As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And his master saw that Hashem was with him; and that all he did, Hashem caused to prosper in his hand.” (39:3)

This that Joseph prospered was not merely a gift from Hashem, but it was bestowed upon Joseph because he correctly utilized every circumstance. Instead of becoming depressed and embittered by the un-dreamed of catastrophe, that a darling son of a wealthy father was suddenly snatched from his home and sold as a slave among foreigners, Joseph reacted with exemplary uprightness of character.

He had been brought up to understand that Hashem controlled and devised all circumstances, and therefore instead of falling into the degraded ways of a slave-boy he sought to make the best of his life at every step. He lived even now as a son of Jacob, with all the high aspirations that Isaac and Abraham had transmitted. He was faultlessly loyal to his new master, and everything that he did was performed with diligence and energy, in accordance with his fathers ways (see 31:38) of loyal service to Laban. Because all that Joseph did was approved by Hashem, therefore “all that he did, Hashem caused to prosper in his hand.”

But the verse does not state merely that Hashem caused everything to prosper in Joseph’s hand, but it states that “his master saw that Hashem was with him; and (his master saw) that all that he did, Hashem caused to prosper.” Joseph’s success in everything was so phenomenal that even the Egyptian master recognized the hand of G-d. Joseph himself surely understood that his success was solely from G-d, despite Joseph’s exceptional talents and his loyal devotion and diligence.

Pharaoh, too, said subsequently: “Could we find anyone such as this, that the spirit of G-d is in him?” (41:38) Joseph was very likeable and very capable. Yet his success in everything was so phenomenal that despite Joseph’s talents it was clear that Hashem was prospering his efforts.

This is a model provided by Hashem by prospering the efforts of a conscientious man that:

A. Fears G-d (as in 39:9) and “It is G-d whom I fear” (42:18)

B. Possesses good character (as Joseph demonstrated by showing concern for the other prisoners in jail)

C. Must have Energy in order to accomplish (Joseph was a leader in all stages of his life)

Adapted from “The Beginning” By Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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