Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Yaakov bless Pharaoh?
A: According to Rashi, Yaakov blessed Pharaoh as a gesture of gratitude for allowing his family to settle in Goshen during the famine. Additionally, the Midrash teaches that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh with the Nile River rising to his feet, ensuring prosperity for Egypt (Bereishit Rabbah 95:1).
Q: What is the significance of Yaakov standing before Pharaoh?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 16b) explains that Yaakov stood before Pharaoh despite his old age and frailty, showing respect for royalty. This teaches the importance of honoring leaders, even when one is in a position of hardship or humility.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yosef brought Yaakov before Pharaoh?
A: Rashi notes that Yosef carefully prepared his father for the meeting with Pharaoh, ensuring Yaakov appeared dignified. This highlights the mitzvah of honoring one's parents (kibbud av va'em), as Yosef went out of his way to present his father respectfully before the king.
Q: What can we learn from Yaakov blessing Pharaoh?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:2) derives from this verse that one should acknowledge kindness and respond with blessings. Yaakov, despite being a stranger in Egypt, expressed gratitude, teaching us to recognize and appreciate favors done for us.
Q: How does this verse apply to interactions with non-Jewish leaders today?
A: The Gemara (Avodah Zarah 4a) learns from this episode that Jews should show respect and gratitude to governing authorities who provide protection and kindness. Yaakov's blessing of Pharaoh sets a precedent for maintaining positive relations with rulers who support the Jewish people.
The Encounter Between Yaakov and Pharaoh
The verse describes Yaakov Avinu being presented before Pharaoh by his son Yosef. Rashi (Bereshit 47:7) explains that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh upon meeting him, fulfilling the mitzvah of birkat habriyot (blessing fellow creations). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 95:1) elaborates that Yaakov blessed Pharaoh that the Nile River would rise to his feet, ensuring prosperity for Egypt during his reign.
The Nature of Yaakov's Blessing
Ramban (Bereshit 47:7) discusses why Yaakov, rather than Pharaoh, gave the blessing. He explains that although Pharaoh was the powerful ruler, Yaakov was the righteous tzaddik whose blessings carried divine favor. The Kli Yakar adds that Yaakov's blessing demonstrated his spiritual superiority, as true blessing flows from the righteous to the powerful, not vice versa.
Yaakov's Standing Before Pharaoh
The Talmud (Megillah 16b) derives from this episode that one should stand when greeting royalty or great Torah scholars. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that Yosef carefully positioned Yaakov before Pharaoh, showing proper respect to both his father and his king. This reflects the Torah's balance between honoring parents and honoring rulers.
Spiritual vs. Temporal Power
The Sforno highlights the contrast between Yaakov's spiritual greatness and Pharaoh's temporal power. While Pharaoh ruled Egypt materially, Yaakov represented the spiritual legacy of the Avot. His blessing affirmed that all prosperity ultimately comes from Hashem, the true source of blessing.