Why Joseph Chose His Five Weakest Brothers Before Pharaoh

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 47:2

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And from among his brothers he took [five men]" (Genesis 47:2). And why does it say "and from among his brothers he took"? To teach you that all of the tribes were mighty men. And who were these five? Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Benjamin. And why did Joseph the Righteous take these five men from among his brothers? Because he knew who among his brothers was mighty and who was weak. And he said: If I present the mighty ones among them before Pharaoh, perhaps he will make them into his men of war. Therefore he presented these five men who were not mighty.

Themes

TribesEgyptJosephMosesKings

Biblical References

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