בראשית, פרק מ״ז, פסוק כ״ה

Overwhelmed by their rescue from the brink of starvation, the people of Egypt express profound gratitude to Joseph. Their response blends a deep sense of relief for their survival with a readiness to accept a completely new civil and economic reality under the king's rule. They recognize that Joseph has granted them a life of true freedom [העמק דבר]. Furthermore, they acknowledge that he saved them out of pure kindness, rather than from any formal obligation [מלבי״ם].

Their plea to find favor is generally understood not as a new request, but as a full and willing agreement to Joseph's proposed plan. Since one does not need special favor simply to become a slave, this sentiment specifically relates to the execution of the economic arrangement rather than the condition of servitude itself [גור אריה]. Others interpret their attitude as an expression of deep thanks for his past help, coupled with a prayer that they might continue to receive his kindness in the future [שד״ל]. Beyond mere physical survival, the people sought a closer relationship, desiring Joseph's ongoing closeness and goodwill [העמק דבר].

Their declaration that they will become slaves to the king explores the very nature of this servitude. The primary approach among commentators is that this does not refer to literal, physical slavery. Since Joseph only purchased their land and not their bodies, their new status is one of political and economic submission. This took the practical form of a fixed, mandatory annual agricultural tax paid to the crown.

However, their specific commitment reveals further layers of meaning. By explicitly stating they would serve the king, the people clarify that their submission is directed solely toward the monarch and not toward Joseph himself [אור החיים, הטור הארוך]. Far from feeling degraded, they view this arrangement as a privilege, as being a servant of the king was considered a mark of great honor in Egypt [מלבי״ם]. From a practical standpoint, the people may have actively sought absolute servitude to secure their future. By placing themselves entirely under the king's protection, they ensured that he would be obligated to provide for their needs, regardless of whether future crop yields were plentiful or scarce [העמק דבר]. In this light, it is possible they officially accepted a state of total, absolute slavery in every respect, rather than just a partial commitment limited to working the land [אור החיים].