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Genesis 45:18 - Egypt's bounty awaits Jacob

Genesis 45:18 - בראשית 45:18

Hebrew Text

וּקְחוּ אֶת־אֲבִיכֶם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּיכֶם וּבֹאוּ אֵלָי וְאֶתְּנָה לָכֶם אֶת־טוּב אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם וְאִכְלוּ אֶת־חֵלֶב הָאָרֶץ׃

English Translation

and take your father and your households, and come to me: and I will give you the good of the land of Miżrayim, and you shall eat the fat of the land.

Transliteration

U'kchu et-avichem ve'et-bateichem u'vo'u elai ve'etna lachem et-tuv eretz mitzrayim ve'ichlu et-chelev ha'aretz.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּקְח֧וּ אֶת־אֲבִיכֶ֛ם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּיכֶ֖ם וּבֹ֣אוּ אֵלָ֑י וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה לָכֶ֗ם אֶת־טוּב֙ אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וְאִכְל֖וּ אֶת־חֵ֥לֶב הָאָֽרֶץ׃
וּקְח֧וּ אֶת־אֲבִיכֶ֛ם וְאֶת־בָּתֵּיכֶ֖ם וּבֹ֣אוּ אֵלָ֑י וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה לָכֶ֗ם אֶת־טוּב֙ אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וְאִכְל֖וּ אֶת־חֵ֥לֶב הָאָֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 45:18) is part of Pharaoh's invitation to Yosef's family to settle in Mitzrayim (Egypt) during the years of famine. Yosef had revealed his identity to his brothers and instructed them to bring their father Yaakov and their households to Egypt, where they would be sustained.

Pharaoh's Generosity

Rashi explains that Pharaoh's offer, "I will give you the good of the land of Mitzrayim," refers to the fertile region of Goshen (ארץ גושן), which was the choicest part of Egypt. The phrase "fat of the land" (חלב הארץ) symbolizes abundance and the finest produce, as noted by Ramban, who connects it to the richness of the soil and its agricultural yield.

Spiritual Implications

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:1) highlights that this invitation was divinely orchestrated to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham (Bereshit 15:13) about his descendants dwelling in a foreign land. The "good of the land" was not merely material but also a means to preserve Bnei Yisrael during the famine, ensuring the continuity of the future nation.

Yaakov's Reluctance

Despite Pharaoh's generous offer, Chazal (Tanchuma, Vayigash 5) teach that Yaakov hesitated to descend to Egypt until receiving divine assurance (Bereshit 46:3-4). This reflects the tension between physical sustenance and spiritual concerns, as Egypt was a morally corrupt land. The "fat of the land" thus also alludes to temporary material comfort before the eventual redemption.

Halachic Perspective

  • The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 5:9) derives from this episode that a ruler must provide for his subjects' welfare, as Pharaoh did for Yosef's family.
  • The Sforno notes that Pharaoh's language ("come to me") indicates personal responsibility, teaching leaders to actively care for those under their protection.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the good of the land of Egypt' mean in Genesis 45:18?
A: According to Rashi, 'the good of the land of Egypt' refers to the fertile region of Goshen (גֹּשֶׁן), which was the best part of Egypt for shepherding. Pharaoh was offering Yaakov and his family the most prosperous land for their livestock and livelihood.
Q: Why did Pharaoh invite Yaakov's family to Egypt in this verse?
A: Pharaoh extended this invitation because Yosef (Joseph), as viceroy of Egypt, had revealed his identity to his brothers and arranged for his family to settle there during the famine. The Midrash explains that this was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham (Genesis 15:13) about his descendants dwelling in a foreign land.
Q: What is the significance of 'eating the fat of the land' in Genesis 45:18?
A: The phrase 'eating the fat of the land' symbolizes prosperity and abundance. In Jewish tradition, 'fat' (חֵלֶב) often represents the choicest portions. Ramban explains that Pharaoh was promising Yaakov's family not just survival, but a life of plenty in Egypt.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish history?
A: This verse marks the beginning of the Israelite settlement in Egypt, which leads to the eventual enslavement and Exodus. The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) discusses how this descent to Egypt was necessary for the Jewish people's development and ultimate redemption.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's offer in this verse?
A: The Sages teach that this shows how worldly success can be a test. While Egypt offered material comfort, it would later become a place of spiritual challenge. The verse reminds us to appreciate blessings while remaining mindful of our spiritual purpose, as explained in Mesillat Yesharim.