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Exodus 1:8 - New Pharaoh, forgotten kindness?

Exodus 1:8 - שמות 1:8

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם מֶלֶךְ־חָדָשׁ עַל־מִצְרָיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יָדַע אֶת־יוֹסֵף׃

English Translation

Now there arose a new king over Miżrayim, who knew not Yosef.

Transliteration

Vayakam melech-chadash al-Mitzrayim asher lo-yada et-Yosef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥קׇם מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע אֶת־יוֹסֵֽף׃
וַיָּ֥קׇם מֶֽלֶךְ־חָדָ֖שׁ עַל־מִצְרָ֑יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע אֶת־יוֹסֵֽף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Meaning of "A New King"

Rashi (Shemot 1:8) explains that the phrase "a new king" can be understood in two ways:

  • Literally: A new Pharaoh actually ascended to the throne who had no personal knowledge of Yosef.
  • Figuratively: The same king issued new decrees against the Jews, effectively acting as if he did not know Yosef, despite having benefited from Yosef's wisdom and leadership.

Why the King "Did Not Know Yosef"

The Sforno (Shemot 1:8) suggests that the king deliberately chose to ignore Yosef's contributions to Egypt, despite the historical record. This was a political strategy to justify oppressing the Jewish people.

The Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:8) elaborates that the Egyptians developed historical amnesia regarding Yosef's merits. They claimed:

  • Yosef had actually enslaved the Egyptians by storing grain during the famine (despite saving their lives).
  • The Jews were foreigners who did not deserve Egyptian protection.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:3) derives from this verse that a Jewish king must not forget the kindnesses done by others, as the Egyptian king forgot Yosef's contributions. This serves as a moral lesson about hakarat hatov (recognizing good).

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (Shemot 12a) interprets this verse as reflecting a spiritual shift in Egypt - the "light" of Yosef's righteousness was no longer recognized, allowing darkness and oppression to prevail.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is discussed in the context of the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, questioning whether the new king actually forgot Joseph or chose to ignore his contributions.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and the role of divine providence in their eventual redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a new king who did not know Yosef' mean in Exodus 1:8?
A: Rashi explains that this could mean either that it was literally a new Pharaoh who didn't know about Yosef's contributions to Egypt, or that it was the same Pharaoh who chose to ignore Yosef's legacy ('made himself as if he didn't know'). This marks the beginning of Egyptian oppression of the Israelites.
Q: Why is the fact that Pharaoh didn't know Yosef important?
A: The Ramban teaches that this shows how quickly the Israelites' status changed in Egypt. Yosef had saved Egypt from famine and brought prosperity, but the new leadership forgot this kindness. This teaches how temporary human gratitude can be and how quickly circumstances can change for the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 1:8 today?
A: The Midrash teaches that this verse reminds us how the Jewish people's situation in exile can change rapidly. Just as the Egyptians forgot Yosef's contributions, we see throughout history how Jewish communities can go from being accepted to being persecuted. This teaches us to rely on Hashem rather than the favor of nations.
Q: How could Pharaoh not know about Yosef if Yosef was so important to Egypt?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 11a) discusses this question. Some sages say enough time had passed that the new king genuinely didn't know, while others say he deliberately ignored Yosef's contributions. Either way, it shows how quickly important history can be forgotten or ignored when it's convenient for those in power.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Pharaoh didn't know Yosef before describing the slavery?
A: The Sforno explains that this establishes the reason for the coming oppression. Had Pharaoh remembered Yosef's service to Egypt, he might have treated the Israelites differently. The forgetting of Yosef's merits led directly to the harsh decrees against the Jewish people, showing how historical memory affects present treatment.