Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef take only five of his brothers to meet Pharaoh?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef chose only five brothers to present before Pharaoh because he wanted to avoid overwhelming Pharaoh with too many people at once. Additionally, the Midrash suggests that Yosef selected the weakest-looking brothers so Pharaoh wouldn't be tempted to draft them as soldiers.
Q: What is the significance of presenting his brothers to Pharaoh?
A: Presenting his brothers to Pharaoh was both a gesture of respect to the Egyptian ruler and a strategic move to formally introduce his family as immigrants seeking permission to settle in Goshen. The Ramban notes that this also fulfilled Yosef's earlier promise to his brothers that he would arrange their settlement in Egypt.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'five men' instead of just saying 'some brothers'?
A: The number five is significant because, as the Baal HaTurim points out, it corresponds to the five senses or the five books of the Torah, symbolizing that Yosef wanted his brothers to make a complete and favorable impression on Pharaoh. Additionally, some commentaries suggest it hints at the five garments Yosef later gave Binyamin (Genesis 45:22).
Q: How does this verse teach us about proper etiquette when meeting leaders?
A: From Yosef's actions, we learn the importance of discretion and proper protocol when approaching authority figures. The Talmud (Pesachim 87b) derives principles of diplomacy from this episode, showing that one shouldn't overwhelm a leader with too many requests or people at once, just as Yosef carefully selected only five brothers.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef presenting his brothers to Pharaoh?
A: This teaches us about family responsibility and representation. Even though Yosef had risen to power, he didn't forget his brothers but actively worked to secure their wellbeing. As Rambam teaches in Hilchos De'os, one should always look out for family members and help them maintain their dignity, just as Yosef did by properly introducing his brothers to Pharaoh.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 47:2) describes Yosef presenting five of his brothers before Pharaoh after their arrival in Egypt. This occurs after Yosef reveals his identity to his brothers and invites Yaakov and his entire household to settle in Goshen to escape the famine.
Why Five Brothers?
Rashi (Bereshit 47:2) explains that Yosef intentionally chose the weakest and least impressive of his brothers to stand before Pharaoh. This was a strategic decision to ensure Pharaoh would not enlist them as warriors or place them in positions of military service, as they appeared unfit for such roles. By presenting his brothers in this manner, Yosef protected them from being drafted into Pharaoh's army.
The Significance of "From the End of His Brothers"
The phrase "מִקְצֵה אֶחָיו" ("from the end of his brothers") is interpreted by the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:4) to mean that Yosef selected those who were least distinguished among his brothers. The Kli Yakar adds that these five were chosen because they were not as physically imposing as the others, further ensuring Pharaoh would not see them as a threat or as potential soldiers.
Who Were the Five Brothers?
While the Torah does not specify which five brothers were presented, the Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 6) suggests they were:
These were selected because they were either the eldest (Reuven, Shimon, Levi) or the youngest (Binyamin), or known for their scholarly nature (Yissachar), making them less likely to be seen as warriors.
Yosef's Wisdom in Diplomacy
The Ramban (Bereshit 47:2) highlights Yosef's wisdom in this interaction. By presenting only a few brothers—and those who were unassuming—Yosef ensured that Pharaoh would not feel threatened by the arrival of a large, powerful family. This approach allowed Bnei Yisrael to settle peacefully in Goshen without raising suspicion or hostility from the Egyptians.