Ecclesiastes Rabbah 4:14

¹“For he emerged from prison to reign, as also to his kingdom he was born poor” (Ecclesiastes 4:14). “For he emerged from prison [ beit hasurim ] to reign” – as it [the evil inclination] entangles people as though among thorns [ seriata ]. “As also to his kingdom he was born poor” – with the kingship of the good inclination comes the beginning of the impoverishment of the evil inclination. Another matter: “Better is a poor…child” (Ecclesiastes 4:13) – this is Abraham; “than an old and foolish king” (Ecclesiastes 4:13) – this is Nimrod. What is: “To the Shaveh Valley” (Genesis 14:17)? As there they all agreed [ hushvu ] and chopped down the cedars, and constructed a large platform, and enthroned him above upon it; and they were lauding him and saying: “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us” (Genesis 23:6). “As also to his kingdom he was born poor” – with the kingship of Abraham comes the beginning of the impoverishment of Nimrod. Another matter: “Better is a poor…child” (Ecclesiastes 4:13) – this is Joseph; “and wise” (Ecclesiastes 4:13) – as his wisdom sustained the entire world during the famine. “Than an old and foolish king” (Ecclesiastes 4:13) – this is Potifar. How many miracles did he see performed through [Joseph], but he was not admonished. “For he emerged from prison to reign” – from Pharaoh’s jail he emerged a king, as it is stated: “I am Pharaoh, and without you no one will lift [his hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt] ” (Genesis 41:44).