What was the need in Jacob's soul that he satisfied, which was mentioned in the verse: "And when they entered from where their father had ordered them, it did not avail them anything against Allah, except a need in Jacob's soul which he satisfied; and indeed, he was of knowledge of what We had taught him, but most people do not know"?

The exegetes differed regarding the wisdom behind Jacob's (peace be upon him) command to his sons to enter Egypt separately. The majority held that it was out of fear of the evil eye, while others believed it was out of his compassion for them and his love for their safety, or fear that the king might inflict envy or malice upon them, or fear of them due to their perfect physique and the signs of bravery evident in them.