במדבר, פרק ז׳, פסוק נ״ט

The leader of the tribe of Manasseh brings a specific set of animals for his peace offering, consisting of two bulls, five rams, five male goats, and five yearling male lambs [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Beyond the physical animals presented, the identity of the leader himself carries a deeper historical resonance. His name, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, serves as a reflection of the life and character of Joseph, the founding father of the tribe.

The name Gamaliel expresses a deep recognition of the kindness God bestowed upon Joseph throughout his life. Similarly, the name Pedahzur points directly to the fact that God redeemed him from his time in prison. Together, these names highlight Joseph's spiritual greatness, specifically his ability to maintain a steady reverence for God regardless of his changing circumstances.

Human nature often leads a person to fear God during times of hardship and poverty, only to place their trust in their own wealth once they achieve success. Joseph, however, demonstrated remarkable consistency. During his lowest moments, he firmly refused to sin, recognizing that doing so would be an offense against God. Later, when he rose to immense power and effectively became a king, he did not abandon his faith. Instead, he continued to openly declare his enduring fear of God [שפתי כהן].