When Yosef’s brothers came to Mitzrayim to purchase food during the years of famine, he was able to recognize them immediately, but after 22 years of separation, they were unable to identify him. As a result, he was able to subject them to a dramatic and frightening series of events. After accusing them of being spies, he incarcerated Shimon to force them to return with his maternal brother Binyomin. After confusing them by inviting them to join him at a banquet, Yosef had his goblet planted in Binyomin’s sack to frame him for stealing.
Finally, when Yehuda pleaded for mercy, explaining how much their father Yaakov would suffer if they failed to return with his beloved Binyomin, Yosef was unable to hold himself back anymore. He ordered all the Egyptian officers and servants out of the room and revealed his true identity to his brothers, telling them, “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?”
The entire episode and ordeal of the brothers’ encounter with Yosef appeared so illogical and nonsensical that it seemed more like a bad dream than reality, yet in one split second, in just two words, אני יוסף – I am Yosef – suddenly the entire cacophonous picture became crystal clear. All the seemingly inexplicable events and details fell into place, and everything made perfect sense.
The history of the Jewish nation has been fraught with lofty highs and terrible lows. The life of every individual Jew follows a similar pattern. Many happy events seem too good to be true, while countless struggles seem too great to bear. Certainly, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to them, no interconnecting links weaving them together as part of a larger picture and greater plan.
The Chofetz Chaim writes that just as with Yosef’s brothers, there will come a time when we merit Hashem’s revelation in all His glory and splendor. Upon hearing just two words, אני ד' – I am Hashem – everything will immediately fall into place, and all our questions and difficulties will vanish into thin air, may it happen speedily in our days. (R’ Ozer Alport)
