תהלים, פרק ק״ה, פסוק י״ז

Divine providence often operates behind the scenes of human tragedy. Years before a severe famine forced Jacob and his family into exile, a divine plan was already in motion, preparing a cure before the disease struck [מאירי]. Through a chain of events that appeared at the moment to be nothing more than cruel coincidence, a savior was positioned in Egypt to ensure the family's survival during their upcoming years of distress. The primary approach among commentators is that God orchestrated Joseph's arrival in Egypt long before the family’s expected exile. This was set into motion through Joseph's dreams, which sparked his brothers' jealousy and ultimately led to his descent into Egypt [רד״ק]. This hidden mission mirrors Joseph's own later realization and statement to his brothers, recognizing that God had sent him ahead of them [רש״י, מאירי, אלשיך].

This early arrival served a critical dual purpose. On a practical level, it established the economic foundation necessary to sustain the family through the devastating famine [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. However, there was also a profound spiritual objective. Joseph was sent ahead to draw the Divine Presence down into Egypt. Because of this, when the Israelites eventually arrived, they would be sustained by pure, holy abundance under God's direct protection, rather than relying on the impure forces of Egypt [אלשיך].

Despite the elevated nature of this mission, Joseph's path was marked by deep humiliation. The narrative initially introduces him simply as an unnamed man, delaying the mention of his actual identity until it can be linked directly to his status as a slave. This connection hints at an underlying reason for his suffering [אלשיך]. Commentators agree that his sale was specifically for the purpose of becoming a slave [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם], though another perspective suggests he was sold to a master who was himself a slave, referring to Potiphar [אבן עזרא].

To explain why a person entrusted with such a vital rescue mission had to endure the degradation of slavery, commentators offer two distinct perspectives. One approach suggests that the man destined to save his family first needed to undergo a painful process of purification and refinement through deep poverty and suffering [מלבי״ם]. Another view frames this hardship as a direct, measure-for-measure consequence of his own actions. Joseph was sold into slavery because he had previously brought a bad report to his father, claiming that his brothers disrespected the sons of the maidservants by calling them slaves [אלשיך].