Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef's brothers go down to Egypt?
A: Yosef's ten brothers went down to Egypt to buy grain (bar) because there was a severe famine in the land of Canaan, as described in Genesis 42:3. According to Rashi, this was part of Hashem's plan to bring about the eventual reunion between Yosef and his family.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'ten brothers' and not all twelve?
A: The verse specifies ten brothers because only ten of Yaakov's sons went to Egypt—excluding Binyamin (who stayed with Yaakov) and Yosef (who was already in Egypt). The Midrash explains that Yaakov was especially protective of Binyamin, as he was the youngest and the only remaining son of Rachel after Yosef's disappearance.
Q: What is the significance of them going to Egypt specifically?
A: Egypt was known as a major grain supplier during famines, as it had fertile land nourished by the Nile. According to the Ramban, this journey was Divinely orchestrated so that Yosef’s brothers would come before him, fulfilling the dreams Yosef had earlier in the Torah.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: This verse teaches us about hashgachah pratit (Divine providence)—how events unfold according to Hashem’s plan, even when they seem like ordinary human actions (like buying grain). The brothers thought they were simply seeking food, but in reality, they were stepping into a larger Divine plan for reconciliation and the future of Bnei Yisrael.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that they went to 'buy grain' and not just 'get grain'?
A: The Torah emphasizes that they went to 'buy' grain (לִשְׁבֹּר בָּר) to show that they conducted themselves honestly, without seeking handouts. The Sforno explains that this reflects the moral integrity of the Avot (forefathers), even in times of hardship.
Context and Significance of the Verse
The verse (Bereshit 42:3) describes the descent of Yosef's ten brothers to Egypt to purchase grain during the famine. This event marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Yosef and his brothers, setting the stage for their eventual reconciliation. The Torah emphasizes that ten brothers went down, excluding Binyamin, as noted by Rashi (Bereshit 42:3), who explains that Yaakov did not send Binyamin due to fear for his safety—a precaution rooted in the loss of Yosef.
Why Ten Brothers?
Ramban (Bereshit 42:3) elaborates that the number ten holds significance, as it represents a complete group capable of bearing witness or fulfilling a mission. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:6) adds that the ten brothers corresponded to the Ten Commandments, symbolizing that their journey was part of a divine plan leading to the eventual fulfillment of the covenant with Avraham (Bereshit 15:13).
The Term "לִשְׁבֹּר בָּר" (To Buy Grain)
The phrase "לִשְׁבֹּר בָּר" is noteworthy. Rashi explains that "לִשְׁבֹּר" literally means "to break," alluding to the breaking of hunger through grain. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 42:3) suggests a deeper layer: the brothers were not merely buying grain but were also "breaking" their own pride and arrogance, as their journey would lead them to confront their past mistreatment of Yosef.
Egypt (מִצְרָיִם) as a Place of Testing
The Or HaChaim (Bereshit 42:3) observes that Egypt was a place of spiritual challenge, foreshadowing the future exile. The brothers' descent mirrors the later descent of Yaakov’s family into Egypt, emphasizing divine providence in guiding events toward the fulfillment of the covenant.
Lessons from the Brothers' Journey