Vayeshev: dream fulfillment

Vayeshev: dream fulfillment

Even before the first dream, the dream of the bowing sheaves, Joseph is hated by his brothers because of the special attentions of his father.  Before Joseph expresses his first vision  that his destiny will be to rule over his brothers, he is established as his father's favorite ( replacing the firstborn, especially after Reuven's faux pas),

The dreams of domination arise from his circumstance.  His father has made him a prince among his brothers, his brothers already resent his dominion.  The dreams confirm the facts. 

When the brothers throw Joseph into the pit, Reuven imagines a road to his redemption in the family.  He will save Joseph from the other brothers. He will return Joseph to their father.  Only 2 ( or 3, Benjamin) sons will remain in good standing.  Reuven could share the glory.  But his plan is inadequate, he underestimates how quickly a person can be sold out and enter into the world of human trafficking. So he participates in the conspiracy instead. O fortuna!

Note: how can Jacob, who fooled Isaac by wearing Esau's clothing  (supplemented by goat hair),  be fooled by a torn coat and goat blood?  He is the author of the trick that fools him.

Finally, there are the dreams of the butler and the baker.  The dreams come at the end of a year of imprisonment,  three days before Pharaoh's birthday bash ( when he always elevates and demotes his servants?)  That knowledge may have helped Joseph interpret the three tendrils and the three loaves as 3 days.  After the interpretation, the butler looks happy,  he is expecting elevation...and he gets it.  The baker is terrified. Pharaoh sees guilt in his terror and hangs him.  Self fulfilling?  

Shammai used to say:...And receive every person with a pleasant countenance. Perhaps this was Joseph's secret.