1)

What did Yosef mean when he said, "Bil'adai"?

1.

Rashi and Targum Onkelos: He meant that the ability to interpret dreams was not his own. Ohr ha'Chayim - I never guaranteed to be able to interpret; I said "tell me" - perhaps I can!

2.

Seforno: In answer to Pharaoh's earlier assessment that there was nobody other than Yosef who could interpret his dream, he explained to Pharaoh that there were surely others who possessed the ability to do so.

3.

Targum Yonasan: 'Is there nobody other than myself who can interpret dreams?' he asked in surprise.

4.

Malbim: A dream informs of Hashem's Hashgachah. Just like Hashem sent it, he will send an interpreter - if not me, someone else. Surely even without me, 1 Hashem will inform you what the dream was sent to inform you.


1

Contrast with Gur Aryeh; refer to 41:16:1.1:1.

2)

Why did Yosef say, "Elokim Ya'aneh Es Shelom Pharaoh"?

1.

Ohr ha'Chayim #1: Do not be upset if I give an unfavorable interpretation (and say that I caused evil to you), for dreams follow the mouth. It is not from me, rather, from Elokim!

2.

Ohr ha'Chayim #2: I cannot tilt the interpretation as I want; 1 rather, the truth of the matters.

3.

Ha'amek Davar: This is like Daniel told Nevuchadnetzar (2:30) - It is not due to my high level that I deserve to know the future. Rather, it is revealed to me due to the king, so the king will have Shalom.


1

Ohr ha'Chayim: We find (Berachos 56a) that Bar Hedya (a skilled interpreter) was able to tilt the interpretation as he wanted. (He heard identical dreams from Abaye and Rava, and interpreted favorably for Abaye and unfavorably for Rava, for only Abaye paid him, and all his words were fulfilled.)

QUESTIONS ON RASHI

3)

Rashi writes: "It is not me! - The wisdom is not mine; rather... Hashem will put a response in my mouth...." How else might we have understood the Pasuk?

1.

Gur Aryeh: Do not interpret as, 'Even without me, Hashem will answer Pharaoh.' Why would Yosef say such a thing; he had been summoned for this purpose! 1


1

When the king is asking for help, it is improper to say that Hashem will help without me. On the contrary - he must show that he wishes to help! (EK)

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