We're in chapter 97, diving into Jacob's blessing of Joseph.

The scene: Jacob, nearing the end of his life, blesses Joseph, saying, "The God before whom my fathers, Abraham and Isaac, walked, the God who has shepherded me from my beginnings until this day" (Genesis 48:15). A beautiful sentiment, right? A powerful connection to the generations.

But something happens next. As Rabbi Azarya tells us, after receiving this blessing, Joseph leaves, and his face is… glowing. Radiant. And immediately, the other tribes start whispering. Were they thinking, "Wow, good for Joseph?" Maybe. But the text suggests something else: "Everyone associates with the one who is successful. Because he is king – one stands with the one who is successful."

Ouch.

It sounds like jealousy, doesn't it? A suspicion that Jacob is favoring Joseph now because of his power and prestige in Egypt. They feared that Jacob only called Joseph to bless him because of his success.

So what does Jacob do? How does he address this undercurrent of resentment? He quotes Psalm 34:10: "Fear the Lord, His holy ones [for there is no lack in those who fear Him]." It's a powerful statement, a reminder.

Think about it. Jacob isn’t denying Joseph’s success. But he’s subtly shifting the focus. He’s saying, "Don't get caught up in earthly success and power. True fulfillment, true 'lack,' comes from fearing (or perhaps better translated, revering) God."

It’s as if he is saying that their success, and even Joseph's success, is only temporary.

What does it mean to "fear the Lord?" It's not about being afraid, of course. It's about having a deep respect, a sense of awe and humility before something greater than ourselves. It's about recognizing that true worth isn't measured in titles or possessions, but in our relationship with the Divine.

This little snippet from Bereshit Rabbah speaks volumes about human nature, doesn't it? About how easily we can be swayed by appearances, by the allure of success. And it reminds us that true blessing, true security, lies in something much deeper. Something far more lasting.