בראשית, פרק נ׳, פסוק י״ד

The grand funeral procession of Jacob in the land of Canaan draws to a close, and a massive entourage makes its way back to Egypt. This return journey reflects shifting social dynamics, the customs of mourning, and the deep respect various nations held for Jacob. On the journey home, Joseph and his brothers walk at the head of the camp, followed by the Egyptians. This marks a clear shift from the journey toward Canaan, where the Egyptians led the procession and the brothers followed.

The primary approach among commentators is that this change stems from a newfound profound respect among the Egyptians. After witnessing the kings of Canaan honor Jacob by hanging their crowns on his coffin, the Egyptians began to treat the brothers with greater reverence, allowing them to lead the procession home [רש״י, צרור המור, דעת זקנים, הדר זקנים, צאינה וראינה]. Others suggest the change in order was based on the practical customs of mourning. Traditionally, on the way to a burial, the general public walks in front while the mourners follow, but on the return trip, the mourners lead while the public follows behind [הכתב והקבלה]. Furthermore, the Egyptian period of mourning concluded with the burial itself, whereas the brothers' formal mourning had just begun. Therefore, once the burial was complete, Joseph joined his grieving brothers at the front [קונטרס חיבה יתירה]. Presenting a completely different perspective, some suggest the Egyptians placed the brothers in front out of suspicion. Fearing the brothers might seize the opportunity to escape and remain in Canaan, the Egyptians wanted to keep a close watch on them from behind [ריב״א, הדר זקנים].

As the massive camp travels back, every single person, along with all the chariots and horsemen, returns completely unharmed. This is particularly notable given the tradition that a fierce battle broke out with Esau at the Cave of Machpelah during the burial. Because the group was actively engaged in fulfilling a commandment and was shielded by the merit of the righteous Jacob, they all returned safely. Those sent on a holy mission are protected from harm both on their way and on their return [רבנו בחיי, אור החיים, צרור המור]. This protection fully covered those whose primary intention was to fulfill the commandment and who remained until the burial was entirely finished [אור החיים].

While all the brothers participated in the burial, Joseph took the primary role, demonstrating that he completely and undoubtedly fulfilled his personal oath to his father [רבנו בחיי]. Moreover, the brothers willingly stepped back and allowed Joseph to lead, recognizing that it brought greater honor to Jacob to be tended to by someone with the status of a king [תורה תמימה]. The burial process itself was highly complex. According to tradition, the Patriarchs are buried in the Cave of Machpelah in a reclining position. In order to lay Jacob to rest, the brothers first had to move Isaac to Abraham's right side, creating the necessary space to bury Jacob in his proper, designated spot [צפנת פענח].