As the story of Joseph continues, he has now spent two additional years in prison. During this time, Pharaoh experienced two unsettling dreams: one involving seven healthy and seven emaciated cows, and another with seven full and seven withered ears of grain.
Pharaoh was unable to find anyone who could interpret these dreams.
Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my faults today.” (Genesis 41:9). He recounted his dream and Joseph’s interpretation.
He said to Pharaoh, “As he interpreted to us, so it turned out; I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged” (Genesis 41:13).
Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was still in prison. As in other instances, Joseph related his dependence on God.
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Genesis 41:15-16).
Joseph’s reaction is a powerful story and an insightful lesson.
The first Psalm highlights two contrasting approaches to life. We can follow God’s direction and seek His wisdom, or we can live independently of Him and rely on human desires like lust, greed, and power.
Blessed are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path that sinners tread or sit in the seat of scoffers,
but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Pharaoh’s Dream and Joseph’s Promotion
Pharaoh told Joseph his dream, and Joseph’s interpretation revealed a period of abundance and famine.
Joseph recommended that Pharaoh implement a plan to conserve the excess harvest from the seven years of prosperity. This would ensure they had sufficient food to meet their own needs and those of surrounding countries during the seven years of famine.
Recognizing Joseph’s insightful advice, Pharaoh appointed him to a high-ranking position in his administration.
Joseph’s life was a living commentary on Psalm 1. Because he centered his life on a relationship with God and followed His direction, he prospered.
They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1:3)
In our study of Genesis, we have met plenty of people who resemble the wicked of the first Psalm. The wicked are known for using other people for personal benefit, and the Psalmist accurately describes their character and fate.
The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous,
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1:4-6)
World-Wide Blessing
God’s mandate given to Abraham and his family was to be a source of blessing for all nations (Genesis 12:3). Joseph acted in accordance with this command by ensuring the world had access to food during the famine.
And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.
Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world (Genesis 41:56-57).
Joseph’s role in history was unique, though he wasn’t the only faithful person to significantly impact the world.
While most of us won’t have such a grand stage, we can still represent God and positively influence those around us—family, coworkers, and friends—in meaningful, everyday ways.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 