Pharaoh’s Dream and Joseph’s Rise
Two years later, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had a series of troubling dreams that no one in his court could interpret. He saw seven fat, healthy cows being eaten by seven thin, sickly cows, and in another dream, he saw seven full, ripe heads of grain swallowed up by seven thin, withered heads of grain. None of his magicians or wise men could explain the meaning of these dreams.
At that moment, Pharaoh’s cupbearer suddenly remembered Joseph, a young Hebrew man he had met in prison. The cupbearer recalled how Joseph had accurately interpreted his dream while they were both imprisoned, so he told Pharaoh about him. Pharaoh quickly sent for Joseph, who was brought out of prison, cleaned up, and presented before the king.
Joseph explained to Pharaoh that the dreams were a warning from God. He revealed that Egypt would experience seven years of great abundance, with plentiful harvests and prosperity, but these would be followed by seven years of severe famine that would consume the land. Joseph advised Pharaoh to store up food during the years of plenty to prepare for the famine.
Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph’s wisdom and ability to interpret dreams that he appointed him as the second most powerful man in Egypt, placing him in charge of the entire land to oversee the food storage and distribution.
Bible Reference: “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.’” — Genesis 41:39-40 (NIV)