Parashat Vayigash: Rectifying the Sin of Selling a Soul
Joseph's brothers sold him into Egypt as a result of jealousy. One of the Seven Noahide Laws is the prohibition against theft including "selling a soul" (kidnapping). The abduction of a person, or selling them into slavery is not allowed. In the previous Torah portion, we saw Joseph distancing himself from his brothers, treating them with severity, and demanding they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin. When Benjamin—the youngest of Jacob’s sons—arrives in Egypt, Joseph seizes him under the pretext that he stole his silver goblet. Judah, who personally guaranteed the safety of young Benjamin, knows that the matter must be settled with Joseph, even at the cost of a harsh or even violent confrontation. He approaches Joseph, addressing him with politeness but also with great firmness, leaving no room for doubt regarding his determination. Judah concludes his words by expressing his readiness to accept slavery in Benjamin's stead.
Judah expresses his devotion to saving his younger brother, thereby rectifying the act of selling Joseph. This was the reason Joseph, the ruler of Egypt, brought his brothers to this specific point. He wanted them to atone for the sin of selling him into Egypt by pledging their own freedom for the sake of the other brother, Benjamin.
The sale of human beings into slavery was a common practice in ancient times, and unfortunately, it persists in our day as well—not only in third-world countries but also in developed nations. Kidnapping or selling a human being is a violation of the Seven Noahide Laws. Therefore, it must be avoided by all means. In this way, a rectified world is created—a world where the Creator dictates the laws, which constitute the ultimate good for mankind.
It is brought in some sources that Joseph nullified himself to Hashem to the extent that nothing disturbed his inner peace, even while managing Egypt, which was a superpower at the time. This closeness to G-d helped him avoid feeling like a victim of his circumstances. Existence is a continuous miracle. Rather than a one-time event, the physical world is brought forth from nothingness at every moment by Divine speech. The eternal flow of G-d’s creative letters provides the energy required to keep the universe from reverting to nothingness.
Studying the unity of G-d is the positive side of the first Noahide commandment not to worship idols. One must study the unity of G-d and internalize this recognition of G-d's infinite greatness and the nullification of all physical worlds, the universe, time and space, and spiritual worlds in relation to Him. This could also help to overcome difficulties and serve Hashem properly as it was with Joseph.
Source: Rambam, Hilkhot Melakhim (Laws of Kings) 9:9. Rambam, Hilkhot Melakhim 9:14. Exodus 21:16.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions.
Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.