Literary Devices – Bereshit 46/0

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Literary Devices – Bereshit 46

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Literary Envelope

Da'at Mikra points out that the Yosef narrative began with Yaakov sending Yosef to his brothers, upon which Yehuda developed the plan to sell him into slavery, and comes to a point of closure when Yaakov sends Yehuda to Yosef. This represents the closing of a circle as the family is reunited.

Allusions

The narrative of Yaakov’s journey to Egypt contains allusions to the divine revelations and promises granted to Avraham and Yitzchak. 

Yaakov's journey represents the close of the narrative arc of the Patriarchs and the beginning of a new stage of Jewish history in exile. The Torah emphasizes that Yaakov and his descendants inherit the covenantal promises given to the other Patriarchs even as they leave Israel.

Symbolism

  • Revelation at Night – As in the previous revelations in Chapters 28 and 32, in this chapter, too, Hashem reveals Himself to Yaakov at night (Bereshit 46:2). The motif of revelation at night in Yaakov’s story might represent the concealment (in the form of both hidden identities and secret plots) and challenges with which he consistently grapples. In the context of Chapter 46, night has the additional symbolism of the exile into which Yaakov’s family is descending

Character Titles

Yaakov

This chapter alternates between referring to Yaakov by his new name Yisrael (appearing six times)1 and his original name Yaakov (appearing fifteen times).2