Why did Yosef's brothers refer to themselves as "servants of the G-d of his father"?
Rashi: They were saying that, even though his father was no longer alive, 1 his G-d was, and they were His servants.
Malbim: They did not act amidst choice (refer to 50:17:150.3:1); rather, they were Hashem's servants and Sheluchim to do so, for He is Elokei Avicha. He wanted to elevate you, and that you would help your father in his old age.
Ha'amek Davar: They mentioned the Midah of his father, to seek Shalom more than the usual amount that others do, like we explained above regarding "mi'Yedei Avir Yaakov" (49:24), and 31:46, 32:26.
With reference to 50:15.
Why does it say "Pesha Achecha v'Chatasam"?
Malbim: The sale was Pesha (Mezid), and also Chatas (Shogeg). The act of the sale was Pesha, for they are your brothers. How can a brother destroy his mercy to sell his brother?! Their intent, that they judged Yosef to be a pursuer, and bringing bad reports because they want their father to expel them from in front of him, they were Shogeg. Even though this was false, they thought so.
Ha'amek Davar: They did two evils. (a) Even if they thought that Yosef acted improperly with them, and deserved punishment, they should not have been so cruel; this is "Pesha." (b) They had suspected that he wants to rule over them. This was mere suspicion and imagination. This is "Chatasam," as in the verse "Al Techet'u ba'Yeled" (42:22).
Why does it say "v'Chatasam Ki Ra'ah Gemalucha"?
Malbim: It was only Chatas (Shogeg). They thought that they are not doing evil, just repaying evil, for you did evil first, amidst hatred.
Ha'amek Davar: There was no concern lest he bear a grudge because they suspected him, rather, because due to the suspicion they did evil to him. If so, even if they were Shogeg, man is always Mu'ad (fully responsible for his actions), whether he was Shogeg....
Why does it say "v'Atah"?
Malbim: At the time of the sale it was Pesha and Chatas. Now, the end reveals about the beginning. It was not a matter of choice; Hashgachah forced it.
Ha'amek Davar: The ones speaking to Yosef added this; until now was Yaakov's [alleged] message to Yosef.
Why did they say three expressions - Ana, Sa Na, Sa Na?
Hadar Zekenim (to 50:15): This is the source that one must request pardon three times (Bava Kama 92a). 1
Ha'amek Davar: The ones speaking to Yosef added the last request to Yaakov's request.
Refer to 50:19:152:4.
Why did Yosef cry?
Ha'amek Davar: He was pained that they suspected him. 1
Ha'amek Davar: Also the Kohen Gadol cried after Ziknei Kehunah made him swear, amidst concern lest he is a Tzeduki (Yoma 18b). There, he cried only after he separated, for he knew that they will make him swear. Only after he puts it to his heart, he cries. Here, Yosef was startled and embarrassed immediately due to the suspicion, and cried immediately from the pain in his heart.
