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Genesis 47:4 - Seeking refuge in Goshen

Genesis 47:4 - בראשית 47:4

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה לָגוּר בָּאָרֶץ בָּאנוּ כִּי־אֵין מִרְעֶה לַצֹּאן אֲשֶׁר לַעֲבָדֶיךָ כִּי־כָבֵד הָרָעָב בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן וְעַתָּה יֵשְׁבוּ־נָא עֲבָדֶיךָ בְּאֶרֶץ גֹּשֶׁן׃

English Translation

They said moreover to Par῾o, To sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is severe in the land of Kena῾an: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.

Transliteration

Vayomru el-Par'o lagur ba'arets banu ki-ein mir'eh latzon asher la'avadecha ki-chaved hara'av be'erets Kena'an ve'ata yeshvu-na avadecha be'erets Goshen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֗ה לָג֣וּר בָּאָ֘רֶץ֮ בָּ֒אנוּ֒ כִּי־אֵ֣ין מִרְעֶ֗ה לַצֹּאן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ כִּֽי־כָבֵ֥ד הָרָעָ֖ב בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְעַתָּ֛ה יֵֽשְׁבוּ־נָ֥א עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן׃
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֶל־פַּרְעֹ֗ה לָג֣וּר בָּאָ֘רֶץ֮ בָּ֒אנוּ֒ כִּי־אֵ֣ין מִרְעֶ֗ה לַצֹּאן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ כִּֽי־כָבֵ֥ד הָרָעָ֖ב בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וְעַתָּ֛ה יֵֽשְׁבוּ־נָ֥א עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Purpose of the Request

The verse (Bereshit 47:4) records the words of Yosef's brothers to Pharaoh, explaining their reason for coming to Egypt. According to Rashi, the brothers emphasized their temporary intent ("to sojourn") rather than permanent settlement, aligning with Hashem's earlier promise to Avraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land not their own (Bereshit 15:13). The Ibn Ezra notes that their mention of the famine's severity in Canaan was a factual justification for their request, not a complaint, as they sought Pharaoh's goodwill.

Why Emphasize the Lack of Pasture?

Ramban explains that the brothers highlighted their need for pastureland to reinforce their identity as shepherds—a profession despised by Egyptians (Bereshit 46:34). By requesting Goshen specifically, they ensured separation from Egyptian society, preserving their distinct way of life. Sforno adds that this separation was crucial to avoid assimilation and maintain their spiritual integrity.

The Significance of Goshen

  • Geographical Advantage: Goshen (ארץ גושן) was fertile (Rashi, Bereshit 45:10) yet isolated, ideal for shepherding and minimizing cultural friction.
  • Spiritual Protection: The Midrash (Tanchuma, Vayigash 5) suggests Goshen was designated as a future place of refuge during the Exodus, showing divine foresight in their request.
  • Political Strategy: By framing their stay as temporary and economically beneficial (providing livestock for Pharaoh), the brothers secured Pharaoh's approval without arousing suspicion (Malbim).

Language and Diplomacy

The Kli Yakar notes the brothers' respectful tone ("let thy servants dwell"), modeling how to interact with foreign rulers while upholding Jewish values. Their phrasing avoided implying entitlement, a lesson in derech eretz (proper conduct). The Ohr HaChaim highlights their use of "נָא" ("we pray thee") as a humble appeal, reflecting Yaakov's instruction to avoid confrontation (Bereshit 46:31-34).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef's brothers ask to live in Goshen specifically?
A: Yosef's brothers requested to dwell in Goshen because it was a fertile area ideal for shepherding (Rashi on Genesis 47:4). Additionally, Goshen was somewhat separate from Egyptian society, allowing them to maintain their distinct way of life and avoid assimilation (Ramban on Genesis 46:34).
Q: What does this verse teach us about how to interact with non-Jewish rulers?
A: The verse demonstrates the importance of speaking respectfully and diplomatically when dealing with non-Jewish authorities, as Yosef's brothers did with Pharaoh (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayigash 5). They presented their request logically and humbly, setting an example for proper conduct in exile.
Q: Why did they emphasize being 'sojourners' in Egypt?
A: By stating they came 'to sojourn' (לָגוּר), they showed they viewed Egypt as a temporary dwelling, not a permanent home (Sforno on Genesis 47:4). This reflects the Jewish outlook of galut (exile) - we reside among nations while maintaining our unique identity and awaiting redemption.
Q: How does this famine relate to Yosef's earlier dreams?
A: This famine was the fulfillment of Yosef's dreams (Genesis 37) where the sheaves and stars bowed to him. Now his brothers - who were shepherds - had to come to Egypt for sustenance, showing his dreams were prophetic (Rashi on Genesis 42:6).
Q: What lesson can we learn from how they presented their request to Pharaoh?
A: The brothers taught us to make requests in a way that benefits both parties. They explained how settling in Goshen would help them (pasture for flocks) without burdening Egypt (living separately). This shows wisdom in interpersonal relations (Mesillat Yesharim, Chapter 11 on proper speech).