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Genesis 45:10 - Divine promise: family reunion in Goshen

Genesis 45:10 - בראשית 45:10

Hebrew Text

וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בְאֶרֶץ־גֹּשֶׁן וְהָיִיתָ קָרוֹב אֵלַי אַתָּה וּבָנֶיךָ וּבְנֵי בָנֶיךָ וְצֹאנְךָ וּבְקָרְךָ וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר־לָךְ׃

English Translation

and thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near me, thou, and thy children, and thy children’s children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

Transliteration

Veyashavta ve'eretz Goshen vehayita karov elai ata uvanekha uvnei vanekha vetson'kha uvkarekha vekhol asher lakh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֣ בְאֶֽרֶץ־גֹּ֗שֶׁן וְהָיִ֤יתָ קָרוֹב֙ אֵלַ֔י אַתָּ֕ה וּבָנֶ֖יךָ וּבְנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑יךָ וְצֹאנְךָ֥ וּבְקָרְךָ֖ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־לָֽךְ׃
וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֣ בְאֶֽרֶץ־גֹּ֗שֶׁן וְהָיִ֤יתָ קָרוֹב֙ אֵלַ֔י אַתָּ֕ה וּבָנֶ֖יךָ וּבְנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑יךָ וְצֹאנְךָ֥ וּבְקָרְךָ֖ וְכׇל־אֲשֶׁר־לָֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 45:10) appears in the narrative where Yosef reveals his identity to his brothers and invites Yaakov and his family to settle in Egypt to survive the famine. Goshen (גֹּשֶׁן) is designated as the place where Bnei Yisrael will dwell, separate from the Egyptians.

Rashi’s Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 45:10) emphasizes that Goshen was the best part of Egypt, fertile and suitable for shepherding, which was the occupation of Bnei Yisrael. He also notes that Yosef’s promise, "you shall be near me", was meant to reassure Yaakov that they would not be isolated but under Yosef’s protection.

Rambam’s Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 1:3) indirectly references this verse when discussing how Bnei Yisrael were initially separated from Egyptian society to avoid assimilation. Goshen served as a spiritual and physical buffer, allowing them to maintain their distinct identity.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (95:3) teaches that Goshen was set aside for Bnei Yisrael from the time of the covenant between Hashem and Avraham, hinting at Divine Providence in their eventual descent to Egypt.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayigash 5) explains that Yosef ensured they lived apart because shepherds were abhorrent to Egyptians (Bereshit 46:34), thus preventing excessive mingling.

Significance of Proximity to Yosef

The phrase "you shall be near me" (וְהָיִיתָ קָרוֹב אֵלַי) is interpreted by the Kli Yakar as both physical closeness and spiritual protection. Yosef, as viceroy, could oversee their welfare, but on a deeper level, their proximity to a tzaddik like Yosef would elevate their moral and religious standing.

Goshen as a Preparatory Stage

The Ohr HaChaim (Bereshit 45:10) suggests that Goshen was a temporary dwelling where Bnei Yisrael could grow into a nation before the eventual Exodus. Its separation foreshadowed their future sanctity as Hashem’s chosen people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Yaakov (Jacob) and his family would dwell in Goshen?
A: Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt where Yosef (Joseph) settled his family. According to Rashi, it was the best part of the land, separate from Egyptian society, allowing Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) to maintain their traditions and avoid assimilation.
Q: Why was it important for Yaakov's family to be close to Yosef in Egypt?
A: Being near Yosef ensured their physical and spiritual well-being. The Ramban explains that proximity to Yosef, a righteous leader, provided protection and guidance, helping them stay connected to their heritage while in a foreign land.
Q: What can we learn from Yosef's promise to settle his family in Goshen?
A: This teaches the importance of creating a supportive environment for maintaining Jewish identity. The Midrash highlights that Goshen's separation allowed Bnei Yisrael to grow into a nation without fully integrating into Egyptian culture.
Q: Why does the verse mention flocks, herds, and possessions along with the family?
A: Rashi explains that Yosef wanted to reassure Yaakov that their livelihood would also be secure. The inclusion of material possessions shows that physical sustenance is necessary alongside spiritual closeness to properly serve Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: Just as Bnei Yisrael needed a separate space to thrive in Egypt, today we must create communities that nurture Torah values. The Talmud (Pesachim 87b) derives from this the importance of Jewish unity and preserving our way of life even in exile.