White Lies

(16) So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before his death your father left this instruction: (17) So shall you say to Joseph, ‘Forgive, I urge you, the offense and guilt of your brothers who treated you so harshly.’ Therefore, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father’s [house].” And Joseph was in tears as they spoke to him.

אביך צוה THY FATHER DID COMMAND — They altered the facts (they stated something that was false) for the sake of peace, for Jacob had given them no such command because Joseph was not suspect in his sight (Yevamot 65b)).

“They instructed to tell Joseph, saying: Your father instructed before his death, saying, so say to Joseph: Please, forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin as they did evil to you. And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father. Joseph wept as they spoke to him” (Genesis 50:16–17). “They instructed to tell Joseph, saying: Your father instructed…” It is taught: Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel says: Great is peace, as even the tribes spoke fabricated matters in order to impose peace between Joseph and the tribes. That is what is written: “They instructed to tell Joseph, saying…” Where did he instruct? We do not find that he instructed. “So say to Joseph…[Joseph wept as they spoke to him]” – he said: ‘This is how my brothers are suspicious of me?’

(12) And Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “Now that I’ve lost the ability, am I to have enjoyment—with my husband so old?” (13) Then יהוה said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I in truth bear a child, old as I am?’