The
statement of our father Jacob to the Pharaoh of Egypt that “my years of
life have been few and most unpleasant” is most perplexing. We all know
the well-known anecdote that one of the most disappointing things in
life is to ask someone how he or she is and they actually tell you. One
would’ve expected that Jacob would have answered the Pharaoh in a
general, positive fashion.
Rashi interprets the answer of Jacob in the light of his deteriorated
physical condition that he presented to the Pharaoh. He wanted Pharaoh
to realize that the lines in his face were well-earned. He also wanted
him to realize that the lives of even the most righteous of people and
the holiest of families can also be troubled and difficult.
He was teaching the Pharaoh the great lesson that in this world good
is its own reward and that it does not necessarily carry with it
physical comfort and emotional serenity. He was telling the Pharaoh not
to judge him or his family by the shortsighted yardstick of material
success and lifelong leisure.
This was his explanation of the great Jewish lesson, ‘that the race
is neither to the swift nor success to those who deem themselves to be
wise.’ The Pharaoh is accustomed to immediate reward and benefit, to
royal garments and gilded chariots. Jacob informs him that that this is a
false measure of life and achievement. Though Jacob lived a stormy and
often tragic life, it is he who blesses the Pharaoh for he, Jacob,
possesses the gift of the future and of immortality.
How sad it is if a person has to look back at one’s lifetime and feel
that somehow life cheated him or that he deserved better! The ability
to deal with the vicissitudes of life, its downs as well as its ups, in
the strength of belief that everything is from the hand of our Creator,
has always been the great characteristic of the Jewish people.
Jacob can look back upon the life of turbulence, disappointments and
sadness and yet see for himself and his progeny greatness and immortal
memory. The Pharaoh must have realized that a blessing from this old
broken Jewish stranger was of enormous value to him in Egypt. Often
times in history it is the unlikely and seemingly downtrodden individual
who holds the key to future developments and to the correct worldview
of situations and conditions.
As long as Jacob lives there will no longer be a famine that will
affect Egypt. The Pharaoh must have undoubtedly realized the gift of
this blessing to Egypt. But like many people who will receive blessings
in this world, he seems not to be impressed sufficiently by the matter
to change policies, attitudes or behavior.
But Jacob and his descendants will haunt Egyptian society for
centuries until it finally will overwhelm it. This has been the lot and
mission of Israel over its very long, troublesome but great history.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Berel Wein
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