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Genesis 47:27 - Exile's unexpected prosperity

Genesis 47:27 - בראשית 47:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּשֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בְּאֶרֶץ גֹּשֶׁן וַיֵּאָחֲזוּ בָהּ וַיִּפְרוּ וַיִּרְבּוּ מְאֹד׃

English Translation

And Yisra᾽el dwelt in the land of Miżrayim in the country of Goshen; and they took possession of it, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.

Transliteration

Va'yeshev Yisrael be'eretz Mitzrayim be'eretz Goshen va'ye'achazu vah va'yifru va'yirbu me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֑שֶׁן וַיֵּאָחֲז֣וּ בָ֔הּ וַיִּפְר֥וּ וַיִּרְבּ֖וּ מְאֹֽד׃
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֑שֶׁן וַיֵּאָחֲז֣וּ בָ֔הּ וַיִּפְר֥וּ וַיִּרְבּ֖וּ מְאֹֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Dwelling in Goshen

The verse states, "And Yisra᾽el dwelt in the land of Miżrayim in the country of Goshen" (Bereshit 47:27). Rashi explains that Goshen was set apart as the dwelling place for Bnei Yisrael because it was the best land in Egypt, as Pharaoh had previously instructed Yosef to settle his family in "the best of the land" (Bereshit 47:6). This reflects Hashem's kindness in ensuring that Yaakov and his descendants lived in comfort despite being in exile.

Taking Possession of the Land

The phrase "and they took possession of it" (וַיֵּאָחֲזוּ בָהּ) is interpreted by the Ramban (Nachmanides) as an indication that Bnei Yisrael acquired permanent holdings in Goshen, rather than merely residing there temporarily. This aligns with Yosef's earlier promise that they would settle in Goshen (Bereshit 45:10). The Sforno adds that this possession was a fulfillment of the covenant with Avraham, ensuring that his descendants would thrive even in a foreign land.

Growth and Multiplication

The verse concludes, "and they grew, and multiplied exceedingly" (וַיִּפְרוּ וַיִּרְבּוּ מְאֹד). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:1) notes that this fulfills Hashem's blessing to Yaakov (Bereshit 46:3) that He would make his descendants into a great nation. The doubling of terms—paru (פָּרוּ, "they were fruitful") and ravu (רָבוּ, "they multiplied")—emphasizes the extraordinary nature of their growth, as highlighted by the Ibn Ezra.

Spiritual Implications

The Kli Yakar observes that Goshen served as a protective enclave, shielding Bnei Yisrael from assimilation into Egyptian culture. Despite being in exile, they maintained their distinct identity, which allowed them to flourish spiritually and physically. This foreshadows the later redemption, as their growth in Goshen was a necessary precursor to the Exodus.

  • Rashi: Goshen was the choicest land, fulfilling Pharaoh's promise.
  • Ramban: Their possession of Goshen was permanent, not temporary.
  • Midrash: Their multiplication fulfilled Hashem's promise to Yaakov.
  • Kli Yakar: Goshen preserved their spiritual identity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Israelites settle in Goshen specifically?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, Goshen was chosen because it was the best land in Egypt, fertile and separate from the main Egyptian population. This allowed the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity and way of life while still benefiting from Egypt's resources.
Q: What does it mean that the Israelites 'took possession' of Goshen?
A: The phrase 'וַיֵּאָחֲזוּ בָהּ' (vaye'achazu bah) means they became firmly established there. Ramban explains that Pharaoh officially granted them this land, and they lived there securely, building homes and developing the land as their own.
Q: Why is it significant that the Israelites multiplied greatly in Egypt?
A: This fulfills G-d's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be numerous (Genesis 15:5). The Midrash notes that despite being in exile, their rapid growth showed divine protection and was preparation for becoming a great nation.
Q: How could the Israelites prosper in Egypt when they were later enslaved?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 11a) explains that this period of prosperity lasted through Yosef's lifetime. Only after 'a new king arose who didn't know Yosef' (Exodus 1:8) did the persecution begin. This shows how quickly circumstances can change in exile.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites settling in Goshen?
A: The Sforno teaches that this shows the importance of maintaining Jewish identity even in diaspora. By living separately in Goshen, they preserved their traditions. Today, this reminds us to build strong Jewish communities while participating responsibly in society.