Dubno Maggid on Redeemer of Israel Why was Jacob sent down to Egypt? Why did he have to suffer exile? Jacob was sent down to Egypt so that all would see that he returned to Israel, and they would understand and believe that they too would return to Israel. This was a sign for the righteous of all generations, when they suffer; they can look to Jacob and understand that their exile and troubles will end. Shared By: Rabbi Simcha Weinberg, n''y