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Genesis 43:11 - Gifts to appease Egypt's ruler?

Genesis 43:11 - בראשית 43:11

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲבִיהֶם אִם־כֵּן אֵפוֹא זֹאת עֲשׂוּ קְחוּ מִזִּמְרַת הָאָרֶץ בִּכְלֵיכֶם וְהוֹרִידוּ לָאִישׁ מִנְחָה מְעַט צֳרִי וּמְעַט דְּבַשׁ נְכֹאת וָלֹט בָּטְנִים וּשְׁקֵדִים׃

English Translation

And their father Yisra᾽el said to them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, gum, ladanum, nuts, and almonds:

Transliteration

Va'yomer alehem Yisrael avihem im-ken efo zot asu k'chu mizmirat ha'aretz bichleichem v'horidu la'ish mincha m'at tzori um'at d'vash n'chot valot botnim ush'kedim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אֲבִיהֶ֗ם אִם־כֵּ֣ן <small>׀</small> אֵפוֹא֮ זֹ֣את עֲשׂוּ֒ קְח֞וּ מִזִּמְרַ֤ת הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ בִּכְלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהוֹרִ֥ידוּ לָאִ֖ישׁ מִנְחָ֑ה מְעַ֤ט צֳרִי֙ וּמְעַ֣ט דְּבַ֔שׁ נְכֹ֣את וָלֹ֔ט בׇּטְנִ֖ים וּשְׁקֵדִֽים׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אֲבִיהֶ֗ם אִם־כֵּ֣ן ׀ אֵפוֹא֮ זֹ֣את עֲשׂוּ֒ קְח֞וּ מִזִּמְרַ֤ת הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ בִּכְלֵיכֶ֔ם וְהוֹרִ֥ידוּ לָאִ֖ישׁ מִנְחָ֑ה מְעַ֤ט צֳרִי֙ וּמְעַ֣ט דְּבַ֔שׁ נְכֹ֣את וָלֹ֔ט בׇּטְנִ֖ים וּשְׁקֵדִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Instructions to His Sons

The verse (Bereishit 43:11) describes Yaakov Avinu's directive to his sons to bring gifts to the Egyptian viceroy (Yosef, though they were unaware of his identity). Rashi explains that Yaakov chose these specific items because they were rare and precious products of Eretz Yisrael, demonstrating respect and a desire to appease the Egyptian ruler. The term "זמרת הארץ" (the best fruits of the land) is interpreted by Rashi as "the praise of the land"—its most excellent produce.

Significance of the Gifts

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:11) elaborates on the symbolic meaning of each item:

  • Balzam (צרי) – Represents healing, hinting at the future healing of Yosef's pain over his brothers' actions.
  • Honey (דבש) – Symbolizes sweetness, suggesting that reconciliation would bring sweetness after bitterness.
  • Gum (נכאת) and Ladanum (לט) – Fragrant resins, alluding to the merit of the Avot (forefathers) whose deeds were as pleasing as incense.
  • Nuts (בטנים) and Almonds (שקדים) – The almond tree blossoms quickly, hinting at the speed of Hashem's redemption (as in Yirmiyahu 1:11-12).

Yaakov's Wisdom and Caution

The Ramban notes that Yaakov's phrasing "אם כן אפוא זאת עשו" ("If it must be so now, do this") reflects his cautious approach. He recognized the necessity of sending Binyamin but ensured they took precautions—bringing gifts to foster goodwill and minimize suspicion. The Kli Yakar adds that Yaakov sought to avoid any appearance of greed, hence the emphasis on "מעט" ("a little") of each item, showing humility.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno teaches that Yaakov's actions model hishtadlut (human effort within divine providence). While trusting in Hashem, he took practical steps to ensure his sons' safety. Additionally, the choice of land-based produce reinforced the connection to Eretz Yisrael, subtly affirming their identity despite being in exile.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov (Jacob) send these specific items as a gift to Egypt?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov sent these items because they were rare and precious products of the Land of Israel. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 91:11) explains that each item had significance - for example, the balm (tzori) was used for healing, symbolizing a prayer that Yosef (Joseph) would 'heal' the rift between them. The nuts and almonds (botnim and shkedim) hint at quick fulfillment, as almond trees blossom rapidly (based on Yirmiyahu 1:11-12).
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov's instruction to bring 'a little' of each item?
A: The Ramban teaches that Yaakov specified 'a little' of each item to show that while these were valuable gifts, they were being given modestly and respectfully. This teaches the importance of proper etiquette when giving gifts - they should be meaningful but not ostentatious. Additionally, the Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes that righteous people like Yaakov are careful not to overindulge even when they have wealth.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these specific items Yaakov sent?
A: The Sforno explains that listing these items shows Yaakov's wisdom in choosing gifts that would be impressive to an Egyptian ruler. These were specialty products of Canaan that couldn't be found in Egypt. The Talmud (Bava Basra 145b) also derives from here that when sending gifts, one should include items that reflect the sender's homeland and identity.
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of reconciliation?
A: The Kli Yakar notes that Yaakov's careful selection of gifts demonstrates his understanding that reconciliation requires effort and thoughtfulness. Just as these items represented the best of the land, we learn that when seeking to repair relationships, we should offer our best efforts. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5) connects this to the idea that gifts can soften hearts and open paths to forgiveness.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'zimrat ha'aretz' (best fruits of the land)?
A: Rashi explains 'zimrat ha'aretz' refers to the most praised and excellent products of the land. The word 'zimrah' comes from the same root as 'song,' implying these were items that 'sang' of the land's quality. The Malbim adds that this shows Yaakov wanted to demonstrate the bounty of Eretz Yisrael, subtly hinting at his family's connection to the land promised to their ancestors.