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Genesis 45:7 - Divine plan for Jewish survival

Genesis 45:7 - בראשית 45:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁלָחֵנִי אֱלֹהִים לִפְנֵיכֶם לָשׂוּם לָכֶם שְׁאֵרִית בָּאָרֶץ וּלְהַחֲיוֹת לָכֶם לִפְלֵיטָה גְּדֹלָה׃

English Translation

And God sent me before you to preserve you a remnant in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Transliteration

Vayishlacheni Elohim lifneichem lasum lachem she'erit ba'aretz ul'hachayot lachem lifleita g'dola.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֤נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם לָשׂ֥וּם לָכֶ֛ם שְׁאֵרִ֖ית בָּאָ֑רֶץ וּלְהַחֲי֣וֹת לָכֶ֔ם לִפְלֵיטָ֖ה גְּדֹלָֽה׃
וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֤נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם לָשׂ֥וּם לָכֶ֛ם שְׁאֵרִ֖ית בָּאָ֑רֶץ וּלְהַחֲי֣וֹת לָכֶ֔ם לִפְלֵיטָ֖ה גְּדֹלָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 45:7) is part of Yosef's emotional revelation to his brothers in Egypt, where he explains that his descent to Egypt was divinely orchestrated to ensure the survival of Bnei Yisrael during the famine. Yosef emphasizes that his role was not accidental but part of Hashem's greater plan for the Jewish people.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "לָשׂוּם לָכֶם שְׁאֵרִית בָּאָרֶץ" ("to preserve you a remnant in the earth") by explaining that Yosef was sent ahead to establish a foothold in Egypt, ensuring that Yaakov's family would have a place to settle and survive the famine. Rashi also notes that "לִפְלֵיטָה גְּדֹלָה" ("a great deliverance") refers to the miraculous nature of their survival, as Yosef's rise to power in Egypt was unexpected and clearly guided by divine providence.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 6:5) uses this verse to illustrate the concept of divine providence (השגחה פרטית). He explains that Hashem directs events in the world to fulfill His will, even through seemingly natural occurrences like famine and political appointments. Yosef's words highlight that every detail of his journey—from being sold into slavery to becoming viceroy—was part of a divine plan to sustain the Jewish people.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 92:2) elaborates that Yosef's use of the term "שְׁאֵרִית" ("remnant") alludes to the future redemption of Bnei Yisrael from Egypt. Just as Yosef ensured their physical survival, Hashem would later ensure their spiritual survival through Yetziat Mitzrayim.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayigash 10) connects this verse to the idea that righteous individuals (צדיקים) are often placed in difficult situations to become instruments of salvation for others, as Yosef was for his family.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that Yosef's words reveal a deeper spiritual lesson: challenges and exiles are often disguised opportunities for growth and redemption. Yosef's descent to Egypt (ירידה צורך עליה, "a descent for the sake of ascent") mirrors the Jewish people's historical exiles, which ultimately lead to greater closeness with Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the role of divine providence in the story of Joseph and his brothers, emphasizing how God's plan unfolds through human actions.
📖 Berakhot 7a
Referenced in a discussion about the nature of divine missions and how God uses individuals as instruments for larger purposes, paralleling Joseph's statement about being sent by God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 45:7 mean when it says 'God sent me before you'?
A: In Genesis 45:7, Joseph explains to his brothers that his being sold into Egypt was part of Hashem's plan to ensure the survival of the family during the famine. Rashi explains that Joseph was sent ahead to prepare the way and provide for his family, showing Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit) at work.
Q: Why is the term 'remnant' (שְׁאֵרִית) important in this verse?
A: The term 'remnant' (שְׁאֵרִית) signifies that Hashem ensured the continuation of Jacob's family, which would grow into the Jewish people. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) teaches that this foreshadows how Hashem always preserves a faithful remnant of the Jewish people even in difficult times.
Q: How does Joseph's statement in Genesis 45:7 apply to us today?
A: Joseph's words teach us to recognize Hashem's hand in events that may initially seem difficult. The Rambam (Hilchot Dei'ot) emphasizes trusting in Divine Providence, understanding that challenges may ultimately lead to a greater good, just as Joseph's suffering saved his family.
Q: What is the significance of the 'great deliverance' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'great deliverance' refers to how Joseph's rise to power in Egypt allowed him to sustain not only his family but also many nations during the famine. The Talmud (Chagigah 12a) highlights this as an example of how Hashem uses individuals to bring about salvation on a large scale.
Q: Why does Joseph attribute his journey to Egypt to Hashem rather than his brothers' actions?
A: Joseph recognizes that while his brothers acted wrongly, Hashem orchestrated events for a greater purpose. The Sforno explains that Joseph was teaching his brothers (and us) to see beyond human actions and perceive the Divine plan unfolding in history.