Like Parshas Eikev, this Parsha starts out with the word Vehaya, the four letters of the Holy Name with the second letters written first. As in Eikev, so too does our Parsha discuss the high stakes that Hashem places on his part (represented by the letters Yud Heh) in response to our doing our part (the letters Vav Heh). When we do not, he forces us into action so that he can continue to shower us with His Kindness.
The letter Vav descends from the top to the bottom, representing the channel of 'give and take' between the lower and upper worlds. When this channel has a proper receptacle under it, a Heh, it is utilized properly and the Heavenly bounty is recognized for what it is, causing endless goodness to flow down through it. However if the Heh serves as a completely selfish receptacle, the Vav separates itself from its source, and the channel dries up and becomes narrower and narrower till it finally hooks up to a different source called Mem Dalet and spells the word Madveh — suffering. This Source of Goodness is really a higher form of goodness that appears to us as affliction. It causes the channel to become so completely unbearable that the intended recipients of goodness are forced to change their ways and reconnect to the proper order.
This pattern was employed by our forefather Yoseph, who saw that his holy brothers did not sufficiently realize their dependence on his leadership. After being so cruel to them that they had a change of heart, he revealed himself to them, and they realized that he had never really had any evil intent, only hidden benevolence.
This is the pattern of the Benevolent Creator who literally forces us to receive His full beneficence.
Based on Rabbi Vali's book on Dvarim. Questions and subscriptions can be mailed to: the Yeshiva