What is the translation of "Me'almim Alumim"?
Rashi: Binding sheaves.
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: He rose to power through [gathering] grain.
Ohr ha'Chayim: Sheaves represent bundles of Mitzvos. Yosef's was higher, due to the episode with Eshes Potifar. Their piles were submissive and lower, for Yosef's merit sustained 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: It was due to [famine, and that they needed] sheaves that they bowed to Yosef.
It was fulfilled. The second dream, in which also his parents bowed to him, was not fulfilled. (PF)
Why does it say "v'Hinei" three times?
Peninim mi'Shulchan ha'Gra: V'Hinei begins a matter. The sheaf rising alludes to Moshel (rule by force). Bowing alludes to Melech (willing acceptance). This is why the brothers asked about both of these, and hated him for his dreams (plural), for 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: The dream taught three matters. (a) Yosef's reign will come via grain. (b) They will oppose him, and he will overpower them. (c) In the end, they will willingly accept his reign.
Why does it say "b'Soch ha'Sadeh," and not merely 'b'Sadeh'?
Ha'amek Davar: This implies the middle (as in "b'Soch ha'Gan" (2:9)). The entire world is called a field. At the time, Egypt was the primary settlement to which everyone turned.
Why does it first say "Sesubenah," and not merely Hishtachava'ah?
Ha'amek Davar: Sesubenah implies that they themselves will strive to find favor in his eyes
