Page 674 - BERESHIT
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After Yaakov’s death, the brothers worried about Yosef’s response to their
selling him as a youth. Why would Yosef Hatzaddik take revenge? Why
didn’t they accept his authority and possible retaliation as the harbinger
of the destined Egyptian servitude?
Perhaps the brothers worried about being subjugated to the rule of their
brother, as the blows of a brother sting more than that of a stranger.
The Shevatim sold Yosef with the silent acquiescence of Hashem, and yet
were punished by being reincarnated and murdered by the Romans.
Although they asked Yosef for forgiveness, they never heard him openly
proclaim it.
When Am Yisrael sinned with the Golden Calf, Moshe Rabbeinu pleaded
for Divine compassion. Hashem answered, “I have forgiven as you
requested.” Even so, the Jews should have personally asked for clemency,
and not relied on an emissary. This is why the punishment for the Golden
Calf continues until today.
