“From Asher, his bread is rich, and he will provide royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20). “From Asher, his bread is rich” – as his daughters are fair, as it is stated: “As women will deem me fortunate” (Genesis 30:13).45The verse is interpreted here to mean, “I will be deemed fortunate because of my daughters,” an allusion to their great beauty. Likewise it says: “He will be the favorite of his brothers” (Deuteronomy 33:24) – because of his daughters.
“And he will provide royal delicacies [maadanei]” – as his daughters are worthy of royalty, as it is stated: “Who clothed you in scarlet with finery [adanim]” (II Samuel 1:24).46This verse is written regarding King Saul. “Naphtali is a doe let loose, who provides pleasant sayings” (Genesis 49:21). “Naphtali is a doe let loose” – this is the Ginosar valley, which is as quick as a doe, in ripening produce.
“Who provides pleasant sayings” – as his land is blessed, as it is stated: “Naphtali, his desire is satisfied, [and he is full with the blessing of the Lord]” (Deuteronomy 33:23). They produce first fruits for kings and speak fair words to them, and if [the kings] were displeased with them, they would become reconciled to them. “Joseph is a fruitful tree, a fruitful tree alongside a spring; branches run over the wall” (Genesis 49:22).
“Joseph is a fruitful tree [ben porat]” – but is Porat not Joseph?47The literal connotation of the verse is that Joseph is the son of Porat. What is ben porat? It is that he was elevated because of cows [parot].48The reference is to the cows in Pharaoh’s dream.