Midrash for Genesis 41:34

Another matter, “There was a small city” – this is Egypt, “and few men in it” – these are the Egyptians, “and a great king came against it and surrounded it” – this is the wicked Pharaoh,⁹¹Pharaoh was a wicked king who did not act in the best interest of his subjects. “and built a great siege upon it” – with ambush and subterfuge. “He found in it a poor, wise man” – this is Joseph the righteous, “and he saved the city in his wisdom” – as he said to Pharaoh: “Let Pharaoh proceed and let him appoint officials over the land…and let them gather all the food of these good years…” (Genesis 41:34). “But no one remembered that poor man” – the Holy One blessed be He said: You did not remember him; I remember him, as it is stated: “Joseph was the ruler over the land” (Genesis 42:6).