QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "Pharaoh assigned men over Avraham (va'Yetzav Alav) - i.e. on his behalf (Odosav), to escort him and protect him." How does Rashi know this?
Gur Aryeh: The word "Alav" is extra. It must mean, "on his behalf." Refer to 12:19:2.1:1.
Rashi writes: "... to escort him and protect him." Why the doubled expression?
Gur Aryeh: The word Rashi uses, "Odosav," is plural, and has the connotation of "for his benefit." Rashi therefore uses two terms which make it clear that Pharaoh was acting in Avraham's interest Refer to 12:19:2.1:1.
Rashi writes: "... as the Targum interprets : 'v'Alvi'u,' 'and they escorted.'" What is Rashi demonstrating from the Targum?
Gur Aryeh: This is a further proof that Avraham was not driven out of Mitzrayim, but rather escorted honorably. Refer to 12:19:2.1:1. Additionally, see Rashi to 13:2, "[Avraham was] very heavy - [newly] laden with packages," i.e. which he had just received upon his departure from Egypt. Had Pharaoh driven out Avraham in disgrace, he would not have given him additional gifts. 1
Mizrachi comments that Rashi is out of order of the verses. Apparently, in the edition of Rashi used by Mizrachi and Gur Aryeh, this comment on verse 13:2 appears here, even before Rashi to 13:1. They understand that Rashi does this in order to bring additional support to his approach, that Avraham was escorted honorably. (CS)
