Another matter, “there was a small city” – this is Egypt, “and few men in it” – these are Joseph’s brothers, “and a great king came against it and surrounded it” – this is Joseph, “and built a great siege upon it” – these are the three edicts that he issued: That no slave shall enter Egypt, no person may enter with two donkeys, and no person may enter whose name and his father’s name, and his grandfather’s name, and his grandmother’s name are not documented.92Joseph issued these edicts so that his brothers would have to come to Egypt themselves to procure food, and not send their slaves; so that they would all have to come, instead of sending just some of them; and so that he would be able to identify them (Etz Yosef).
“He found in it a poor, wise man” – this is Judah, “and he saved the city in his wisdom” – as he said: “I will guarantee him…” (Genesis 43:9). Moreover, he said to Joseph: “Now please, let your servant remain instead of the lad…” (Genesis 44:33).93Thus, Judah saved the extended family from starvation by convincing Jacob to allow Benjamin to travel to Egypt, and he saved Benjamin from slavery by offering himself as a slave to Joseph instead.
“But no one remembered that poor man” – the Holy One blessed be He said: You did not remember him; I remember him, as it is stated: “He sent Judah before him…” (Genesis 46:28).94God ensured that Judah would still play a lead role among the brothers when they moved to Egypt.