In the land of Egypt, during a time when the Nile River was the lifeblood of the kingdom, a remarkable series of events unfolded that would change the course of history. Joseph, a Hebrew slave who had been unjustly imprisoned, was about to step into the divine purpose God had prepared for him. The story begins in the palace of Pharaoh, the mighty ruler of Egypt, who was troubled by a pair of dreams that no one in his court could interpret.
One night, Pharaoh dreamed that he stood by the river Nile. Suddenly, seven sleek, fat cows emerged from the water, grazing on the lush reeds along the bank. As he watched, seven more cows, gaunt and ugly, came up out of the river and stood beside the fat cows. To Pharaoh’s horror, the thin cows devoured the fat ones, yet they remained as emaciated as before. Pharaoh awoke in a cold sweat, disturbed by the vividness of the dream. But when he fell asleep again, he dreamed a second time. This time, he saw seven plump, healthy heads of grain growing on a single stalk. Then, seven thin, scorched heads of grain sprouted and swallowed up the healthy ones. Pharaoh awoke again, his heart pounding, for he knew these dreams were no ordinary visions.
The next morning, Pharaoh summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt to interpret his dreams. But none could provide an explanation that satisfied him. The air in the palace grew heavy with tension as Pharaoh’s frustration mounted. It was then that the chief cupbearer, who had been restored to his position after being imprisoned, remembered Joseph. He stepped forward and said, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in prison, we each had a dream on the same night. There was a young Hebrew man there, a servant of the captain of the guard, who interpreted our dreams for us. What he said came true—I was restored to my position, and the baker was executed.”
Pharaoh’s eyes widened with interest. “Bring this man to me at once!” he commanded. Without delay, Joseph was brought from the dungeon. He was washed, given clean clothes, and brought before Pharaoh. The king looked at Joseph and said, “I have 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.”
Joseph, humble and wise, replied, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Pharaoh then recounted his dreams to Joseph, who listened intently. When Pharaoh finished, Joseph spoke with confidence, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows and the seven good heads of grain represent seven years of abundance. The seven thin, ugly cows and the seven scorched heads of grain represent seven years of famine that will follow. The famine will be so severe that the years of abundance will be forgotten. 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.”
Joseph paused, then continued, “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 during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food produced in the good years and store it in the cities, under Pharaoh’s authority. This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”
Pharaoh and all his officials were struck by the wisdom of Joseph’s words. Pharaoh said to his advisors, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Turning to Joseph, he declared, “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.”
Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger and placed it on Joseph’s hand, symbolizing his authority. He dressed Joseph in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people bowed before him as he passed. Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah, meaning “God speaks and lives,” and gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife.
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh. He traveled throughout Egypt, overseeing the collection and storage of grain during the seven years of abundance. The harvests were so plentiful that Joseph stopped keeping records because the grain was beyond measure. He stored the grain in the cities, ensuring that each city had its own supply. When the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had predicted, the people of Egypt and surrounding lands cried out for food. Pharaoh directed them to Joseph, who opened the storehouses and distributed grain to all who came.
The famine was severe, not only in Egypt but throughout the world. People from every nation came to Egypt to buy grain, for the famine was devastating everywhere. Joseph’s wisdom and foresight, guided by God, saved countless lives and established Egypt as a powerful and prosperous nation during a time of global crisis.
Through these events, Joseph’s faith in God remained steadfast. He recognized that it was not by his own power but by the hand of the Almighty that he had risen to such a position. The story of Joseph and Pharaoh’s dreams serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty, His ability to work through even the most unlikely circumstances, and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
