SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 41
BIBLE VERSES:
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” (Genesis 41:15-16)
“It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon. “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.” (Genesis 41:28-35)
“So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, “Make way!” Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:41-43)
PHARAOH’S DREAMS (vs. 1-40)
Pharaoh had 2 dreams:
First dream: Pharaoh was standing on the bank of the Nile. Out of the river there came up 7 cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds. After them, 7 other cows came up – scrawny, ugly and lean. The lean and ugly cows ate up the 7 fat cows but they looked as ugly as before. (vs. 17-21)
Second dream: Pharaoh saw 7 heads of grain, full and good growing on a single stalk. After them, 7 other heads sprouted – withered and thin and scorched by the east wind. The tin heads of grain swallowed up the 7 good heads” (vs. 22-24)
When Pharaoh had 2 dreams which nobody could interpret, the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph. He told Pharaoh that when he was imprisoned with the chief baker, they also had a dream and it was Joseph, a servant of the captain of the guard who was with them and who interpreted it. And things turned out exactly what he had said. So Pharaoh brought Joseph out to appear before him.
Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams:
The 2 dreams are one and the same. The 7 good cows and the 7 good heads are 7 years. The 7 lean ugly cows that came up afterwards are 7 years and so are the 7 worthless heads of grains scorched by the east wind. They are 7 years of famine. Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but 7 years of famine will follow.
Joseph told Pharaoh that he cannot interpret the dram but it is God who will give Pharaoh the answer. Then Joseph suggested Pharaoh to look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Then appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the 7 years of abundance and store up the grain. That will be reserved for the country to be used during the 7 years of famine in Egypt.
JOSEPH IN CHARGE OF EGYPT (vs. 41-57)
Pharaoh appointed Joseph to be in charge of his palace and all his people are to submit to his order. Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him rode in a chariot as his second-in-command. Pharaoh gave Joseph the name ZAPHENATH-PANEAH (meaning “the revealer of secrets”) and gave him Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife.
Joseph was 30 years when he entered the service of King Pharaoh. During the 7 years, he traveled around Egypt , collected all the food products, and stored it in the cities. Before the famine came, Joseph had two sons. The first son Manasseth (“to forget” – it is because God has made me forget all my troubles and all my father’s household”). The second son Ephraim (“doubly fruitful” – it is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering: (vs. 50-52).
After the 7 years of abundance in Egypt, the 7 years of famine began. The whole land of Egypt had food. When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grains to the Egyptians. And all the other countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph.
THOUGHTS:
For 2 years, Joseph was forgotten by the chief cupbearer but he was not forgotten by God. It is disappointing to depend on people because sometimes their help never comes. But God is forever faithful and he never forgets us.
Joseph credited his ability for being able to interpret dreams to God. We should also be humble not to take the honor for ourselves but give all the glory to God for whatever abilities we have.
Joseph rose quickly from prison to Pharaoh’s palace when he was 30 years old. He was first a slave when he was 17 years old and spent 13 years in prison. In each situation, he learned the important lesson of serving God and others. Whatever your situation is, consider it as part of your training program to serve God.