בראשית, פרק מ״ד, פסוק ג׳

The brothers of Joseph depart from Egypt at the break of dawn, their animals heavily loaded with grain. Completely unaware of the trap laid for them, they step forward into an unfolding drama. The primary approach among commentators is that they set out exactly as the sun illuminated the morning [רשב״ם, רד״ק, שד״ל, ביאור יש״ר, נתינה לגר, תורה תמימה, שטיינזלץ]. From this timing, a practical life lesson emerges: a person should always travel during daylight hours. The light of day provides crucial protection against nighttime dangers on the road, such as wild animals, robbers, and unseen obstacles [תורה תמימה, צאינה וראינה].

Grain merchants typically begin their journeys at midnight, raising the question of why Joseph waited until morning to release them. He delayed their departure because he was afraid to send his servant to chase them in the dead of night. On empty, dark roads, the brothers might have easily killed their pursuer [חזקוני]. Ultimately, it was the merit of their forefather Abraham that protected them from laying a hand on the man sent after them [שפתי כהן].

Another perspective suggests that Joseph rushed to send them away at first light before the effects of the wine from the previous night's feast could wear off. They did not leave on their own initiative; rather, they were actively dispatched by Joseph. Still somewhat intoxicated, they lacked the presence of mind to check their sacks before hitting the road [קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Alternatively, their dismissal can be understood simply as being granted official permission to leave [רלב״ג], or even as receiving a respectful and honorable escort on their way out [העמק דבר].

Departing alongside their donkeys indicates that they were sent off in peace, fully loaded with their cargo [רד״ק]. Joseph's men even provided them with help and practical advice on how to ease the unusually heavy burden placed upon the animals [העמק דבר]. Furthermore, leaving with their animals highlights that they retained all their property, easing their earlier fears that they would be seized as slaves [שפתי כהן].

Beneath the surface, however, their hasty departure was filled with spiritual tension. Strict divine justice was directed against the brothers due to the lingering sin of selling Joseph. It was this underlying spiritual force that would force them to turn back shortly after, long before they could reach their destination [רבנו בחיי].