Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 47:17 mean when it says Yosef gave bread in exchange for animals?
A: This verse describes how Yosef (Joseph), as the Egyptian viceroy, provided food to the people during the famine in exchange for their livestock. According to Rashi, this was part of Yosef's wise economic management—first buying their animals, then later their land (as the famine continued), ensuring Pharaoh's control while also sustaining the people.
Q: Why is this exchange between Yosef and the people important in the Torah?
A: This event highlights Yosef's leadership and foresight. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains that Yosef followed a fair and structured plan to distribute food during the crisis, preventing chaos. It also sets the stage for the next phase, where the people eventually sell their land, showing how Yosef's policies strengthened Pharaoh's kingdom while saving lives.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yosef's actions in Genesis 47:17?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) teaches that leadership requires balancing compassion with practicality. Yosef didn’t simply give away food—he created a sustainable system where people traded what they had (livestock) for what they needed (bread). This teaches us to address crises with both kindness and wisdom, ensuring long-term stability.
Q: How does this verse apply to helping others in need today?
A: Jewish tradition emphasizes 'tzedakah' (charity) with dignity. Like Yosef, we should help others in a way that preserves their self-respect—whether through fair exchanges, job opportunities, or loans (Gemara, Ketubot 67b). The verse reminds us that effective assistance requires thoughtful planning, not just immediate handouts.
Q: Why did Yosef specifically mention horses, sheep, cattle, and donkeys in this trade?
A: Rashi notes that these animals represented the people’s entire livelihood. Horses were for travel and war, sheep and cattle for food and labor, and donkeys for transport. By listing them, the Torah shows how desperate the famine was—people surrendered everything just to survive. This detail underscores the severity of the crisis Yosef managed.
Context in the Torah Narrative
This verse (Bereshit 47:17) describes the second stage of Yosef's economic policy during the famine in Egypt. After the people exhausted their money (as described in the previous verse), they brought their livestock to Yosef in exchange for food.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיְנַהֲלֵם בַּלֶּחֶם" ("and he fed them with bread") implies Yosef sustained them gradually, providing only what was necessary for survival rather than giving them excess provisions all at once. This reflects Yosef's wisdom in managing limited resources during the famine.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra notes the significance of the specific animals mentioned (horses, flocks, herds, and donkeys), suggesting these were the primary forms of wealth in ancient Egypt. The inclusion of horses is particularly noteworthy as they were valuable assets, often associated with royalty and military power.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 91:5) comments on the phrase "בַּשָּׁנָה הַהִוא" ("for that year"), teaching that Yosef made this arrangement specifically for that year, implying the terms might change in subsequent years. This shows Yosef's strategic planning in gradually bringing all of Egypt's resources under Pharaoh's control.
Halachic Implications
Rambam (Hilchot Mechira 7:1) derives from this episode principles about fair exchange in times of crisis. While Yosef's actions were justified by the extreme circumstances, they establish guidelines for ethical business conduct during famines:
Chassidic Interpretation
The Sefat Emet explains this verse allegorically, suggesting the "livestock" represents a person's animalistic instincts. Just as Yosef exchanged physical livestock for sustaining bread, we must "exchange" our base desires for spiritual nourishment through Torah study and mitzvot.