1When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: he was standing by the Nile, 2when out of the river there came up seven cows, sleek and fat, and they grazed among the reeds. 3After them, seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile and stood beside those on the riverbank. 4And the cows that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up.
5He fell asleep again and had a second dream: Seven ears of corn, healthy and good, were growing on a single stalk. 6After them, seven other ears of corn sprouted--thin and scorched by the east wind. 7The thin ears of corn swallowed up the seven healthy, full ears. Then Pharaoh woke up; it had been a dream.
8In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, "Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. 10Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he imprisoned me and the chief baker in the house of the captain of the guard. 11Each of us had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own. 12Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us, giving each man the interpretation of his dream. 13And things turned out exactly as he interpreted them to us: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged."
14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
15Pharaoh 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."
16"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."
17Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18when out of the river there came up seven cows, fat and sleek, and they grazed among the reeds. 19After them, seven other cows came up--scrawny and very ugly and lean. I had never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt. 20The lean, ugly cows ate up the seven fat cows that came up first. 21But even after they ate them, no one could tell that they had done so; they looked just as ugly as before. Then I woke up.
22"In my dreams I also saw seven ears of corn, full and good, growing on a single stalk. 23After them, seven other ears sprouted--withered and thin and scorched by the east wind. 24The thin ears of corn swallowed up the seven good ears. I told this to the magicians, but none could explain it to me."
25Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, "The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 26The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears of corn are seven years; it is one and the same dream. 27The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterwards are seven years, and so are the seven worthless ears of corn scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine.
28"It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land. 31The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe. 32The 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.
33"And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. 34Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35They 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. 36This 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."
37The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?"
39Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."
41So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." 42Then 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. 43He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. 44Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt." 45Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.
46Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and travelled throughout Egypt. 47During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. 48Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. 49Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
50Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." 52The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."
53The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, 54and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. 55When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph and do what he tells you."
56When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. 57And all the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the world.
The last thing we read in the previous chapter was: "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him" (Gen. 40:23). Recall that in return for interpreting his dream, Pharaoh's chief cupbearer promised to put in a good word for Joseph to the Pharaoh, so that Joseph might be released from prison. In the days following the cupbearer's release, Joseph must have been waiting expectantly for some hope of his own release. But then, day followed day, and week followed week, and he heard nothing. In fact, "two full years" (vs. 1) passed before anything happened. As if to stress the interminable length of these two years from Joseph's perspective, Moses called them (in the original language) "two years of days."[1] Day after lengthy day in prison.
Joseph survived these two years without falling into total despair because he was aware that God was at work in the situation. When facing times of trial, the awareness that God is at work can make the difference between an attitude of despair and an attitude of hope. And we can face affliction with hope because we have been promised that God is at work during times of trouble. Paul teaches: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
Moses tells us what happened at the end of the two years: "When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: he was standing by the Nile, when out of the river there came up seven cows, sleek and fat, and they grazed among the reeds. After them, seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, came up out of the Nile and stood beside those on the riverbank. And the cows that were ugly and gaunt ate up the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up. He fell asleep again and had a second dream: Seven ears of corn, healthy and good, were growing on a single stalk. After them, seven other ears of corn sprouted--thin and scorched by the east wind. The thin ears of corn swallowed up the seven healthy, full ears. Then Pharaoh woke up; it had been a dream" (vss. 1-7). Pharaoh sensed that these dreams were special. Indeed, the way they were given was unusual. One does not normally dream a dream, wake up, and then dream a second dream that is so similar to the first dream. Of course, God gave Pharaoh these dreams, and He gave them in such a way that Pharaoh would greatly desire a true interpretation of the dreams.
"In the morning his mind was troubled, so he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him" (vs. 8). Pharoah, of course, was surrounded by false spiritual leaders in Egypt, his "magicians and wise men". It is not surprising that "no one could interpret [the dreams] for him." But it is surprising that none of these false prophets attempted to give whatever he felt was the interpretation of the dreams (false prophets are usually ever ready to blurt out their interpretation of events, incorrect though they may be). Perhaps they did attempt to give Pharaoh an interpretation, but Pharaoh was unsatisfied; or perhaps, the false prophets realized that the dreams, indeed, had true significance and they could not figure out how to fool Pharaoh in such a way that they themselves would not be found out to be charlatans. Whatever the case may have been, God made sure that no satisfying interpretation was given. God was in control, and was working for the liberation and exaltation of Joseph.
"Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, `Today I am reminded of my shortcomings'" (vs. 9). The chief cupbearer at last remembered Joseph (see vss. 10-13). Surely, God Himself brought Joseph to his mind at this time, because now the time was right. "So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh" (vs. 14). Joseph, of course, needed some cleaning up before he could be presented to Pharaoh. "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.'" (vs. 15). Joseph replied to Pharaoh with humor, humility, assertiveness, and glory for God, all at once: "I cannot do it,... but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." (vss. 16). Note well Joseph's example to us: Joseph, after being taken from his home and sold into slavery, had just spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit. And yet, the first words he uttered to Pharaoh after being released from prison,--I say, the first words he uttered gave glory to God.
Note also this: Joseph was given a special talent by God, the talent to interpret dreams, and Joseph never glorified himself through this talent. Rather he always made sure that God received the credit for the talent that God gave him. "Let us also reflect on this, that nothing is less tolerable than for men to arrogate to themselves anything as their own; for this is the first step of wisdom: to ascribe nothing to ourselves; but modestly to confess, that whatever in us is worthy of praise, flows only from the fountain of God's grace."[2]
Pharaoh goes on to relate his dreams to Joseph (vss. 17-24). Without hesitation, Joseph gives the interpretation of the dreams (as given to him by the Spirit of God): "The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears of corn are seven years; it is one and the same dream. The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterwards are seven years, and so are the seven worthless ears of corn scorched by the east wind: they are seven years of famine. 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" (vss. 25-32).
Note that Joseph says: "God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do" (vs. 25; see also vs. 28). Then he says: "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" (vs. 32). It was not just a matter of God predicting what would happen, but God Himself was going to make it happen: "God will do it." God is not under the control of the natural laws; rather, He is in charge of the natural laws, and brings about years of abundance and years of famine as He wills. Again, "God will do it." "We hence infer, that God does not indolently contemplate the fortuitous issue of things, as most philosophers vainly talk; but that He determines, at His own will, what shall happen. Wherefore, in predicting events, He does not give a response from the tables of fate, as the poets feign concerning their Apollo, whom they regard as a prophet of events which are not in His own power, but declares that whatever shall happen will be His own work."[3]
Joseph not only gives the interpretation of the dreams, but he also, by the wisdom of God, gives Pharaoh advice on how to plan for the future given what will happen: "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" (vss. 33-36). Joseph's plan is full of wisdom, and is an example of the true God-given role of government. Governments were established by God to serve the people, and to use their powers for the good of the people. Paul teaches: "The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Rom. 13:1), and then, he tells us that a ruler "is God's servant to do you good" (Rom. 13:4). Thus, we are to "submit to the governing authorities" (Rom. 13:1). Joseph's plan for Pharaoh's government uses the power of government for the good of the people. A twenty percent tax is imposed (see vs. 34) on the harvest. The "revenues" from this tax are saved up and stored away for use during the seven years of famine. Contrary to the belief of many people, taxes are not inherently evil. Taxes are God-ordained instruments that governments are to use for the good of the people whom they govern. I believe that Christians spend far too much time and energy complaining about taxes. If they feel they must devote their energies to tax issues, they should see that their governments truly use the taxes for the good of the people.
Pharaoh was impressed by the interpretation and the plan: "The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, `Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?' Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, `Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you'" (vss. 37-40). Pharaoh recognized the wisdom of God working through Joseph. Though dulled by worldliness and false religions, men still have a faint light of God, so as to be able to recognize the presence of the true God working through the servants of God. Seeing that the Spirit of God was working through Joseph, Pharaoh decided to choose Joseph himself to carry out his own plans. I am certain that there was nobody more surprised at this than Joseph himself. Joseph did not give Pharaoh advice in order to exalt himself; Joseph was merely being faithful to God in imparting the wisdom of God to Pharaoh concerning what to do to prepare for the upcoming famine. As a result of being faithful to God and listening to the guidance of the Spirit of God, Joseph was exalted. Let us learn from this. The way to success is not to exalt oneself. Rather, as Peter teaches, "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, `God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time" (I Pet. 5:5-6).
Moses goes on to describe the ceremony by which Joseph was installed as second-in-command (vss. 41-45). Joseph was given the Pharaoh's signet ring, robes of fine linen, a parade, Pharaohic authority, a new name and a wife. Joseph, who was in the depths of prison just minutes before, was surely stunned by all this, and was most certainly praising the Lord under his breath throughout the whole ceremony. Surely Joseph could say with Paul: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Eph. 3:20-21). Indeed, God gave to Joseph "immeasurably more than all [he did] ask or imagine." I have certainly found this in my life as well. God has given to me more blessings than I could think of to ask for or even imagine, and I know in the Lord that there's more to come. When we receive the inheritance that is ours through Jesus Christ, we will be in awe at the greatness and grace of God.
Moses informs us: "Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt" (vs. 46). There are at least two reasons for Moses to tell us Joseph's age at his exaltation. First, we are reminded of Joseph's long years of suffering. He was seventeen when he was sold into slavery. Now he is thirty. He has spent thirteen years patiently waiting on the Lord. Second, we can infer from his age the strength of his character. Joseph was a young man to be given and, indeed, to hold on to such authority. There was no doubt much animosity towards Joseph from the rest of Pharaoh's authorities, since such a young man came out of nowhere and was appointed Pharaoh's second-in-command. But despite this animosity, Joseph was successful in his position.
Also, learn this: godliness does not make one unfit for success in business. On the contrary, godliness can bring important traits to business: honesty, balance, far-sightedness, clearness of thinking, discipline, respect for authority, willingness to serve (rather than always seeking to exalt oneself). It also brings prayer to business. I am convinced that much of my own success in business has been due to the blessing and guidance of God, which has come through prayer to Him.
"Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, `It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household.' The second son he named Ephraim and said, `It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering'" (vss. 51-52). Joseph, though he was married to the daughter of a priest in the Egyptian religion, did not turn away from the true and living God. He named both of his sons in a way that commemorated the blessings of God upon his life. The first son, Joseph named "Manasseh" (which is related to the Hebrew word for "forget"). Joseph gives the reason for naming his son in this way: "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household" (vs. 51). God blessed Joseph greatly by exalting him in Egypt, thus causing him to "forget all [his] trouble". God also blessed him by helping him "forget [his] father's household." Joseph was blessed by forgetting his father's household in the sense that he no longer agonized over not being with his family. When tragedy strikes, we think, "Oh, how can I forget this? How will I ever be able to live a `normal' life?" Certainly, when he was sold into slavery, Joseph thought that he would never be happy again. But alas, God blessed him, so that he was able to "forget [his] father's household", and receive joy through his new family in Egypt. When tragedy strikes, it is appropriate to pray that God would help you forget the stinging pain of the tragedy, so that you may be able live in the comfort of His love, and in the joy that comes through fulfilling His plan for your life.
Joseph's second son was named "Ephraim", which is related to the Hebrew word for "fruitful". The reason for naming his son this is given by Joseph: "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." The world could be called the land of our suffering (and indeed, many places in the Bible, Egypt can be seen as being typical of the "world"). May God help us to be like Joseph, and make us "fruitful in the land of [our] suffering."
Joseph's leadership was not only a blessing to Egypt, the surrounding nations also benefited from his wisdom: "When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the world" (vss. 56-57). In this way, and in many other ways, Joseph is a type of Christ: he provides the bread of life to the starving nations; the perishing world is saved by the fact that he reigns.
Father, we praise You for Your word, and the blessing and instruction we get through our study of it. Help us to heed Your Spirit as we study, so that we may apply what we read to our lives. In this way, make us fruitful in the land of our suffering. In the name of Christ, who suffered for us, we ask these things, Amen.
