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Genesis 47:15 - Famine reveals Yosef's wisdom

Genesis 47:15 - בראשית 47:15

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתֹּם הַכֶּסֶף מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם וּמֵאֶרֶץ כְּנַעַן וַיָּבֹאוּ כָל־מִצְרַיִם אֶל־יוֹסֵף לֵאמֹר הָבָה־לָּנוּ לֶחֶם וְלָמָּה נָמוּת נֶגְדֶּךָ כִּי אָפֵס כָּסֶף׃

English Translation

And when money failed in the land of Miżrayim, and in the land of Kena῾an, all Miżrayim came to Yosef, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money fails.

Transliteration

Vayitom hakesef me'eretz Mitzrayim ume'eretz Kena'an vayavo'u kol-Mitzrayim el-Yosef lemor hava-lanu lechem velama namut negdecha ki afes kasef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּתֹּ֣ם הַכֶּ֗סֶף מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֘יִם֮ וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֒עַן֒ וַיָּבֹ֩אוּ֩ כׇל־מִצְרַ֨יִם אֶל־יוֹסֵ֤ף לֵאמֹר֙ הָֽבָה־לָּ֣נוּ לֶ֔חֶם וְלָ֥מָּה נָמ֖וּת נֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֥י אָפֵ֖ס כָּֽסֶף׃
וַיִּתֹּ֣ם הַכֶּ֗סֶף מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֘יִם֮ וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֒עַן֒ וַיָּבֹ֩אוּ֩ כׇל־מִצְרַ֨יִם אֶל־יוֹסֵ֤ף לֵאמֹר֙ הָֽבָה־לָּ֣נוּ לֶ֔חֶם וְלָ֥מָּה נָמ֖וּת נֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ כִּ֥י אָפֵ֖ס כָּֽסֶף׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 47:15) describes the severe famine during Yosef's governance in Mitzrayim, when the people exhausted their money purchasing grain. This occurred after seven years of plenty, as foretold by Yosef's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams (Bereshit 41). The desperation led the people to plead with Yosef for sustenance despite their lack of funds.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "וַיִּתֹּם הַכֶּסֶף" ("the money failed") by noting that the people had spent all their silver on grain during the famine. He emphasizes that this was part of Yosef's economic strategy, as he systematically collected all wealth for Pharaoh—first money, then livestock, and finally land and servitude (Bereshit 47:14-20). Rashi highlights Yosef's wisdom in ensuring the survival of the people while consolidating Pharaoh's power.

Rambam's Perspective on Leadership

Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:7-9) discusses the ethical obligations of leaders during crises. Yosef's actions align with the principle that a ruler must ensure the populace's survival, even if it requires drastic economic measures. The people's plea—"הָבָה־לָּנוּ לֶחֶם" ("Give us bread")—reflects their trust in Yosef's leadership, as they recognized his ability to provide despite their destitution.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:5) elaborates that the famine affected not only Mitzrayim but also Kena'an, underscoring its severity. This explains why the verse mentions both lands.
  • Another Midrash (Tanchuma Vayigash 5) suggests that Yosef's policies were divinely guided to fulfill the prophecy given to Avraham (Bereshit 15:13), ensuring Bnei Yisrael's eventual descent to Mitzrayim.

Theological Implications

The verse illustrates hashgacha pratit (divine providence), as Yosef's rise to power and his economic policies were part of Hashem's plan to sustain the region and position Bnei Yisrael for their future in Mitzrayim. The people's acknowledgment of their dependence on Yosef—"וְלָמָּה נָמוּת נֶגְדֶּךָ" ("why should we die in your presence?")—mirrors the broader theme of reliance on divine mercy during hardship.

Halachic Parallels

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 163:1) discusses the ethics of pricing during scarcity. Yosef's sale of grain, though it depleted the people's wealth, was justified as a means of equitable distribution, preventing hoarding and ensuring survival. This aligns with the halachic principle of "לא תקפוץ את ידך" ("do not withhold your hand") in aiding those in need (Devarim 15:7).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 47:15 mean when it says 'the money failed'?
A: The verse describes how the people of Egypt and Canaan exhausted all their money during the famine. According to Rashi, this happened because they had already spent all their silver purchasing grain from Yosef (Joseph) during the previous years of famine. When their money ran out, they came to Yosef begging for food.
Q: Why did the Egyptians come to Yosef when they ran out of money?
A: Yosef, as Pharaoh's appointed viceroy, was in charge of distributing grain during the famine. The Midrash explains that the Egyptians recognized Yosef's wisdom in storing food during the seven years of plenty, so they turned to him as their only hope for survival when their money was gone.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 47:15 about preparing for hard times?
A: This verse teaches the importance of foresight and preparation. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:1) derives from Yosef's actions the principle that one should always prepare for future needs. Just as Yosef stored grain during good years, we should make sensible preparations for difficult times that may come.
Q: How does this verse show Yosef's leadership during the famine?
A: The Talmud (Chagigah 4b) notes that Yosef's careful management of Egypt's resources during the famine demonstrated exceptional leadership. When people cried 'Give us bread,' it showed they viewed Yosef as responsible for their welfare. This established the model of Jewish leaders being accountable for their people's basic needs.
Q: What happened next after the people ran out of money in Genesis 47:15?
A: The following verses explain that Yosef then began accepting livestock (Genesis 47:16-17) and eventually land (Genesis 47:18-20) in exchange for food. This shows how severe the famine was, and how Yosef's wisdom saved both the Egyptian people and Pharaoh's kingdom from collapse.