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Genesis 46:5 - Family journey to Egypt

Genesis 46:5 - בראשית 46:5

Hebrew Text

וַיָּקָם יַעֲקֹב מִבְּאֵר שָׁבַע וַיִּשְׂאוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־יַעֲקֹב אֲבִיהֶם וְאֶת־טַפָּם וְאֶת־נְשֵׁיהֶם בָּעֲגָלוֹת אֲשֶׁר־שָׁלַח פַּרְעֹה לָשֵׂאת אֹתוֹ׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov rose up from Be᾽er-sheva, and the sons of Yisra᾽el carried Ya῾aqov their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Par῾o had sent to carry him.

Transliteration

Vayakam Yaakov miBe'er Sheva vayisu venei-Yisra'et et-Yaakov avihem ve'et-tapam ve'et-nsheihem ba'agalot asher-shalach Par'o laset oto.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥קׇם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִבְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּשְׂא֨וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־יַעֲקֹ֣ב אֲבִיהֶ֗ם וְאֶת־טַפָּם֙ וְאֶת־נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם בָּעֲגָל֕וֹת אֲשֶׁר־שָׁלַ֥ח פַּרְעֹ֖ה לָשֵׂ֥את אֹתֽוֹ׃
וַיָּ֥קׇם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִבְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיִּשְׂא֨וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־יַעֲקֹ֣ב אֲבִיהֶ֗ם וְאֶת־טַפָּם֙ וְאֶת־נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם בָּעֲגָל֕וֹת אֲשֶׁר־שָׁלַ֥ח פַּרְעֹ֖ה לָשֵׂ֥את אֹתֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Departure from Be'er Sheva

The verse describes Yaakov's departure from Be'er Sheva to Egypt, accompanied by his family. Rashi (on Bereishit 45:27) explains that Be'er Sheva was a place of deep spiritual significance for Yaakov, as it was where his father Yitzchak had established a covenant with Avimelech (Bereishit 26:33). Leaving this holy place marked a significant transition for Yaakov and the future of Bnei Yisrael.

The Role of Pharaoh's Wagons

The wagons sent by Pharaoh hold symbolic meaning. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 94:3) teaches that these wagons (agalot) were a sign from Yosef to Yaakov, alluding to the last Torah topic they had studied together—the egla arufa (the decapitated calf, Devarim 21:1-9). This was Yosef's way of proving his identity and reassuring Yaakov that he was alive. Ramban (on Bereishit 45:27) adds that this gesture demonstrated Yosef's continued commitment to Torah despite his high position in Egypt.

The Order of the Family's Travel

  • Yaakov their father: Placed first to show honor to the patriarch (Sforno on Bereishit 46:5).
  • Their little ones (tappam): The children were prioritized, reflecting the Jewish value of protecting the next generation (Malbim on Bereishit 46:5).
  • Their wives: The mothers were included to ensure family unity during this transition (Rashi on Bereishit 46:5).

Spiritual Significance of the Journey

The Or HaChaim (on Bereishit 46:1) notes that Yaakov's descent to Egypt was divinely ordained, as Hashem had foretold to Avraham (Bereishit 15:13). Despite the challenges of exile, this journey set the stage for the eventual redemption and receiving of the Torah at Har Sinai. The wagons symbolize both physical transport and the divine providence guiding Bnei Yisrael into exile for a greater purpose.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Jacob (Yaakov) leave Be'er Sheva to go to Egypt?
A: Jacob left Be'er Sheva to reunite with his son Joseph (Yosef) in Egypt, as described in Genesis 45:28. According to Rashi, this journey was significant because it fulfilled the prophecy given to Abraham (Avraham) in Genesis 15:13 about his descendants dwelling in a foreign land. The Torah emphasizes that Jacob went with divine approval, as seen in Genesis 46:3-4, where Hashem reassured him.
Q: Why did Pharaoh send wagons to carry Jacob and his family?
A: Pharaoh sent wagons as a sign of honor and respect for Jacob and his family. Rashi explains that Joseph (Yosef) instructed Pharaoh to send wagons (Hebrew: 'agalot') as a subtle hint to Jacob that Joseph still remembered the Torah study they had shared about the 'eglah arufah' (the calf whose neck is broken, Deuteronomy 21:1-9). This reassured Jacob that Joseph had remained faithful to their traditions despite living in Egypt.
Q: What is the significance of Jacob's journey to Egypt in Jewish tradition?
A: Jacob's journey to Egypt marks the beginning of the Israelite exile in Egypt, which ultimately leads to the Exodus and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) teaches that this was part of Hashem's plan to fulfill the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). Additionally, Jacob's descent represents the Jewish people's ability to maintain their identity even in exile, as Jacob's family remained distinct from Egyptian culture.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Jacob's family traveled with their 'little ones and wives'?
A: The Torah emphasizes that Jacob's entire household—men, women, and children—went to Egypt to show the unity of the family and the future nation of Israel. Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this detail highlights the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Jacob's descendants a great nation (Genesis 46:3). It also teaches the importance of family unity in Jewish life, even during difficult transitions.