Malachim Mamash (real angels). And his lowly name Yaakov changed to Yisroel, which means being high and on top. For good reason he was the: חִּ בְ יר שֶׁ אָּ בְ בוֹת greatest of all three Avos, and he was a symbol of Gadlus HaAdam; that’s why Yosef was very involved in his own Gadlus. I would venture to say that Yaakov and Yosef were both heavily involved in the Sugya (subject) of Gadlus HaAdam, and this is why the image of Yaakov stopped Yosef from sinning with the wife of Potiphar, especially since Z’nus is the extreme opposite of Romemus and is total Shiflus. This is why Yaakov blesses his sons by emphasizing their Maalos.
Success Starts Shining When a Person Becomes More Involved with Hashem
It is known that Yosef was unusually involved with Hashem, and this gave him all his unusual Hatzlacha, especially after he was sold, since that is when it says: שִּׁ ם שָּׁ יִּ מַ ם שָּׁ גוּר פִּ בְ יו רש"י וישב לט ג Shem Shamayim was constantly in his mouth. Surely he always spoke about Hashem, but the Torah mentions this point as soon as he’s sold to Potiphar. Maybe he became more involved with Hashem at that point (Chazal say Hashem was especially involved with him, since he was suffering and was alone) and this is why success started shining on him from then on.
The Velt believes that a true Anav who puts himself down is closer to Hashem. Of course, there is plenty of truth in that. However, sometimes the Anav isn’t so close, since he isn’t focusing on his Maalos, and isn’t as thankful to Hashem. But Yosef is constantly building himself up, and giving Hashem credit for all his greatness. This is the real true Anav, since he feels that he owes so much more to Hashem.
