1)

What blessing did Yaakov confer upon Pharaoh this time?

1.

Rashi and Ramban: He blessed him that the Nile should rise to greet him and to water the land whenever he appeared. 1

2.

Tosfos ha'Shalem (8:3, citing Moshav Zekenim): He showed appreciation that Pharaoh consented to let him return to his origin after the famine ends. 2


1

Which, from that moment on, it did. Ramban - The first time (47:7) was also a proper blessing; Yaakov now blessed him again when he requested to take leave.

2

Presumably, Yaakov did not do so, for he realized that he must fulfill "Ger Yihyeh Zar'echa" (15:13). Targum Yonasan (to 46:3) connotes that he knew this before descending. If so, why did he request? (PF)

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

2)

Rashi writes: "Yaakov blessed [Pharaoh] - ... that the Nile should rise to his feet... and irrigate the land." Would Hashem perform such an overt miracle for an idolater? The Egyptians would likely deify Pharaoh!

1.

Gur Aryeh: Yaakov's blessing was that, provided that Pharaoh would walk by the river regularly (as kings normally do), the Nile would always rise and water the land - at its proper time. This constituted a blessing, not an obvious miracle.

3)

Rashi writes: "Yaakov blessed [Pharaoh] - ... that the Nile should rise to his feet... and irrigate the land." What is the symbolism in Yaakov giving this particular blessing?

1.

Gur Aryeh (to 24:17): Blessing comes at the heels of a Tzadik (such as Yaakov); as such, the water sources increased in his merit. Also refer to 24:17:1.1:3.

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