בראשית, פרק מ״ה, פסוק י״ח

Pharaoh’s invitation to Joseph’s family to settle in Egypt goes far beyond simple hospitality. It is a strategic move designed to grant them royal protection while bringing them under his direct authority and service [העמק דבר]. Since he could not force them to uproot themselves from their homeland, the severe famine provided the perfect opportunity to draw them in. As relatives of his highest official, they were guaranteed all the benefits and privileges enjoyed by the royal court [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

When promising them the finest parts of the country, Pharaoh specifically had the region of Goshen in mind [רש"י, ריב"א, ביאור יש"ר]. He set this area apart to serve as rich pastureland for their livestock, even though he may have intended for their primary homes to be located closer to him in the center of Egypt [משכיל לדוד]. He also offered them the fat of the land. While this term literally refers to animal fat [אבן עזרא], the primary approach among commentators is to view it as a metaphor. Just as fat is the richest and choicest part of an animal, Pharaoh was promising them the most fertile and lush districts of his empire. Furthermore, just as fat serves as a stored reserve of energy for difficult times, it represents the most valuable and carefully preserved resources the nation had to offer [רש"ר הירש].

There is another fascinating layer to the ruler's offer, revealing that he was unknowingly making a prophecy. By offering them the good of the land rather than simply its best [משכיל לדוד], he hinted at the distant future of the Exodus. His promise suggested that when the Israelites eventually left, they would take all of Egypt's wealth and property with them [רש"י, רבנו בחיי, ריב"א]. Commentators compare this future draining of wealth to a deep water abyss completely devoid of fish, which usually gather near the surface for food. In the end, Egypt would be left entirely stripped and empty of its abundance [רש"י, שפתי חכמים, ברטנורא, ברכת אשר].