Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the people of Egypt cry to Pharaoh for bread?
A: The people cried to Pharaoh because there was a severe famine in the land of Egypt (as foretold by Yosef's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams). According to Rashi, this verse shows that even though Yosef had stored grain during the seven years of plenty, the famine was so severe that people turned to their leader for help.
Q: Why did Pharaoh tell the Egyptians to go to Yosef?
A: Pharaoh recognized Yosef's wisdom and leadership in preparing for the famine. As the Midrash explains, Pharaoh understood that Yosef was the one who had devised the plan to store grain during the years of plenty, making him the most qualified to distribute it during the famine. This shows Yosef's rise to greatness and fulfillment of his dreams.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's instruction 'what he says to you, do'?
A: This teaches the importance of appointing qualified leaders and following their guidance in times of crisis. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 1:6) explains that we should learn from the wise and follow proper authority when they give directives for the public good, just as the Egyptians followed Yosef's instructions during the famine.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yosef's earlier dreams?
A: This fulfills Yosef's childhood dreams (Genesis 37:5-11) where his brothers bowed to him. The Talmud (Berachos 55b) explains that dreams contain elements of truth, and here we see Yosef's elevation to leadership over Egypt, with even Pharaoh directing people to follow his commands.
Q: Why is this famine story important in the Torah?
A: This story is crucial because it sets the stage for Yaakov's family coming to Egypt, leading to the eventual Exodus. As the Sforno explains, these events were part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the covenant with Avraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not theirs (Genesis 15:13), beginning the Egyptian exile.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 41:55) describes the climax of the famine in Mitzrayim (Egypt) after Yosef (Joseph) had interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and was appointed viceroy to oversee grain storage. The people, desperate for food, turn to Pharaoh, who directs them to Yosef—demonstrating Yosef's divinely ordained leadership during this crisis.
Pharaoh's Recognition of Yosef's Authority
Rashi explains that Pharaoh's instruction, "Go to Yosef," reflects his complete delegation of authority to Yosef in matters of food distribution. This was a fulfillment of Yosef’s earlier interpretation (Bereshit 41:33-36), where he advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise man to manage the crisis. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:5) adds that Pharaoh acknowledged Yosef’s wisdom and divine inspiration, hence his command to obey Yosef without question.
The People's Cry to Pharaoh
The Talmud (Chullin 60b) notes that the people initially turned to Pharaoh rather than Yosef because they still viewed Yosef as a foreigner and former slave. However, Pharaoh’s response reinforced Yosef’s legitimacy, teaching that true leadership is recognized by wisdom and divine providence, not merely by lineage or status.
Yosef as a Model of Divine Providence
Rambam (Hilchot Ta’anit 1:1-3) derives from this episode that times of crisis require centralized, divinely guided leadership. Yosef’s management of the famine exemplifies how a righteous leader, guided by Hashem’s wisdom, can save a nation. The Sforno adds that Yosef’s policies—selling grain rather than distributing it freely—prevented hoarding and ensured equitable access, reflecting his practical and moral insight.
Lessons in Emunah (Faith) and Hishtadlut (Effort)