Yaacov’s Fear at the Border of Egypt

QUESTION: Upon reaching the border of Egypt, G-d tells Yaacov not to fear going to Egypt. Why did Yaacov fear now greater than earlier (at his home)?

ANSWER: Upon reaching the border, Yaacov felt the pain of being forced to leave Eretz Yisrael in actuality, not just in theory. G-d reassured him that he was not wrong in wishing to stay, but now at the beginning of the establishment of the nation, he needed to look forward. We must have faith in HaShem that we can be successful in Exile; nevertheless, we must feel the pain that we are not yet in our land and ask “Ad Mosai”.

(ליקוטי שיחות כרך לה, עמ' 198)