In this week’s Torah portion we read about the powerful encounter Joseph experiences with his older brothers, who still remain clueless that the ruler they stand before is in fact Joseph, their younger brother. After two decades since Joseph was sold into slavery by these very same brothers, he can’t hold back his emotions any longer and must speak the truth, and he tells them “…I am Joseph…” [Genesis: 45: 3] If one were to look at the verse immediately before this confession, a question may be raised, the verse says:
“He (Joseph) gave forth his voice in weeping. Egypt heard, and Pharaoh’s household heard.”
Isn’t it obvious that if the entire land of Egypt heard this weeping, surely Pharaoh’s household would be included in this hearing!? Why was it necessary to superfluously mention “Pharaoh’s household”!?
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