Why the Torah Says the Tribes Are Still Coming to Egypt

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Shemot 4:1

WHO ARE COMING TO EGYPT (Exodus 1:1). They had already been there many days. So why does it say "who are coming"? Rather, all the days that Joseph was alive, the burden of Egypt was not upon them; but once Joseph died, the burden of Egypt was placed upon them. Therefore, "who are coming" — as if on that very day all who came to Egypt were entering.

Themes

Biblical References