בראשית, פרק מ״ג, פסוק ט״ו

The journey back to Egypt is fraught with tension and uncertainty. Armed with a carefully prepared gift, a double portion of money, and their youngest brother Benjamin, the travelers brace themselves for an unpredictable encounter with the Egyptian ruler. They meticulously follow their father's instructions, hoping to awaken mercy in the heart of the powerful official.

As they travel, their demeanor reflects both urgency and apprehension. They move with speed and maturity, yet out of deep fear, they attempt to disguise their true identity. They try to blend in as ordinary, unrelated strangers rather than a single prominent family [רבנו בחיי, שפתי כהן]. This deliberate shift in their outward identity throughout the journey serves to build an atmosphere heavy with suspense and anxiety [ברכת אשר].

The funds they carry consist of two distinct types of currency: new money intended to purchase more grain, and the original funds that were mysteriously returned in their sacks during their previous trip. The concept of a double portion highlights these two categories, even if the exact amounts are not perfectly equal [הכתב והקבלה, פרדס יוסף]. The original money is not detailed as part of what they collected from their father because it was already in their possession; they merely gathered the new funds needed for the current trip [ברכת אשר]. Taking personal responsibility for the entire sum, they carefully bind all the money together [העמק דבר].

Bringing Benjamin along requires a different approach than simply carrying goods. While objects are physically transported, leading a person involves persuasion and comforting words [רש"י, נתינה לגר]. However, another perspective suggests that guiding a person does not strictly require verbal persuasion, but rather involves active, physical direction [שד"ל].

Upon arriving, they make a point to present themselves directly to the ruler rather than dealing with his estate manager. This intentional move is an effort to fulfill their father's prayer that they find mercy specifically before the man in charge [אלשיך]. The initial encounter unfolds in different stages. The primary approach among commentators is that their presentation is a general description of their arrival. They do not stand before him immediately, but are first taken to his home where they prepare their gift until noon [ביאור יש"ר]. Alternatively, they first cross paths with him in the local market on their way to their lodging. During this brief encounter, he does not speak to them, but instead orders his subordinates to bring them to his estate [רד"ק].

When they finally stand before him, the atmosphere is suffocating with dread. They wait at a distance, entirely too afraid to speak [בכור שור]. The ruler remains completely silent, overcome with hidden emotion and mercy at the sight of Benjamin. However, the travelers misinterpret his silence as quiet rage over the previously returned money, which only intensifies their terror [חזקוני]. Because this terrifying standoff occurs before they even have the chance to offer their carefully prepared gift, their anxiety peaks when they are suddenly and unexpectedly ushered inside his private home [ספורנו].