Surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12 : 11

Overview (Verses 11 - 14)

Deceiving an Elderly Father
 
Now we see them with their father trying to persuade him to let them take Joseph with them the following day. They are intent on deceiving their father and carrying out their wicked scheme against Joseph. “[Thereupon] they said [to their father]: ‘Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers. Send him with us tomorrow, that he may enjoy himself and play. We will certainly take good care of him.’ He answered: ‘It certainly grieves me that you should take him with you; and I dread that the wolf may eat him when you are heedless of him.’ They said: ‘If the wolf were to eat him when we are so many, then we should surely be lost.” (Verses 11-14) Here we see through fine words and expressions how much effort they exerted in trying to win over their father’s heart.
 
As they begin, they address him by virtue of their relationship, “Father!” Then they follow this with a question that suggests tacit remonstration: “Why do you not trust us with Joseph?” (Verse 11) This invites Jacob’s denial, so that he admits what is opposite and allows Joseph to go with them. Jacob had thus far prevented Joseph from going with his brothers to the pasture land and open areas they frequented because he loved him so dearly and feared that at his young age he might not withstand the tiring journey and the hard weather. It was not because he suspected any foul play. Hence, by suggesting that their father did not trust them, the brothers sought his denial of the same. In this way, his resolve to keep Joseph at home was weakened. It was a foul trick with a foul aim in mind.
 
“Father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers?” (Verse 11) They are emphasizing here that their hearts are full of good intentions towards their brother. However, a schemer often betrays himself. The stress they placed on wishing their brother well almost betrayed the ill feelings they harboured against him. “Send him with us tomorrow, that he may enjoy himself and play. We will certainly take good care of him.” (Verse 12) Once again they emphasized their awareness of their responsibility to guard and protect Joseph. They also painted a pleasant picture of what awaited Joseph of play and pleasure to persuade their father to send him with them.
 
In reply to their remonstrations, Jacob indirectly denied that he did not trust them with their brother. He justified keeping Joseph with him by saying that he would miss him even if he were absent for a day or so, and he would worry about Joseph being attacked by wolves: “He answered: ‘It certainly grieves me that you should take him with you; and I dread that the wolf may eat him when you are heedless of him.’” (Verse 13) In effect, he said he always wanted Joseph beside him. This must have intensified the brothers’ grudge even further. How could it be that their father missed him even when he went out to play for a few hours! -
 
“I dread that the wolf may eat him when you are heedless of him.” (Verse 13) They must have found in his words the excuse they were looking for, for they immediately reassure Jacob that they will take good care of Joseph. “They said: ‘If the wolf were to eat him when we are so many, then we should surely be lost.’” (Verse 14) If a wolf should beat us when we are so many and so strong, then we are good for nothing. We lose everything.
 
Thus the protective father gives way to the strong persuasion and impassioned assurances of his sons. It was against his better judgement that he should let them take Joseph, but he was clearly embarrassed. Thus, God’s will came to pass and the events of the story unfolded.