בראשית, פרק מ״ה, פסוק י״ט

Relocating Jacob’s family from Canaan to Egypt required more than a simple invitation; it involved complex logistical and diplomatic preparations. To facilitate this move, Pharaoh issued a direct command to Joseph [רש״י, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים]. The primary approach among commentators is that this directive was rooted in Joseph’s character. Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s profound humility, morality, and absolute loyalty. He knew that despite Joseph’s immense power, he would never exploit his position or take royal property for his family without explicit permission. By framing the instruction as a formal order, Pharaoh removed any hesitation from Joseph’s heart [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך, רבנו בחיי, רש״ר הירש].

This command also addressed the strict border laws of the Egyptian empire. Taking wagons or beasts of burden out of the country was strictly forbidden without special royal approval [רשב״ם, ביאור יש״ר]. While Joseph’s authority was absolute regarding Egypt’s internal affairs, exporting property beyond its borders required Pharaoh’s direct consent [קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Furthermore, horse-drawn wagons were a distinct status symbol reserved for ministers and kings, an authority that had not yet been granted to Joseph [רלב״ג].

Some commentators suggest that while Pharaoh issued the order, it actually stemmed from Joseph’s own initiative. Joseph had requested a special exemption to bypass the strict ban on exporting wagons during the famine [הכתב והקבלה]. A different perspective proposes that Joseph himself, in his official capacity, had previously banned the export of wagons carrying grain to prevent domestic shortages. In this scenario, Pharaoh was essentially overriding Joseph’s own policy, instructing him to allow a one-time exception for his family [רד״ק, העמק דבר].

Pharaoh also instructed Joseph to make it absolutely clear to his brothers that this entire relocation was being executed with full royal permission and backing [רש״י, ספורנו, גור אריה, שד״ל]. This assurance was crucial, as it was designed to ensure that Jacob would not fear or refuse the journey to Egypt [ספורנו]. It also signaled that this was an official invitation for the family to settle permanently as citizens of the land [מלבי״ם].

The wagons provided for the journey were products of an advanced Egyptian culture, entirely unseen among the shepherds in Canaan [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These vehicles, or the gentle animals pulling them [רשב״ם, הכתב והקבלה], were designated specifically to spare the women and children the physical hardships of the road [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because they were meant solely for passenger transport and not for exporting grain, separate donkeys were required to carry the family's food supply [ביאור יש״ר]. Regarding the transport of Jacob himself, a fascinating debate arises. Some maintain that while the women and children rode in the wagons, the brothers were expected to physically carry their elderly father on their shoulders out of profound respect [הדר זקנים, דעת זקנים]. Others firmly reject this idea, arguing that the magnificent royal wagons sent by Pharaoh were, first and foremost, intended to carry Jacob himself with the utmost honor and dignity [ריב״א].