77. Rabbi Shimon opened with the verse, "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt" (Beresheet 42:1). This verse contains the secret of wisdom and we have to examine it, because its beginning and end contradict each other. FOR IN THE BEGINNING IT SAYS, "NOW WHEN JACOB SAW THAT THERE WAS CORN IN EGYPT," AND AT THE END, "JACOB SAID TO HIS SONS, WHY DO YOU LOOK AT ONE ANOTHER." IF THERE IS CORN IN EGYPT, CANNOT THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER? WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?

78. HE ANSWERS, But come and see, when the Holy One, blessed be He, wanted to sentence the world to famine, He does not deliver this through a crier TO THE ANGELS. For a crier pronounces all other punishments in the world before they enter it, but this one OF FAMINE is not delivered to a crier, but the Holy One, blessed be He, announces it and cries. This is the meaning of, "for Hashem has called for a famine" (II Melachim 8:1). From that time other ministers are appointed over the world, due to the decree of famine.

79. A satiated man must not show himself full, because he indicates a blemish above and rejects the word of the King, WHO DECREED FAMINE. It is as if he removed the King's ministers from their position. Hence Jacob said to his sons, "why do you look at (or: 'show') one another," WHICH MEANS, Why do you create a defect above and below and deny the King's declaration, and all those appointed by the KING'S crier.

80. But, "Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt. Go down there" (Beresheet 42:2). There you may seem replete, but do not reject the celestial retinue here. Come and see, Jacob had much corn, but he did not want to eat it, except when they came back, so his action would not be considered defective, THAT IS, SO AS NOT TO SEEM FULL.