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Genesis 42:2 - Egypt's grain sustains Israel?

Genesis 42:2 - בראשית 42:2

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּה שָׁמַעְתִּי כִּי יֶשׁ־שֶׁבֶר בְּמִצְרָיִם רְדוּ־שָׁמָּה וְשִׁבְרוּ־לָנוּ מִשָּׁם וְנִחְיֶה וְלֹא נָמוּת׃

English Translation

And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Miżrayim: go down there, and buy for us from there, that we may live, and not die.

Transliteration

Vayomer hine shamati ki yesh-shever bemitzrayim redu-shamah veshivru-lanu misham venichyeh velo namut.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֣ה שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֥י יֶשׁ־שֶׁ֖בֶר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם רְדוּ־שָׁ֙מָּה֙ וְשִׁבְרוּ־לָ֣נוּ מִשָּׁ֔ם וְנִחְיֶ֖ה וְלֹ֥א נָמֽוּת׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֣ה שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֥י יֶשׁ־שֶׁ֖בֶר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם רְדוּ־שָׁ֙מָּה֙ וְשִׁבְרוּ־לָ֣נוּ מִשָּׁ֔ם וְנִחְיֶ֖ה וְלֹ֥א נָמֽוּת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

This verse (Bereshit 42:2) appears in the story of Yosef's brothers traveling to Mitzrayim during a famine. Yaakov instructs his sons to go down to Mitzrayim to purchase grain, unaware that Yosef is the ruler there. The verse marks the beginning of the unfolding drama that leads to the eventual reconciliation of the brothers and the descent of Bnei Yisrael to Mitzrayim.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi notes that Yaakov uses the phrase "שִׁבְרוּ־לָנוּ" ("buy for us") rather than simply saying "buy grain." He explains that this hints at the deeper meaning of "shever" (שֶׁבֶר) – not just "grain" but also "hope" or "solution." Yaakov was telling his sons that this journey would ultimately lead to their spiritual and physical salvation, as it would reunite them with Yosef.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:2) teaches that Yaakov's instruction was part of a divine plan. The famine was a means to bring Bnei Yisrael to Mitzrayim, fulfilling the prophecy given to Avraham (Bereshit 15:13).
  • Some commentaries suggest that Yaakov suspected Yosef might still be alive, as he sent ten brothers (excluding Binyamin) – the same group involved in Yosef's sale – hinting at a rectification of their past sin.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim, Rambam discusses how divine providence operates through natural events like famines. The famine served as the mechanism through which Hashem's plan for the Jewish people's descent to Mitzrayim was fulfilled, setting the stage for Yetziat Mitzrayim and the receiving of the Torah.

Linguistic Nuances

The term "וְנִחְיֶה" ("that we may live") is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as alluding to both physical sustenance and spiritual revival. The descent to Mitzrayim, though initially for food, would ultimately lead to the growth of Bnei Yisrael into a nation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov send his sons to Egypt for food?
A: Yaakov heard there was grain (shever) in Egypt during the famine (Rashi on Genesis 42:1). As the responsible leader of his family, he sent his sons to purchase food so they could survive the famine, fulfilling the mitzvah of preserving life (pikuach nefesh).
Q: What does 'shever' mean in this verse?
A: The word 'shever' (שֶׁבֶר) literally means 'breaking' but in this context refers to grain or food supplies (Rashi). The Talmud (Bava Batra 91a) explains it specifically means wheat that was stored and preserved during the years of plenty.
Q: Why does the verse say 'go down' to Egypt?
A: The Torah uses the term 'go down' (רְדוּ) because Egypt was geographically lower than Canaan, and also spiritually lower (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 91:2). Traveling to Egypt represented descending from the holiness of Eretz Yisrael.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov sending his sons to Egypt?
A: This teaches the importance of taking practical action during difficult times rather than just praying (Rambam, Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3). While trusting in Hashem, we must make natural efforts (hishtadlut) like Yaakov did to provide for our families.
Q: Why does the verse say 'that we may live and not die'?
A: The double language emphasizes the severity of the famine (Ibn Ezra). The Ramban explains it shows Yaakov's concern not just for physical survival ('live'), but also for maintaining their spiritual integrity ('not die' spiritually) during this challenging time.