Exodus 1:5 - Seventy souls shaped destiny.

The Significance of Seventy Souls

The verse (Shemot 1:5) states that the total number of Yaakov's descendants who descended to Egypt was seventy souls, with Yosef already being in Egypt. Rashi explains that this number is derived from the enumeration in Parshat Vayigash (Bereishit 46:27), where the Torah lists the names of Yaakov's descendants. The number seventy holds deep significance in Jewish tradition, symbolizing completeness and the foundation of the Jewish nation.

Yosef's Presence in Egypt

The phrase "וְיוֹסֵף הָיָה בְמִצְרָיִם" ("and Yosef was already in Egypt") is noted by the Ramban (Nachmanides) as emphasizing that Yosef was not counted among the seventy souls because he had already been in Egypt for many years. This exclusion highlights his unique role as the one who prepared the way for the family's descent and eventual settlement in Egypt.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:5) elaborates on the number seventy, connecting it to the seventy nations of the world (based on Bereishit 10). This parallel suggests that the Jewish people, though small in number, were destined to influence all nations. Additionally, the Midrash teaches that the seventy souls correspond to the seventy elders who would later lead Israel, symbolizing the spiritual leadership that would emerge from Yaakov's descendants.

Theological Implications

• Divine Providence: The precise count of seventy underscores Hashem's meticulous planning in shaping the Jewish people's destiny, as seen in their descent to Egypt and eventual redemption.
• Unity: Despite being a small group, the unity of Yaakov's family laid the foundation for the future nation, as emphasized by the singular term "נֶפֶשׁ" (soul) used to describe them collectively.
• Yosef's Role: Yosef's prior presence in Egypt was part of a divine plan to sustain the family during famine and facilitate the fulfillment of the covenant with Avraham (Bereishit 15:13).