Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Genesis 41:25-32 Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream

"Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, 'The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same.  God has revealed to  Pharaoh what he is about to do.  The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream.  The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind:  They are seven years of famine.'

'It is just as I said to Pharaoh:  God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do.  Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them.  Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will ravage the land.  The abundance in the land will not be remembered, because the famine that follows it will be so severe.  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.' "  (Genesis 41:25-32 NIV)
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Joseph's interpretation is simple and to the point:  There will be seven years of great abundance in Egypt, followed by seven years of severe famine.  The repetition of the message indicated that it would happen soon.

Notice how Joseph keeps the focus upon God rather than upon himself:

  • God has revealed the dream to Pharaoh.  (v.25)
  • God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. (v.25,28)
  • God has firmly decided the matter. (v.32)
  • God will do it soon. (v.32)

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