זוהר בראשית — דף רכז ע”ב

Joseph son of a fruitful bough symbolizes Joseph who multiplied and was fruitful in Israel. All the tribes were sustained by Joseph during the years of famine. The chapters of Joseph symbolize the experiences of exile and redemption for Israel. Joseph's descent to Egypt corresponds to Israel's descent into exile, and his ascent to the redemption. Joseph embodies the great secret of the future redemption.