Read the Passage: Genesis 41

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Genesis 41

Uncertainty of Pharaoh (41:1–13)

Twin dreams have been an important theme in Joseph’s story in Genesis, as Joseph experienced two prophetic dreams at Gen. 37:5–11, and Joseph interpreted two dreams while he was in prison at Gen. 40:8–19. Recall that when he had explained the dream of Pharaoh’s chief butler, Joseph had asked him, “Remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house” (Gen. 40:14). This appeal to Pharaoh from a prisoner was unusual, and it raises the question of whether Joseph suspected he would have a future audience with Pharaoh. In any event, Gen. 40:23 records, “Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” Given the recurring theme of dreams in the previous few chapters, it is not surprising to read, “At the end of two full years . . . Pharaoh had a dream” (Gen. 41:1).

Dreams are sometimes fantastical, peculiar, or odd. Indeed, this was the case with the two dreams of Pharaoh that are recorded in Gen. 41:1–13. In Pharaoh’s dreams, which are parallel in content, Pharaoh dreamed of fat cows and plump heads of grain being eaten by gaunt cows and thin heads of grain, respectively. It may be clear to modern readers that these dreams are about flourishing and famine, for events such as these impact livestock and farming. Yet, in their original context, these two dreams alarmed Pharaoh and baffled the wise men and the magicians of Egypt. Consequently, the chief butler was prompted to remember Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams. Next, after declaring, “I remember my faults this day” (cf. Gen. 41:9), the chief butler informed Pharaoh about his encounter with Joseph in prison, and about Joseph’s unique ability to interpretation dreams.

Explanation of Joseph (41:14–36)

Upon learning of Joseph’s skill at interpreting dreams, Pharaoh quickly summoned him. Note Joseph’s first statement to Pharaoh about his own abilities was, “It is not in me; [but] God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Gen. 41:16). Next, in Gen. 41:17–24 Pharaoh recounted his two dreams to Joseph. In Gen. 41:25–32 Joseph then interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh, as he informed Pharaoh about the coming seven years of material flourishing, which would be followed by seven years of famine. Although Joseph had only been asked to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, in Gen. 41:33–36 Joseph’s spiritual gift of administration was manifest, as Joseph suggested to Pharaoh a fourteen-year plan to manage the coming years of flourishing and eventual famine. This advice is surprising, as Joseph was still a prisoner, and Pharaoh was the most powerful man in the entire world.

Preparation of Egypt (41:37–57)

While it is surprising that Joseph would dare to give Pharaoh advice about how to govern Egypt, it is even more surprising that “the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants” (Gen. 41:37). Moreover, Pharaoh and his servants were pagan, yet they concluded that Joseph possessed the Spirit of God. In Gen. 41:33–36, Joseph’s suggestion to Pharaoh was about how to save grain during the years of plenty, via a levied twenty percent tax. It is astonishing that Pharaoh not only listened to this advice, but also he put Joseph in charge of the collection of grain and he elevated Joseph to be second in charge of Egypt. Note what Pharaoh bestowed upon Joseph: oversight of the land Egypt, a signet ring, new garments, a gold chain, his second chariot, honor from the common people, a new name, a wife, and freedom to travel throughout the land of Egypt.

Gen. 41:46–57 records the events that happened during the seven years of plenty and the beginning of the seven years of famine in Egypt. Since Joseph was thirty years old when he came to power (cf. Gen. 41:46), he would have been in his late thirties as this chapter ended. Gen. 41:46–49 records that Joseph fulfilled the role of governor that he had first suggested when interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams. Gen. 41:49 notes that Joseph collected an immeasurable amount of grain during the seven years of flourishing. Next, Gen. 41:50–52 reveals that during the seven years of plenty, Joseph fathered two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim. Observe that Joseph named his second son Ephraim, meaning “fruitfulness,” as he reasoned, “God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Gen. 41:52). Finally, Gen. 41:53–57 records that the predicted seven years of famine finally arrived.

Application Questions:

1. How have your past experiences been used by God to prepare you for your current Christian service?
2. After the release of the chief butler, why did God wait two full years to send Pharaoh a dream?
3. In your own life, do you better handle flourishing or famine (cf. Phil. 4:10–13)? What is the secret to contentment?
4. How can we explain the astonishing turn of events in Joseph’s life? Why did Pharaoh and his court agree to Joseph’s promotion?
5. What does Joseph’s naming of his son Ephraim reveal about Joseph’s understand of the work of God?