Why did Pharaoh find it necessary to consult his servants before appointing Yosef viceroy?
Ramban: Because the Egyptians hated the Ivrim, even going so far as not to eat with them at the same table. Consequently, he did not consider it prudent to appoint him without their consent.
Oznayim la'Torah #1: Because the Egyptian constitution forbade appointing a slave to such a high position. 1
Oznayim la'Torah #2: Hashem put in Pharaoh's heart to act like Torah law, which requires gaining the approval of the community before appointing a leader. 2
What is the exact meaning of "ha'Nimtza ka'Zeh... Asher Ru'ach Elokim Bo"?
Rashi (citing Targum Onkelos): 'If we were to search for such a person, would we find him ... '? Malbim - He has Ru'ach Elokim, which is greater than natural Chochmah.
Oznayim la'Torah: The Egyptian Chachamim were famous in those days, 1 and it was extremely degrading to appoint someone from another country as viceroy over them. Therefore Pharaoh pointed out to them that Yosef's Chochmah was Divinely inspired, and that there was nobody like him in the entire world.
Ohr ha'Chayim: There is no one else with Ru'ach Elokim - even a little!
Ha'amek Davar: He did not explain like a Chacham who understands amidst the dream, nor like Chartumim, who know from [demons who heard] in back of the curtain. Their knowledge is not so exact. Rather, he has Ru'ach ha'Kodesh!
Oznayim la'Torah: As the Pasuk indicates in Melachim I 5:10.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "'Ha'Nimtza ka'Zeh?' - [As Targum translates,] 'Ha'Nashkach k'Dein?'" Why does Rashi need to bring the Targum?
Gur Aryeh: The 'Nun' in the word "ha'Nimtza" could have been translated as the passive (Nif'al, past or present) - 'Can such a person be found?' The Targum shows that this is not so; rather the 'Nun' means "we" (future tense) - "Will we find a man such as this?"
Rashi writes: "[As Targum translates,] 'Ha'Nashkach k'Dein?'" Why do Rashi (and Targum) opt to translate in the future tense (will we find), rather than in the passive (i.e. can [another] such a man be found')?
Gur Aryeh: If Pharaoh was merely expressing astonishment at Yosef's ability, he should have exclaimed this immediately upon hearing the interpretation. Yet it is preceded by, "The matter was good in Pharaoh's eyes, etc." (41:37)! Rather, Pharaoh was addressing Yosef's advice (41:33) to appoint a wise official over Egypt; saying that "we will find no one more capable" than you, Yosef.
