בראשית, פרק ל״ז, פסוק י״ג

A father sends his beloved son on a highly charged and complex mission, directing him toward brothers who harbor deep hatred for him, in an area known for trouble. The primary approach among commentators is that the chosen destination was inherently dangerous. The brothers had previously killed the inhabitants of this city, and Jacob was deeply concerned for their safety, fearing revenge from the locals [רשב״ם, חזקוני, בכור שור, העמק דבר, מלבי״ם, ביאור יש״ר]. However, others suggest a more hopeful motive, noting that Jacob believed being in a city so closely associated with the dedication of Abraham might awaken feelings of brotherly love and cause them to forget their animosity [שפתי כהן]. Additionally, the sheer distance of the location from Hebron played a role. Because the brothers had been away with the flock for an extended period, Jacob wanted to maintain contact with them [ספורנו, ביאור שטיינזלץ] and send them food and gifts through Joseph [שד״ל].

When approaching Joseph, Jacob does not issue an absolute decree. Instead, he makes a gentle request, essentially asking if Joseph would agree to go [מלבי״ם, קונטרס חיבה יתירה, ברכת אשר]. Jacob specifically chose Joseph because he relied on his son's righteousness to protect him on such a perilous journey [העמק דבר]. To ease any fears Joseph might have about his brothers' hostility, Jacob assured him that he was embarking on a mission to fulfill the Commandment of honoring his father, and those engaged in a Commandment are protected from harm [אור החיים]. But why would Jacob send Joseph directly into the arms of brothers who despised him? Commentators explain that Jacob simply could not imagine they would actually harm him. He either trusted in their basic righteousness [חומש קה״ת] or believed that their reverence for him as their father would deter them from doing evil [רד״ק]. Furthermore, Jacob may have weighed the risks and decided to brave the uncertain threat from the brothers over the definite danger posed by the local inhabitants, sending Joseph to warn them to return home [הדר זקנים]. This mission was also designed to test Joseph's feelings toward his brothers, attempting to heal the family rift before it grew any wider [רש״ר הירש].

Joseph's response is immediate and absolute, signaling his complete readiness to do as his father asks [אבן עזרא, צאינה וראינה]. Because Jacob was standing right in front of him, this reply is not an answer to a distant call, but rather a profound expression of humility, quickness, and devotion [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה, שפתי חכמים, דברי דוד]. Joseph agreed instantly with a pure heart, without asking the questions a reluctant messenger might raise [אבי עזר, רש״ר הירש], even though he was fully aware of his brothers' hatred and the dangers of the road [רש״י, צאינה וראינה, משכיל לדוד]. In sharp contrast to this broad consensus, a singular view interprets Joseph's response as a polite refusal, meaning that he wished to remain exactly where he was and did not want to go [קונטרס חיבה יתירה].

Beyond the human and familial drama, a higher power was at work behind the scenes. God guided the actions of both father and son to set the stage for Joseph's eventual sale. This divine orchestration ultimately led the Israelites down to Egypt, ensuring the realization of the covenant that had been made with Abraham [רד״ק, חומש קה״ת].