Parsha Points to Ponder

Parsha Points to Ponder

1) Why does the Torah have to identify Yosef as HIS SON when Yaakov calls Yosef to come speak to him about his burial (47:29)?
2) Why does Yaakov emphasize that Yosef’s oath to bury Yaakov in Canaan be an oath TO ME (LI - 47:31)?
3) Why does the Torah report that Yosef, his brothers, and then every one else returned to Egypt after burying Yaakov (50:14) while when they left Egypt to bury Yaakov, the Egyptians who went along went before the brothers (50:7-8)?

Parsha Points to Ponder by Rabbi Dov Lipman
Rabbi Lipman is an educator, author, and community activist in Bet Shemesh - http://www.rabbilipman.com

Ponder the questions first, then see further

1) The Ohr HaChayim explains that paging the leader of Egypt was not an accepted practice. Yaakov could only call Yosef because he was both HIS SON and also YOSEF who was righteous and would not be strict about the honor which is due to him in his position.
2) The Kli Yakar teaches that Yaakov was concerned that Par’o would pressure Yosef to find a way out of the oath. However, once the oath was made TO ME, which means with Yaakov’s intent and involvement as an integral part of the oath, Yosef could not leave the oath without Yaakov’s consent and he could tell Par’o as such.
3) The Da’at Zekainim MiBaalei HaTosfot answer that the Egyptians did not see any reason to respect Yaakov’s sons so they followed immediately behind Yosef on their way out of Egypt. However, when they saw the honor which the kings gave to Yaakov at his burial, they recognized the prestige of the family and walked behind Yaakov’s sons on the way back to Egypt.

• Other Parsha Points to Ponder
• Parsha Points to Ponder - B'haalot'cha
• Parsha Points to Ponder - B'har-B'chukotai
• Parsha Points to Ponder - Emor