The private emotional climax in Joseph's quarters suddenly spills out, transforming the mood among the Egyptian leadership. Earlier, the Egyptians had heard the sounds of weeping without understanding the cause [אור החיים, רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Now, the news of the brothers' arrival reached the inner circles of the royal palace [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה]. According to a Midrashic perspective, the loud noise echoing through the halls was not ordinary news, but rather Judah's mighty roar during his confrontation with Joseph, a sound so powerful it shook the land and knocked Pharaoh from his throne [רבנו בחיי, צאינה וראינה]. Regardless of how the news broke, God's providence ensured that the Egyptians only learned of the brothers' arrival. The dark secret that they had sold Joseph into slavery was completely hidden from the court, as knowing the truth would have entirely ruined their joyful reception [אלשיך].
The news was met with immense pleasure by Pharaoh and his advisors. The primary approach among commentators is that this joy was rooted in a deep sense of relief regarding their national honor. Until this moment, the Egyptian elite felt a quiet shame that a foreign, formerly imprisoned slave of unknown origins was ruling over them. The revelation that Joseph belonged to the famous and noble family of Abraham and Isaac erased this disgrace, proving he was a man of high status truly fit to stand before kings.
Beyond national pride, other practical and political motives fueled the leadership's happiness. Some explain that the Egyptians saw a direct benefit for the state. With his family settling in Egypt, Joseph would transition from a temporary outsider to a permanent resident, guaranteeing his complete loyalty and dedication to the country [ספורנו, ביאור יש״ר]. Furthermore, the leadership hoped that Joseph's brothers shared his remarkable wisdom and could assist in managing the vast affairs of the empire [העמק דבר, קונטרס חיבה יתירה].
The genuine reaction of the court also highlighted personal and political dynamics. The fact that the royal advisors rejoiced in Joseph's personal happiness, completely free of jealousy, speaks to Joseph's exceptional moral character and his ability to win over their hearts [רש ר הירש]. Finally, Pharaoh's joy contained a hidden political ambition. Recognizing Jacob's elevated status as the heir of Abraham, the king wanted to bring the patriarch under his own protection and rule, hoping to secure his powerful blessing for the Egyptian empire [שפתי כהן, צרור המור].