The Pharaoh of Egypt had strange dreams—seven fat cows, seven skinny cows, seven full grains of wheat, and seven thin grains. No one can interpret his dreams.
But, the cupbearer (two years after he left the prison) finally remembers Joseph, the interpreter of dreams. The cupbearer suggests to the king that Joseph might be just the man he needs.
So Pharoah sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. Genesis 41:14a
Well, not too quickly. Remember, Joseph has been in prison well over two years—probably smelly and hairy—so:
When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Genesis 41:14b
No doubt his heart beats rapidly as he walks the long corridors of the palace, while passing extravagant furnishings he’s never seen before. Will he be able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream? Is this the time when God is moving him forward? Or has he even maintained his connection with God?
The Pharaoh jumps right into the matter. He tells 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.”
Immediately, Joseph says, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:15-16
Well that settles it. Joseph still knows that it is God who has given him this gift. As some would say, he seems to be “prayed up.” Psalm 46:10 has not yet been written, but Joseph must have experienced being still and knowing God.
Pharaoh tells his dreams and without hesitation, Joseph interprets them. The sevens represent seven years. The fat cows and healthy grains mean seven good years, but the thin cows and thin grains represents seven bad years.
That explains the sevens. But what does it mean? Joseph is about to explain, but first he reiterates what he said before.
“God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Seven years of great abundance are coming through out the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow.” Genesis 41:28-30
Joseph tells him that the years of famine will be so great that they will not remember the years of abundance. The fact that Pharaoh had two dreams indicates that the matter has been firmly decided by God and God will do it soon.
What to do? Joseph lays out a step by step plan for dealing with this coming crisis—1) appoint a wise man to be in charge, 2) appoint commissioners, 3) take one-fifth of the grain in the good years, 4) collect it and store it for the famine.
Pharaoh likes the plan and the man.
“Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so wise and discerning 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.” Genesis 41:39-40
Wow! Can you believe that? He wakes up in the morning in prison and at the end of the day, he is second in command. Pit to Potipher to prison to palace. These are not coincidences. They are God-incidents.
~ Joyce ~