Question: Why does it say that Jacob both saw and heard of the corn in Egypt (Genesis 42:1-2)? Why are the 2 senses of sight and hearing mentioned?
Answer: The verse first states that Jacob saw, which as the commentary of Rashi explains means through a level of prophecy he was able to ‘see’ there was food to be had in Egypt. However, since his son Joseph had been lost, Jacob’s prophecy was affected and the vision was unclear. Hence, although Jacob saw through prophesy that there was food, he was unable to pinpoint exactly where it was located. He therefore inquired and ‘heard’ from others where exactly to travel to buy food.
Similarly, the brothers (sons of Jacob) knew through prophesy that Joseph was still alive somewhere in Egypt, however they too were unclear as to where he was and therefore did not know where to find him.
Thank You,
Rabbi Eli Biegeleisen
Director Oorah Staten Island