Genesis Chapter 41

Pharaoh’s Prophetic Dreams – Joseph’s Rise To Power

Our study of the life of JOSEPH is very important for several reasons: Joseph is a ‘TYPE’ of Christ, or Messiah. Joseph endures tremendous persecution and suffers greatly. He gives us a ‘PATTERN’ to truly learning Godly PATIENCE. His obedience to God literally changed the course of History and firmly established the Jewish people as a Nation. The world would be blessed forever because of Joseph’s faithfulness, willingness to endure hardships and his endless PATIENCE. Remember the figures of speech mentioned earlier in our studies to help you as we study the life of Joseph. SIMILE: Resemblance; ALLEGORY: comparison by representation; METAPHOR: Representation; HYPOCATASTASIS: An implied resemblance or representation; TYPE: A figure or example of something future; ANALOGY: Resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise unlike. We will discover many similarities to the life of Jesus, so be on the lookout for them. Look for character traits, words and actions that reflect Godly characteristics in Joseph. Seek to incorporate these same traits into your own life, not just for here on earth, but for all ETERNITY! Think of it; you can establish Godly character traits in your own soul and spirit that will carry on into Eternity. These attributes will be used by God to give you the most satisfying existence and experiences for ALL ETERNITY! Now isn’t THAT worth the effort??!! May God richly bless you as you diligently search God’s Word for His Truth and seek His Eternal Will for your life. We pray you will become even more excited about Prophecy and what lies ahead for ALL of us who claim to be God’s Followers. Remember, Faith without obedient action is utterly worthless. ( see James 2:14-26; Romans 1:16-17)

41:1-4

We are told that it was a full two years after Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams of the Butler and the Baker that Pharaoh has his dreams. His dreams are vivid and clear dreams specifically depicting a clear sequence of events. The first dream of seven healthy fat cows coming from the Nile River was certainly something important as the Nile represented the source of water and rich silt that made their land so fertile and productive. Keep in mind that their economy is booming at this time. Then the coming of the seven sickly, gaunt cows that were near death, must have been a shock to Pharaoh. The dream is so startling and real to him that Pharaoh suddenly wakes up; vividly remembering every detail of the dream.

41:5-7

Pharaoh then goes back to sleep and again has another vivid and clear dream, one that seems so real, he believes it is really happening. Again there are seven of each of the grains; first the plump and healthy ones, then the scrawny, dried up worthless grains; these we are told, were blighted by the east wind. Severe, dry winds can quickly destroy crops. Again, Pharaoh perceives the dream to be reality and wakes up remembering every detail of this second very disturbing dream.

41:8

We can imagine that his spirit was indeed troubled. We would also be very disturbed by such a dream. So first thing in the morning Pharaoh sends for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt to interpret what these dreams could mean. The word ‘Pharaoh’ actually means “the great house’. Ancient Egyptians believed that Pharaoh was the ‘living representation’ of their chief god, Horus. The fact that Pharaoh could not understand his own dream reflected badly on him and their god. Since no one in Pharaoh’s court could interpret the dreams, this clearly shows the obvious failure of their Egyptian gods.

41:9-13

Suddenly, the chief Butler remembers his own dream and the fact that Joseph had correctly revealed the dream and the meaning. He remembers that both he and the chief Baker both had dreams the very same night and that Joseph gave the correct and accurate interpretation for both their dreams. So the Butler speaks to the Pharaoh and ‘confesses his faults’ and then tells the Pharaoh of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. He tells the Pharaoh all the details of what had happened more than two years ago. He ends his story by correctly telling Pharaoh that every single detail of the interpretation had been fulfilled exactly as the young Hebrew man had interpreted them. Could it be that God allowed the Butler to ‘forget’ about Joseph because of Joseph’s trying to influence Pharaoh through the Butler? Then, when the time was right, God may have ‘jogged’ the Butler’s memory to recall all the specific details of both his dream and the Baker’s dream and their respective outcomes.

Remember that the Butler gave the wine to the Pharaoh in his dream; and his life was redeemed. The wine is a future symbol of the blood of Christ, which brings redemption to Believers. Yet the Baker, who bakes and produces bread, symbolic of physical life, died. Remember that Jesus, our true ‘Bread of Life’, also died. This unusual reference to ‘Bread and Wine’ first came about when we studied Genesis 14 and learned about Melchizedek giving Bread and Wine to Abraham. Be very sensitive to multiple meanings of Scriptures.

41:14

Pharaoh wastes no time in sending for Joseph to be brought quickly out of the dungeon. Yet, Joseph takes the time to shave himself, clean up and changed into Egyptian attire. No doubt provided for by the Chief of the Guard. Once Joseph is ‘presentable’, then he enters the Pharaoh’s presence. Is it important to be ‘presentable’ when representing God? Absolutely! As Christians, the only ‘Jesus’ some people may see is You!

41:15

It is interesting that Pharaoh immediately tells Joseph that he has dreamed a dream and no one in his Kingdom is able to interpret it or give any meaning to it. He tells Joseph he has ‘heard’ that he can both understand dreams and interpret them. Pharaoh clearly is asking Joseph if he is able to understand and interpret his own dreams.

41:16

Joseph immediately answers Pharaoh by telling him that he has no ability or power to interpret dreams; that only God can give Pharaoh a favorable answer, and bring him peace. Remember, Pharaoh was very troubled and upset about his dreams. Joseph knew that the ability to understand and interpret dreams came only from, and through, God. This would be a direct revelation from God to Joseph. In the future, Daniel, another Hebrew slave in captivity, would also be given this same ability; yet again, only through the power of God. Notice how careful Joseph is to give God immediate credit for His revelations; he gives God credit before he gives the interpretation. Why is this important?

41:17-21

Pharaoh tells Joseph all the details of his dream, adding his own reflections on what he saw. Notice that he tells Joseph that he had never seen such horribly emaciated, only skin and bones, cows in all of Egypt! Then he tells Joseph that the ugly, thin cows ate the fat and healthy cows; but it could not be seen that they had even eaten them because they were still as thin and gaunt as before they ate them! All this was very disturbing to the Pharaoh. He then tells Joseph, that at this shocking sequence of events, that he woke up. Yet, he falls back to sleep again.

41:22-24

Then Pharaoh continues to relate the second dream to Joseph. Pharaoh adds the term, Behold, indicating the importance and significance of the seven ears of grain, all growing on one stalk, being health, plump and good. As he continues, he again uses the term ‘Behold’, to indicate that it is a shocking and unusual happening; and that he really focused on the number and condition of the grains. Again the withered, thin and worthless grains sprouted after the good, plump and healthy ones and then devoured the good grain. He tells Joseph he has told all this to his magicians, yet no one can tell him what his dreams mean. It seems Pharaoh is almost begging Joseph to reveal the meaning of his dreams.

41:25-28

Joseph then reveals to Pharaoh that the meaning of both of the dreams is the same; God is revealing to Pharaoh what He, God, is about to do. Joseph tells Pharaoh that the seven cows and seven ears of grain are one and the same, they represent seven years of abundance; their meaning is exactly the same. He then tells Pharaoh that the seven sickly cows and shriveled ears of grain are also the same, representing seven years of hunger and severe famine. Joseph is speaking for God: ‘Take note, Pharaoh!’ God is revealing to Pharaoh what He is about to do.

41:29-32

Then Joseph uses the exact same phrase that Pharaoh did; BEHOLD! It is like saying ‘Pay very close attention to this information, it is crucial to your survival!’ Beware and Be prepared! Joseph tells Pharaoh that seven years of great abundance and plenty are coming to Egypt. There will be a large surplus of everything! Then, right after these wonderful seven years of abundance, there will come a time of seven years of such a severe famine that all the plenty will be forgotten in the entire land of Egypt! The famine will consume the land; it will be very grievous, there will be severe starvation, consuming and destroying all. The reason for the two dreams is that it was given in two forms to Pharaoh to indicate that these events have been pre-ordained and established by God and they will come very quickly. In later years, the Jewish people would determine that two reliable witnesses were necessary to prove a fact! God will certainly and absolutely bring these events to pass. Remember that Joseph told Pharaoh that God would give him a favorable answer of peace to his dreams. At this point, the interpretation sounds like a death sentence, a terrible disaster, not a favorable answer, bringing a sense of peace!

41:33

Yet, Joseph continues with wise counsel for Pharaoh. Therefore, because of this crucial information, ‘let’ Pharaoh seek out and provide a man, discreet, understanding, proficient and wise; and set him over the land of Egypt as a governor. Notice that Joseph knows the character qualities needed for this serious situation.

41:34-36

Now Joseph continues his counsel by stating that this governor, whom Pharaoh will select, should appoint officers over the entire land and take one fifth, or 20%, of the produce of the entire land of Egypt during the seven years of plenty. They are to store this food in fortified granaries in the cities. This food, or grain, would then be used to provide for the people during the time of the famine, so that Egypt would not be destroyed. We see here the ideal amount we also should save during our years of ‘plenty’. Joseph is now giving Pharaoh the ‘favorable answer’. If we have more than we need to survive, then we ARE in the time of plenty. Too often, when we have ‘plenty’ or ‘extra income’, we seek ways to SPEND it rather than SAVE it for times of disaster. God is giving us a ‘rule of thumb’ to follow so that when a disaster strikes, and it will, we will have a reserve, and ‘emergency fund’ to see us through our times of ‘famine’. Saving 20% of your income is the best way to be obedient to God’s years of blessings. Remember, at the same time, we are also to be giving at least 10% back to God. This ‘Saving and Giving’ is called ‘good stewardship.’ Think about those who are ‘needy’, often they claim that some disaster caused them to be in their dire situation, and they want ‘others’ to ‘bail them out.’ Yet, when we ask them about their ‘emergency fund’ they have none! The majority of people in our country have been living in the ‘land of plenty’ with no thought of being good stewards with God’s resources. See Matthew 25:13-30. Hopefully, you are the exception; being diligent about Giving to God and Saving for the coming time of famine. Think about it for a moment, God has already warned us about a coming time of tribulation, war and famine! Remember, the coming final Tribulation time will be SEVEN years! BUT, we could have severe tribulation before the final Tribulation time! Even if we are not here for the final Tribulation, wouldn’t it be wise to be prepared for other trials and tribulations? So, IF you don’t need the food and water you leave behind when you are Raptured; you could leave Bible Study materials informing others of the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!

41:37-38

Pharaoh and all his servants believe the plan presented by Joseph is a very good one. There is no doubt that this ‘plan’ was also a revelation from God to Joseph, to be given to Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to his servants; we can assume this would mean those who assist in running the government: “ Where can we find this man’s equal? One who obviously has within him the spirit of God!” Even a pagan ruler clearly sees that God is present in the spirit of Joseph. Why? Because of the character traits that have been developed in Joseph through his obedience to the Will of God. Godly character traits do not come quickly, they must be developed by God over time through obedience, trials, tribulations and prayer. We can be certain that Joseph also studied the history of God’s dealings with Abraham, Isaac and his father Jacob. You and I are privileged to have God’s Word in our very hands; we can also learn the lessons of life directly from the Giver of Life, our Creator, Lord, God and Savior, Jesus. God wants us to be prepared for hard times. Proverbs 6:6-11; Matthew 25:14-30.

41:39-41

Now Pharaoh speaks directly to Joseph stating that since ‘His’ God has shown him all this, meaning the understanding and interpretation of the dreams, then there is nobody as intelligent, discreet, understanding and wise he is. ‘You are to have charge over my entire house, even over my kingdom; all my people shall be governed according to your word. Only in matters of the Throne will I be greater than you’. Wow! What a promotion, from the dungeon to being the Ruler of the most powerful country in the world! Joseph would report to Pharaoh, yet Pharaoh was giving him control over his kingdom. Pharaoh obviously now has ‘peace’ about what is coming. Joseph had been faithful to God in all the ‘little things’ that God had sent him; now God was promoting him to be ruler over all the land of Egypt under Pharaoh. Can we see some life lessons here? Jesus teaches us these same Truths in numerous examples in the New Testament. See Matthew 13:3-12; 21:33-43; Luke 19:11-27.

41:42-43

Pharaoh honors Joseph by giving him his Signet ring, which shows the power and authority of the Ruler of Egypt, and has Joseph dressed with official vestments for the Ruler of Egypt, putting a gold chain around his neck. This presumably would be an official notification to all who saw it that Joseph represented the Pharaoh directly; and was to be obeyed and honored as the unquestioned Ruler of Egypt. Then Pharaoh had Joseph ride in the ‘second chariot’, which directly followed Pharaoh’s chariot, and his officers all went before them shouting out to the people to ‘bow the knee’ before the Pharaoh and Joseph. They went all over the land of Egypt so that everyone in the land knew that Joseph was in charge of Egypt. So what is expected of Joseph? See Luke 12:48; 16:24-26;

41:44-46

Pharaoh tells Joseph that no one can do anything without consulting Joseph! He is given absolute authority and rule over the entire land of Egypt and all its people. Pharaoh gives Joseph an Egyptian name of Zaphenath-paneah. In addition, he gives Joseph Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On, to be his wife. Then Joseph makes an inspection tour of all the land of Egypt. Joseph had now been in the land of Egypt for 13 years; and was now 30 years old. It is interesting that in later years one could not become a Rabbi, or teacher, until he was at least 30 years old. Remember, Jesus, Himself did not begin His ministry until He was 30 years old.

41:47-49

During the seven years of plenty that immediately came; the crops are so abundant and fruitful that there is plenty of surplus food and grain to be stored in all the cities of Egypt. Each city has large surpluses of food stored in the storage granaries. Joseph actually stopped counting how much grain was stored because the grain was so plentiful it could not be measured.

41:50-52

During this time Joseph’s wife, Asenath, bore him two sons. Joseph gave his sons Hebrew names. The first he named Manasseh, meaning ‘making to forget’. Joseph said God has made me forget all my toil and hardship and all my father’s house. Evidently the homesickness he had felt all those years, was now giving way to satisfaction with his God-given position of ruling Egypt. Joseph named his second son, Ephraim, meaning ‘to be fruitful’. Joseph gave God all the credit for his being fruitful, meaning successful; in the land of his affliction. Notice that he identifies the land as ‘affliction’ rather than adopting the land as his homeland. Joseph knows his true ‘homeland’ is the one ordained by God for his people.

41:53-54

Just as Joseph had foretold, at the end of the seven years of abundance, there began seven years of famine. This was happening just as Joseph had warned Pharaoh. The famine was also in the surrounding lands; yet in the land of Egypt there was food for the people. Malachi 3: 10; Hebrews 13:16.

41:55-57

As the famine worsened, the people of Egypt cried out to Pharaoh (the government) for food. Notice how things haven’t changed? Pharaoh told the people to go to Joseph, and do as he says. Joseph then opened all the storehouses and sold food to the Egyptians, for the famine grew extremely worse throughout the land. (57.) Word soon got out that there was food available in Egypt; so other peoples from other Nations came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph. The famine was severe over all the (known) earth.

This long period of trials resulting in the ‘training’ of Joseph; are now bearing fruit. Luke 21:33 tells us that Heaven and Earth will pass away, but God’s Words will NEVER pass away. See also Luke 8;16-18; Hebrews 2:1. Note that 1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that physical training is of little value, yet spiritual training is of great value for all Eternity. What does the ‘world’ focus on? Which should we focus on? This time of suffering in Egypt, and the surrounding lands, WILL be repeated, but on a much larger and more severe scale in our own future. Are you prepared? You can read Revelation Chapters Six through Nineteen, and see the extent of the destruction of the earth and the severe suffering, famine, death and Tribulation that comes to all on our planet. God’s judgement is coming! What must we do? 1 Thessalonians 4:9-18; 5:16-21; Ephesians 4:20-32; Acts 20:24-36. Diligently search God’s Word to see what HE would have YOU do!