What is the translation of "Me'almim Alumim"?
Why did Yosef dream about sheaves of grain? And why did their sheaves surround his sheaf?
Ramban, Moshav Zekenim: Because it is in connection with sheaves and produce that they would eventually bow down to him. (And their sheaves surrounded his sheaf like subjects surround their king - Ramban).
Da'as Zekenim, Hadar Zekenim: Because he rose to power through [gathering] grain.
Ohr ha'Chayim: The sheaves represented bundles of Mitzvos. Yosef's sheaf was more elevated than theirs, due to the episode with Eshes Potifar. Their piles were submissive to and lower than his, a sign that Yosef's merit was destined to sustain them. (He thought that this would remove their hatred.)
What is the significance of the words "v'Gam Nitzavah"?
Rashi: Yosef's sheaf did not just arise; it stood erect. 1
Seforno: It indicated that his reign would be a long one. 2
Ohr ha'Chayim: It showed that he would reign over all of Egypt.
Refer to 37:7:152:1.
Why did the dream of the sheaves come first?
Moshav Zekenim: Because it was due to [famine, and that they needed] sheaves, that they bowed down to Yosef.
Because it was fulfilled. The second dream, in which also his parents bowed to him, was not fulfilled. (PF)
Because the second dream came true only later, after the brothers went down to Egypt. 1 (EC)
Why does the Torah insert the word "v'Hinei" three times in this Pasuk?
Peninim mi'Shulchan ha'Gra: "V'Hinei" begins a new matter. The sheaf rising alludes to Moshel (rule by force). Bowing alludes to Melech (willing acceptance). 1 That is why in response, the brothers queried both of these, and hated him for "his dreams" (plural) - since it was like two dreams.
Ohr ha'Chayim: "Hinei" indicates clarity. Regular dreams are unclear, based on exaggerated imagination. A prophetic dream has clarity like one who is awake.
Malbim: They represent the three stages that the dream predicted; 1. Yosef's reign will come via grain. 2. They will oppose him, and he will overpower them. 3. In the end, they will willingly accept his reign.
Why does it say "b'Soch ha'Sadeh," and not merely 'ba'Sadeh'?
Ha'amek Davar: This implies 'in the center' (as in "b'Soch ha'Gan" (2:9)). The entire world is referred to as a field; and at the time, Egypt was the primary settlement to which everyone turned.
What is the significance of the fact that the brothers' sheaves first surrounded that of Yosef before prostrating before it?
Ha'amek Davar: To teach us that they themselves will strive to find favor in his eyes.
