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Genesis 45:21 - Wagons hint at redemption's path

Genesis 45:21 - בראשית 45:21

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ־כֵן בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּתֵּן לָהֶם יוֹסֵף עֲגָלוֹת עַל־פִּי פַרְעֹה וַיִּתֵּן לָהֶם צֵדָה לַדָּרֶךְ׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el did so: and Yosef gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Par῾o, and gave them provision for the way.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu-chen b'nei Yisra'el va'yiten lahem Yosef agalot al-pi Par'o va'yiten lahem tzedah la'derech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵן֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֥ם יוֹסֵ֛ף עֲגָל֖וֹת עַל־פִּ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַיִּתֵּ֥ן לָהֶ֛ם צֵדָ֖ה לַדָּֽרֶךְ׃
וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵן֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֥ם יוֹסֵ֛ף עֲגָל֖וֹת עַל־פִּ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וַיִּתֵּ֥ן לָהֶ֛ם צֵדָ֖ה לַדָּֽרֶךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 45:21) describes how Yosef provided his brothers with wagons and provisions for their journey back to Canaan to bring their father Yaakov down to Egypt. This act was done with Pharaoh's approval, fulfilling Yosef's earlier instruction to his brothers (Bereshit 45:19-20).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 45:21) emphasizes that the wagons were given "al pi Pharaoh" (by Pharaoh's command), indicating that Pharaoh himself authorized this gesture as a sign of honor to Yosef's family. Rashi also notes that the wagons were a subtle reminder to Yaakov of the last Torah subject they had studied together—the eglah arufah (the decapitated calf, Devarim 21:1-9)—before Yosef was sold. This was meant to reassure Yaakov that Yosef was still alive.

Symbolism of the Wagons

  • Midrashic Interpretation (Bereshit Rabbah 94:3): The wagons (agalot) allude to the Divine Providence that had guided Yosef's journey to Egypt. Just as wagons transport goods safely, Hashem had orchestrated events to bring Yosef to leadership.
  • Ramban's Insight: The wagons also served a practical purpose—demonstrating Pharaoh's generosity and ensuring the brothers' safe return with their families and possessions.

Provision for the Journey

The "tzedah la'derech" (provision for the way) reflects Yosef's wisdom and care for his brothers. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) notes that righteous individuals ensure travelers are well-supplied, as seen with Avraham (Bereshit 18:5) and Yaakov (Bereshit 32:14). Yosef, continuing this tradition, provided food and resources to ease their journey.

Pharaoh's Role

The phrase "al pi Pharaoh" highlights Pharaoh's respect for Yosef, as he not only permitted but actively supported the family's relocation. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 45:21) explains that Pharaoh's involvement demonstrated his trust in Yosef's judgment and his desire to honor Yaakov's household.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef give his brothers wagons?
A: According to Rashi, Yosef gave his brothers wagons as a sign to their father Yaakov that he was still alive. The wagons (agalot) hinted at the last Torah topic they studied together—the laws of the 'eglah arufah' (the heifer whose neck is broken). This was a coded message only Yaakov would understand, proving Yosef's identity.
Q: What is the significance of Pharaoh providing the wagons?
A: The verse emphasizes that the wagons were given 'according to the commandment of Pharaoh,' showing that Pharaoh honored Yosef's request. The Ramban explains that this demonstrated Yosef's high status in Egypt and Pharaoh's respect for him, ensuring Yaakov's family would be well-treated.
Q: Why did Yosef also give his brothers provisions for the journey?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yosef acted with great kindness (chesed) by providing food and supplies for the journey. This ensured his brothers would travel safely back to Canaan and return with their father. It also reflected Yosef's forgiveness and care for his family despite their past actions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 13b) highlights Yosef's righteousness in fulfilling the mitzvah of honoring his father by bringing him to Egypt. Additionally, his generosity (providing wagons and food) teaches the importance of thoughtful kindness—anticipating others' needs and acting with compassion.
Q: How does this verse connect to Jewish tradition about family reconciliation?
A: This moment marks the beginning of the reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers. The Sforno explains that Yosef's gifts were not just practical but also symbolic—showing his desire to rebuild trust. Jewish tradition values family unity, and this story teaches the power of forgiveness and repairing relationships.