Parashat Vayeshev with Commentary of the Ramban: An Insightful Torah Lesson for the Whole Family

Parashat Vayeshev describes Joseph's journey to visit his brothers, following his father's command. On his way, Joseph encounters a mysterious 'man' who guides him to where his brothers are. This story, detailed by the Ramban, holds a deeper layer beyond a random meeting: a divine plan intended to lead Joseph to Egypt and begin Israel's exile there. The Ramban emphasizes that this isn't coincidental but a precise action under Hashem's guidance, teaching us that 'Hashem's counsel shall stand,' while human effort alone is just an illusion.

As stated in this week's Torah portion, Parashat Vayeshev:

'And he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring me back word.” So he sent him away from the valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. And a man found him wandering in the field, and the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” He said, “I am seeking my brothers; tell me, please, where they are pasturing.” And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.' (Genesis 37:14-18)

The Ramban explains wonderfully that this occurred with precise divine intervention.

He states: 'He will say that he was lost and did not know where to go, entering the field because he was looking for them at the grazing place. The scripture elaborates on this to tell that many reasons came to him to turn back, but he endured for the honor of his father, and to inform us further that the decree is true, and diligence is false, because Hashem summoned for him a guide without his knowledge to bring him into their hands. This is what our Sages (BR 84:14) intended when they said that these men were angels, indicating that all this story was not for nothing, to inform us that Hashem's counsel shall stand.'

The Torah extends the description of Joseph seeking his brothers to highlight that Joseph could have easily returned and not completed his mission. However, Joseph continued his journey out of loyalty to his father's command. The Ramban emphasizes an important message: events are not coincidental, and everything that happened was to fulfill the divine plan – to lead Joseph to Egypt. 'The decree is true, and diligence is false' – our efforts and choices do not determine the course of history, but the guiding hand of Hashem does. Through the encounter with the 'man,' identified in the Midrash as an angel, Hashem's guidance of Joseph to his brothers is highlighted, thus beginning the fulfillment of the divine plan to bring Jacob's family to Egypt.

The Ramban teaches us a profound principle: 'The decree is true, and diligence is false.' Even when it seems our efforts and actions guide our lives, ultimately, the divine decree determines the course of events. Joseph's story reminds us that everything is directed by the heavens, and even the smallest events are part of a grand, hidden plan. For our lives, the message is clear: we must act and strive, but with the understanding that every outcome is in the hands of the Creator. This faith allows us to accept what happens with calmness and belief, trusting in Hashem's wisdom and justice as He guides our world.