Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'all my glory in Egypt' mean in Genesis 45:13?
A: When Yosef (Joseph) says 'all my glory in Egypt,' he is referring to his high position as viceroy (second only to Pharaoh) and the honor he received in Egypt. According to Rashi, Yosef wanted his brothers to reassure their father Yaakov (Jacob) that he was not a lowly slave but a respected ruler, which would comfort Yaakov and encourage him to come to Egypt.
Q: Why did Yosef tell his brothers to hurry and bring their father to Egypt?
A: Yosef wanted his father Yaakov to come to Egypt quickly because there were still five years of famine left (Genesis 45:11), and he could provide for his family there. Additionally, the Midrash explains that Yosef longed to reunite with his father after many years of separation and wanted to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham (Abraham) about his descendants dwelling in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's message to his brothers in Genesis 45:13?
A: This verse teaches the importance of family unity and honoring parents. Despite the hardships Yosef endured because of his brothers, he focused on reuniting his family and ensuring his father's well-being. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) emphasizes the mitzvah of honoring parents, and Yosef's actions exemplify this value by prioritizing his father's comfort and dignity.
Q: How does this verse connect to the larger story of the Jewish people in Egypt?
A: This verse marks the beginning of Bnei Yisrael's (the Children of Israel) descent to Egypt, which leads to the eventual enslavement and Exodus. According to the Talmud (Sotah 11a), this was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the covenant with Avraham. Despite the challenges, Yosef's position in Egypt ensured the survival of his family during the famine, setting the stage for the growth of the Jewish nation.
Q: Why did Yosef emphasize that his brothers should tell Yaakov everything they saw?
A: Yosef wanted his brothers to give Yaakov a full account of his power and kindness in Egypt to remove any doubts or fears Yaakov might have about joining him. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:3) explains that Yosef also hinted that they should tell Yaakov about their repentance for selling him, which would bring him further comfort and reassurance.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 45:13) is part of Yosef's emotional revelation to his brothers after he discloses his identity. Yosef instructs his brothers to return to their father Yaakov and inform him of Yosef's exalted status in Mitzrayim (Egypt), urging them to bring Yaakov down quickly.
Yosef's Concern for Yaakov's Well-being
Rashi explains that Yosef emphasized "all my glory in Mitzrayim" to reassure Yaakov that he had not suffered during their separation. By detailing his high position, Yosef sought to alleviate any guilt or distress Yaakov might feel over Yosef's disappearance. The Ramban adds that Yosef wanted to demonstrate that his rise to power was divinely ordained, fulfilling the dreams he had shared in his youth.
The Urgency of Bringing Yaakov to Mitzrayim
The phrase "וּמִהַרְתֶּם וְהוֹרַדְתֶּם" ("you shall hasten and bring down") underscores Yosef's eagerness to reunite with his father. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 94:3) suggests that Yosef feared Yaakov might delay due to grief or reluctance to leave Eretz Yisrael. Yosef therefore insisted on haste to prevent further suffering.
Theological Implications
Linguistic Nuances
The term "כְּבוֹדִי" ("my glory") is interpreted by the Malbim as referring not only to Yosef's political rank but also to his moral and spiritual integrity—he remained faithful to his upbringing despite living in a foreign land.