachor?;173Ibid., 29:5. Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself?174Zechariah 7:3. The reference is to the month of Ab, during which the First Temple was destroyed. When the Second Temple was built, the people asked the prophet whether they should still continue to observe the fast of the ninth of Ab. But this question here that Moses asked of them was a probing question [to test their true intention]. He said to them: “Hear now, ye rebels. — What do ye devise against the Eternal?175Nahum 1:9. — Are we to bring you forth water out of this strong rock? Will this event happen or not?” [i.e., “Do you believe that it is within His power to do it, or not?”] He thus stressed that their [behaviour was a serious] rebellion, telling them they were wanting in faith, and that the reason for their quarrelling with him was because they thought that G-d would not act wondrously for them, in a similar manner to that which it says, And they tried G-d in their heart … ‘Can G-d prepare a table in the wilderness … Can He give bread also?’176Psalms 78:18-20. Similarly the Rabbis have said:177Aboth 5:4. “Ten times our ancestors in the wilderness tried the Holy One, blessed be He.” [Moses’ question was thus] like a query as to the belief of the person addressed, [of which we find examples] in many places in Scripture: Must I then bring thy son back?178Genesis 24:5. which means: “Is that your wish?” Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?179II Chronicles 18:5. which means, “If that is your advice.” Here too, [the meaning of Moses’ question is]: “Do you think that we shall bring you forth water out of this rock?” The same is also my opinion with regard to [the following verses]: Did I reveal Myself?;163Ibid. The sense is: “Did I not reveal Myself, although your sons, by their actions appear to belie it!” Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before Me?180I Kings 21:29. Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?;166Genesis 3:11. The meaning is: “Have you not eaten? Of course you have eaten!” Wilt thou judge?165Ezekiel 22:2. The meaning is: “Wilt thou not judge? Of course you will judge!” For all these are questions, but their purpose is to ask about [the truth of] something well-known, so that the person who is asked is compelled to admit [the truth of the fact] against his will. Thus [Did I reveal Myself?163Ibid. The sense is: “Did I not reveal Myself, although your sons, by their actions appear to belie it!” means]: “Have I revealed Myself to your father’s house and chosen you? Since you know this, then Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice and at Mine offering?”181I Samuel 2:29. Do ye thus requite the Eternal182Deuteronomy 32:6. with such a requital! Similarly, “Hast thou eaten of the tree, about which I commanded you166Genesis 3:11. The meaning is: “Have you not eaten? Of course you have eaten!” [not to eat], and you are ashamed [and therefore you hid yourself],183See Genesis 3:8. or [if you did not eat of the tree], why then did you hide?” And in the same way the other [verses are to be explained]. However, the expression Seest thou?164II Samuel 15:27. The sense here is: “Do you not see [that it is best that you return to the city in peace]!” is a genuine inquiry about a matter [as to which the questioner is] in doubt, [David saying to Zadok the priest]: “If you ‘advise’ it, then return to the city,” [and the usage of the term ‘seest’ thou? means “do you see fit?”] as in the expression: “I see the words of Admon”184Kethuboth 109a. [which means: “I find the opinion of Admon correct”]. I have already explained this in Seder Bereshith.185Genesis 1:4 (Vol. I, p. 30).
In my opinion this letter hei [in the word hamin — “out of”] indicates a [real] query, [and the meaning thereof is as follows]: “Are we to bring you forth water out of this rock or not?” For sometimes Scripture explains a question in its positive and negative aspects, such as: whether there are trees therein or not?170Above, 13:20. whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or not?171Deuteronomy 8:2. — and at other times it mentions only the positive aspect, [such as in the following verses]: Is this your youngest brother?;172Genssis 43:29. Know ye Laban the son of Nachor?;173Ibid., 29:5. Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself?174Zechariah 7:3. The reference is to the month of Ab, during which the First Temple was destroyed. When the Second Temple was built, the people asked the prophet whether they should still continue to observe the fast of the ninth of Ab. But this question here that Moses asked of them was a probing question [to test their true intention]. He said to them: “Hear now, ye rebels. — What do ye devise against the Eternal?175Nahum 1:9. — Are we to bring you forth water out of this strong rock? Will this event happen or not?” [i.e., “Do you believe that it is within His power to do it, or not?”] He thus stressed that their [behaviour was a serious] rebellion, telling them they were wanting in faith, and that the reason for their quarrelling with him was because they thought that G-d would not act wondrously for them, in a similar manner to that which it says, And they tried G-d in their heart … ‘Can G-d prepare a table in the wilderness … Can He give bread also?’176Psalms 78:18-20. Similarly the Rabbis have said:177Aboth 5:4. “Ten times our ancestors in the wilderness tried the Holy One, blessed be He.” [Moses’ question was thus] like a query as to the belief of the person addressed, [of which we find examples] in many places in Scripture: Must I then bring thy son back?178Genesis 24:5. which means: “Is that your wish?” Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?179II Chronicles 18:5. which means, “If that is your advice.” Here too, [the meaning of Moses’ question is]: “Do you think that we shall bring you forth water out of this rock?” The same is also my opinion with regard to [the following verses]: Did I reveal Myself?;163Ibid. The sense is: “Did I not reveal Myself, although your sons, by their actions appear to belie it!” Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before Me?180I Kings 21:29. Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?;166Genesis 3:11. The meaning is: “Have you not eaten? Of course you have eaten!” Wilt thou judge?165Ezekiel 22:2. The meaning is: “Wilt thou not judge? Of course you will judge!” For all these are questions, but their purpose is to ask about [the truth of] something well-known, so that the person who is asked is compelled to admit [the truth of the fact] against his will. Thus [Did I reveal Myself?163Ibid. The sense is: “Did I not reveal Myself, although your sons, by their actions appear to belie it!” means]: “Have I revealed Myself to your father’s house and chosen you? Since you know this, then Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice and at Mine offering?”181I Samuel 2:29. Do ye thus requite the Eternal182Deuteronomy 32:6. with such a requital! Similarly, “Hast thou eaten of the tree, about which I commanded you166Genesis 3:11. The meaning is: “Have you not eaten? Of course you have eaten!” [not to eat], and you are ashamed [and therefore you hid yourself],183See Genesis 3:8. or [if you did not eat of the tree], why then did you hide?” And in the same way the other [verses are to be explained]. However, the expression Seest thou?164II Samuel 15:27. The sense here is: “Do you not see [that it is best that you return to the city in peace]!” is a genuine inquiry about a matter [as to which the questioner is] in doubt, [David saying to Zadok the priest]: “If you ‘advise’ it, then return to the city,” [and the usage of the term ‘seest’ thou? means “do you see fit?”] as in the expression: “I see the words of Admon”184Kethuboth 109a. [which means: “I find the opinion of Admon correct”]. I have already explained this in Seder Bereshith.185Genesis 1:4 (Vol. I, p. 30).