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Genesis 45:17 - Pharaoh invites Yaakov's return

Genesis 45:17 - בראשית 45:17

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל־יוֹסֵף אֱמֹר אֶל־אַחֶיךָ זֹאת עֲשׂוּ טַעֲנוּ אֶת־בְּעִירְכֶם וּלְכוּ־בֹאוּ אַרְצָה כְּנָעַן׃

English Translation

And Par῾o said to Yosef, Say to thy brethren, Do this: load your beasts, and go, get you to the land of Kena῾an;

Transliteration

Va'yomer Paro el-Yosef emor el-acheicha zot asu ta'anu et-be'irchem ulchu-vo'u artzah Kena'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אֱמֹ֥ר אֶל־אַחֶ֖יךָ זֹ֣את עֲשׂ֑וּ טַֽעֲנוּ֙ אֶת־בְּעִ֣ירְכֶ֔ם וּלְכוּ־בֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֔ף אֱמֹ֥ר אֶל־אַחֶ֖יךָ זֹ֣את עֲשׂ֑וּ טַֽעֲנוּ֙ אֶת־בְּעִ֣ירְכֶ֔ם וּלְכוּ־בֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Command to Yosef's Brothers

The verse (Bereishit 45:17) records Pharaoh's instruction to Yosef to tell his brothers to return to Canaan to bring their father Yaakov to Egypt. Rashi explains that Pharaoh's directive—"load your beasts"—was a royal decree, emphasizing that they should not delay but immediately prepare for the journey. This reflects Pharaoh's eagerness to honor Yosef by swiftly reuniting him with his family.

The Significance of "Load Your Beasts"

The Kli Yakar offers a deeper insight: Pharaoh's instruction to "load your beasts" (טַעֲנוּ אֶת־בְּעִירְכֶם) hints at the brothers' earlier sin of selling Yosef, where they used their donkeys for trade (Bereishit 37:25). Now, their animals would be used for a mitzvah—bringing Yaakov to Egypt—thereby rectifying their past misdeed.

Pharaoh's Generosity and Yosef's Influence

Ramban notes that Pharaoh's permission for the brothers to return to Canaan demonstrates his trust in Yosef and his family. Unlike typical rulers who might detain foreign dignitaries, Pharaoh allowed them to leave, confident they would return. This reflects Yosef's elevated status and the divine providence ensuring Bnei Yisrael's descent to Egypt.

The Role of Divine Providence

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:3) highlights that Pharaoh's words were part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham (Bereishit 15:13) about his descendants dwelling in a foreign land. Pharaoh's invitation facilitated the beginning of the Egyptian exile, setting the stage for Yetziat Mitzrayim.

  • Rashi: Pharaoh's urgency underscores his respect for Yosef.
  • Kli Yakar: The brothers' animals now serve a holy purpose, correcting their past.
  • Ramban: Pharaoh's trust reflects Yosef's leadership and divine orchestration.
  • Midrash: This moment initiates the fulfillment of Avraham's prophecy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Pharaoh tell Joseph's brothers to load their animals and go to Canaan?
A: Pharaoh was showing kindness to Joseph by allowing his family to settle in Goshen (a fertile part of Egypt near Canaan) as Joseph had requested (Genesis 45:10). Rashi explains that Pharaoh wanted them to bring their possessions from Canaan to Egypt to show they intended to stay permanently, not just visit temporarily.
Q: What is the significance of Pharaoh addressing Joseph's brothers through Joseph?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation, this shows Pharaoh's great respect for Joseph. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 95:1) notes that Pharaoh could have spoken directly to the brothers, but he chose to speak through Joseph to honor him as viceroy of Egypt.
Q: Why does the verse mention loading their animals specifically?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91a) learns from this that righteous people value their possessions because they acquire them honestly. Pharaoh instructed them to bring their animals rather than abandon them in Canaan, showing respect for their property.
Q: How does this verse show Pharaoh's change in attitude toward Joseph's family?
A: Earlier, Pharaoh had oppressed the Hebrews (as seen later in Exodus), but here he shows unusual kindness. The Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:39) explains this temporary kindness was due to Joseph's wisdom and leadership that saved Egypt from famine.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's instruction to Joseph's family?
A: The verse teaches about hakarat hatov (recognizing good). Pharaoh rewarded Joseph by caring for his family, just as Joseph had saved Egypt. As the Talmud (Sotah 11a) states, this began the Jewish people's sojourn in Egypt that would lead to the Exodus and receiving the Torah.