Page 590 - BERESHIT

Why did the brothers act so cruelly towards Yosef, even wanting to stone
him in the pit? Why didn’t they concern themselves over Yaakov’s
anguish and the promise he had received were he not to lose any of his
sons?

The brothers thought that Yosef aspired to usurp Yehudah’s authority and
defy his G-d given monarchy. Such an act is punishable with death. Their
motivations were sincere and overrode all other considerations.

Hashem acceded to their decision and participated in their vow of silence.
He did not tell Yaakov that Yosef was alive, nor did Yitzchak Avinu.
Even Yosef did not send messengers to Yaakov, out of deference to his
brothers’ judgment.

Pinchas killed Zimri without considering his own safety. King Chizkiyahu
was abhorred at his own children’s desire to serve idolatry. Similarly,
Shevet Levi exacted vengeance for the sin of the Golden Calf, not
differentiating between friend and foe.

Yosef displayed his complete subservience to Hashem’s will by showing
his brothers the brit milah. This also demonstrates the middah of malchut.