What did the fact that one could not discern that the fat cows had entered the stomachs of the thin ones symbolize?
Rashi: Refer to 41:4:1:1.
Ramban: Refer to 41:4:1:2.
Seforno: It symbolized that, during the years of famine, the people would eat and not be satisfied. 1
Ramban (to 41:4): It was a sign that during the years of famine, not a trace of the years of plenty would remain. 2
Why did the Torah not mention earlier, when it describes Pharaoh's dream, that one could not discern that the fat cows had entered the stomachs of the thin ones?
Rashbam: Because it portrays Pharaoh's thoughts, which he himself decided to convey to Yosef, which the Torah did not deem appropriate to convey to us there.
Ha'amek Davar: Sometimes he saw one way, and sometimes differently, to hint that the hunger will not be the same in all places.
