share torah logo

Genesis 42:5 - Brothers seek food in Egypt

Genesis 42:5 - בראשית 42:5

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹאוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לִשְׁבֹּר בְּתוֹךְ הַבָּאִים כִּי־הָיָה הָרָעָב בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן׃

English Translation

And the sons of Yisra᾽el came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Kena῾an.

Transliteration

Va'yavo'u bnei Yisrael lishbor betoch ha'ba'im ki haya ha'ra'av be'eretz Kena'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לִשְׁבֹּ֖ר בְּת֣וֹךְ הַבָּאִ֑ים כִּֽי־הָיָ֥ה הָרָעָ֖ב בְּאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן׃
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לִשְׁבֹּ֖ר בְּת֣וֹךְ הַבָּאִ֑ים כִּֽי־הָיָ֥ה הָרָעָ֖ב בְּאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Narrative

The verse (Bereshit 42:5) describes the sons of Yaakov traveling to Mitzrayim to purchase grain during a severe famine in Eretz Kena'an. This event marks the beginning of the dramatic reunion between Yosef and his brothers, setting the stage for the eventual descent of Bnei Yisrael to Mitzrayim.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "בְּתוֹךְ הַבָּאִים" ("among those that came") implies that Bnei Yisrael did not arrive as a unified group but rather blended in with other travelers to avoid drawing attention. This was due to their fear of being recognized as the brothers who had sold Yosef into slavery, as they were now entering his domain (Rashi on Bereshit 42:5).

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the famine was particularly severe in Eretz Kena'an, which forced Yaakov's family to seek provisions in Mitzrayim. He emphasizes that this was part of Hashem's divine plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham at the Brit Bein HaBetarim (Bereshit 15:13), where it was foretold that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land (Ibn Ezra on Bereshit 42:5).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:6) highlights the brothers' humility and unity in this moment. Despite their previous conflicts, they now acted collectively to sustain their family. Additionally, the Midrash teaches that the famine was a yissurim shel ahavah (afflictions of love) to bring about teshuvah and reconciliation.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) discusses the natural and providential aspects of famine, explaining that while famines are natural occurrences, they also serve as divine mechanisms to guide historical events—in this case, leading Bnei Yisrael to Mitzrayim to fulfill the covenant.

Halachic Implications

  • The brothers' journey underscores the principle of pikuach nefesh, as securing food during famine overrides most other concerns (Yoma 83a).
  • The Gemara (Chullin 91a) notes that their discreet arrival teaches the importance of avoiding unnecessary suspicion (mar'it ayin).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the sons of Israel go to Egypt to buy food?
A: The Torah states that they went because there was a famine in the land of Canaan (Genesis 42:5). Rashi explains that this was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill Yosef's dreams and reunite the family, as the famine forced them to seek food in Egypt where Yosef was in power.
Q: What is the significance of the famine in Canaan mentioned in this verse?
A: The famine was a test from Hashem and a means to bring about the descent of Yaakov's family to Egypt, as foretold to Avraham (Genesis 15:13). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:6) teaches that this famine was one of the ten famines destined to occur in history to refine the world.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Yosef and his brothers?
A: This verse marks the beginning of the brothers' journey to Egypt, where they unknowingly meet Yosef. According to the Ramban, this was the first step in the process of teshuvah (repentance) for the brothers, as they were confronted with their past actions against Yosef when they stood before him in Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the sons of Israel going to Egypt during the famine?
A: The Sages teach that this shows the importance of taking practical steps (hishtadlut) even when relying on Hashem. Though Hashem had a plan, the brothers still had to make the effort to travel and seek food. The Talmud (Berachot 35b) discusses the balance between trust in Hashem and human effort.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that they came 'among those that came' to Egypt?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches they didn't receive special treatment despite being the family of Yosef. They had to stand in line like everyone else, showing Yosef's wisdom in testing them and maintaining his hidden identity. The Midrash adds that this humility was part of their tikkun (rectification) for selling Yosef.