Hurry back to my father and say to him...G-d has made me lord (samani) over all of Egypt (Gen. 45:9)
The intention was not that Jacob would be pleased to learn that Joseph now occupied a high political position. Rather, samani can also be translated "I put" - that through me, Joseph, G-d's name has been publicized and made great throughout the land of Egypt. Indeed, such a message would surely bring immense joy to Jacob.
(Rabbi Yisrael of Ruzhin)
Here is seed for you, that you sow the land (Gen. 47:23)
In every generation there is one "Joseph," a single tzadik (righteous person) who empowers and encourages all the members of the Jewish people in their service of G-d. Nonetheless, a person mustn't rely on the strengths he receives passively, for a Jew must also "sow the land" under his own effort.
(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)
Reprinted from the Parshat Vayigash 5761/2000 edition of L’Chaim.
