Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yosef's brothers bow down to him?
A: Yosef's brothers bowed down to him because he was the ruler of Egypt and in charge of food distribution during the famine. This fulfilled Yosef's earlier dreams (Genesis 37:5-11) where his brothers' sheaves bowed to his, showing that his dreams were prophetic. Rashi explains that this was part of Hashem's plan to bring about the eventual reconciliation and descent of the Jewish people to Egypt.
Q: What does this verse teach us about Yosef's position in Egypt?
A: This verse shows that Yosef had risen to the highest position in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. As the 'shalit' (governor), he controlled Egypt's food supply during the famine. The Rambam teaches that this demonstrates how Hashem elevates the righteous to positions where they can help others, as Yosef was able to save both Egypt and his own family from starvation.
Q: Why is it significant that Yosef was the one selling food to everyone?
A: It's significant because Yosef, who had been sold as a slave by his brothers, was now in complete control of the food they desperately needed. The Midrash teaches that this shows divine justice - the brothers who caused Yosef to go down to Egypt were now dependent on him for survival, leading them to repentance and eventual reconciliation.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish history?
A: This moment marks the beginning of the Jewish people's descent to Egypt, which leads to the eventual Exodus. As the Sforno explains, this was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham (Genesis 15:13) that his descendants would be strangers in a land not theirs before ultimately being redeemed.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's brothers bowing to him?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) teaches that this teaches the principle of 'measure for measure' - the brothers who caused Yosef to go down to Egypt now had to humble themselves before him. It also shows that Hashem's plans ultimately prevail, and what may seem like suffering (Yosef being sold) can lead to salvation for many.
Yosef's Leadership and His Brothers' Bowing
The verse states, "And Yosef was the governor of the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land". Rashi (Bereshit 42:6) explains that Yosef was not merely a governor but the sole authority over food distribution during the famine, emphasizing his complete control. The Ramban (Bereshit 42:6) adds that this underscores Divine Providence—Yosef's rise to power was part of Hashem's plan to sustain the world and ultimately reunite his family.
The Fulfillment of Yosef's Dreams
The phrase "and Yosef’s brothers came, and bowed themselves down before him with their faces to the earth" directly fulfills Yosef's earlier dreams (Bereshit 37:5-11). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:7) notes that this bowing was not just physical but symbolic of their submission, marking the beginning of their repentance for selling him. The Sforno (Bereshit 42:6) highlights that their bowing apayim artzah (with faces to the earth) demonstrated complete humility, acknowledging Yosef's elevated status.
Yosef's Role as Sustainer
The Brothers' Journey to Reconciliation
The act of bowing also initiates the process of teshuvah (repentance) for the brothers. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar, Bereshit 42:6) explains that their prostration was the first step in rectifying their sin, as true repentance requires confronting the consequences of one's actions. This moment sets the stage for their eventual reconciliation with Yosef and their spiritual growth.