Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 42:1

"Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?" — Genesis 42:1 (ASV)

When Jacob saw. — This means he learned and understood that there was grain in Egypt. As we have seen (Genesis 37:25), there was extensive caravan trade between Palestine and Egypt, and the report would gradually spread that food could be purchased there.

Why do you look ... — In the second rainless season, not only would the flocks and herds begin to weaken, but the numerous retainers of Jacob and his sons would also become feeble from insufficient nourishment and begin to die from low fever and those other diseases that accompany famine. Jacob’s words, therefore, mean: Why are you irresolute and uncertain what to do? And then he encourages them to undertake this journey as a possible means of providing for the needs of their households.