Question of the Lesson

Week Ending 9th May 2003

Shmuel and Avraham, discussing Parashat Mikeitz:  Bereishit, Perek 41, Pesukim 30, 31:

" 30 Seven years of famine will then arise after them (that is, after the seven years of plenty) and all of the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten; the famine will ravage the land.

31 And the abundance will be unknown in the land in the face of the famine which will follow it, for it will be terribly severe."

Avraham's question:  "Why did Hashem hide His greatness?  When He made the seven years of famine following the seven years of plenty everyone forgot His greatness." 

This was a fascinating question.  Avraham saw that Hashem's greatness would have been clearly visible during the seven years of plenty.  Avraham then thought that if the abundance would become forgotten during the next seven years, the years of famine, then Hashem's greatness would also become forgotten.  Why, asked Avraham, would Hashem want to hide his greatness during those years?

Shmuel's answer:  "It may have been a test to see if the Jewish people had true faith."

This is also an interesting answer.  It can be discussed and understood in different ways.  Go on!  Think about it!  How do you understand Shmuel's answer to Avraham's question?  What do you think Shmuel meant by this?

Where were the Jewish people at this time?
Who were the Jewish people at this time?

Do you have a different answer to Avraham's question?

Do you have any questions of your own on these Pesukim?

***

Avraham and Shmuel!
...well done indeed!