The butler told his dream first, and was very happy to hear Joseph say that it foretold his release in three days. Then the chief cupbearer brought to his attention a young Hebrew slave whom he met in prison. He does not want us to fret at delays, but has said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46.10). [12] And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside those cows along the bank of the Nile. “Here are my dreams: I was standing on the bank of the Nile. But no one could interpret the vivid scenes that haunted him. Plain and simple. Pharaoh is so impressed by the Hebrew young man, that he appoints Joseph to be Prime Minister of Egypt, second in power only to Pharaoh himself. https://biblestudyministry.com/joseph-then-used-his-gift-of-interpreting-dreams what did Pharaoh’s dreams mean? [3] Whe… Records of the veracity of past dreams and their interpretations provided empirical evidence to support the interpreter’s predictions. “God has shown Pharaoh what he’s going to do. Likewise, if the water did not come high enough, crops could not grow, and again there would be famine. This Hebrew clearly spoke truth. Seven other cows—scrawny and sick—snuck up behind them. Either the person will understand or God will provide someone who will be able to interpret the message. 5. Title: Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams Scripture: Genesis 40-41 Target Age Group: 3 rd-5 th grade Supplies: Story sequence strips (download here) Optional Story Illustrations: The Story of Joseph Coloring Pages. The King's Dreams Then appoint managers throughout Egypt to organize during the plenty years. Then the butler remembered what he should have done upon his release from prison. Joseph seemed to know that God was going to bless the king, because he said, "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." Credits Text by Jerri Fusch, used here with the kind permission of the author. T; Both dreams meant the same thing. As Joseph did not deserve to be in jail, and he wondered if he had been forgotten, he asked the butler to remember him when he was set at liberty. Joseph’s second dream is about heavenly or spiritual matters. [14] But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: The seven thin, sickly cows that came up behind them are seven years. Think about Joseph’s opportunities to reject God. Your name shall be Zaphenath-Paneah, for God speaks and He lives! In this passage we find an important key regarding the interpretation of dreams: If God chooses to communicate with someone through a dream or vision, He will make sure the message is understood. © 2011. When he told the prisoners that interpretations belong to God, he could add with utmost confidence, "Tell me them [the dreams], I pray you." Pharaoh paced. For two more years Joseph was forgotten in the prison. It would have been easy to give up on God when his brothers sold him into slavery. However, he was not so fortunate. We should always remember that God is the Giver of every good and every perfect gift; and if we do our work particularly well, or have some special accomplishments, we should not get exalted and think how good we are, but just thank God that He has given us these gifts. [19] And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: This will save your country from the famine’s destruction.”. Lesson Opening: Crazy Dreams But as soon as the butler was free he forgot to have compassion on someone else who was suffering wrongfully. The kings in the time of Joseph were very much like the dictators we have heard about in European countries in recent years. The plenty in Egypt will be forgotten as a severe famine ruins the land. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. “I have heard that you interpret dreams. Users are free to reproduce for use, but not for publication. The sickly cows ate up the seven healthy ones. [6] And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. He did not need a constant dialogue with God to realize that. God has told Pharaoh what he’s going to do. For they looked just as scrawny as before.”, Pharaoh inhaled deeply. ]; [Genesis:41:1-36 [1] And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? Pharaoh measured the Hebrew from head to toe. This week, we started learning about Joseph and how he was able to interpret dreams. “In my second dream I saw seven healthy, full heads of grain growing on a single stalk. This wind blows across the Arabian Desert, and is very hot by the time it gets to Egypt. Most of us won’t be interpreting kings’ dreams anytime soon. This matter is irrevocable, as signified by your recurring dream.”, Incredible. As soon as Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence, he began his work in Egypt.”                -Genesis 41:45-46 (MSG). In recent years dams have been built to control the floods and store water for the dry years, but in those days if the water came too high and stayed on the ground too long so that crops could not be planted in time, the result was famine. Title: Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams Scripture: Genesis 40-41 Target Age Group: 3 rd-5 th grade Supplies: Story sequence strips (download here) Optional Story Illustrations: The Story of Joseph Coloring Pages. [4] And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. (Daniel 1:17) Joseph had an angel appear in his dream warning him to take the baby Jesus and his mother to Egypt to escape Herod’s plan to kill the child. Before the years of famine came Joseph had two sons with Asenath. ... Joseph is able to forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery at the end of Exodus. The withered heads of grain swallowed the seven good heads.”, A servant wiped the beads of perspiration from Pharaoh’s forehead. Still in Prison [9] And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; [2] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. Joseph’s dreams (see Genesis 37:5–11), which clearly signified future leadership, only added to the resentment among the brothers. [6] And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. Genesis 41:1-8 tells us of Pharaoh’s dream and his inability to find someone able to interpret it. Behind them, seven other heads of grain sprouted. The rest of the chapter tells of their dreams, Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams, and how the interpretations were later fulfilled. Pharaoh made haste to have Joseph brought before him, and he told Joseph the disturbing dreams. Do you think God had a purpose in permitting Joseph to be in Egypt? As a result, his brothers almost killed him and then sold him off to slavery. Jesus said: "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. He lived to please God every day, remember-ing that God sees everything we do, and will reward us according to our works. After successfully interpreting the dream, Joseph was appointed as second in command over all of Egypt. 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside those cows along the bank of the Nile. We should always remember that God is the Giver of every good and every perfect gift; and if we do our work particularly well, or have some special accomplishments, we should not get exalted and think how good we are, but just thank God that He has given us these gifts. [20] And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: Dreams Can Tell the Future and Be Prophetic . The cupbearer to Pharaoh remembered at this time how Joseph was able to interpret both his dream and the dream of Pharaoh’s chief baker while they were in jail and both interpretations came to pass exactly as they were told. This Joseph guy—whom the cupbearer forgot about the past two years—supposedly interpreted not only the cupbearer’s dream, but also the head baker’s dream. Thus Joseph was finally allowed to see why God had allowed such hardship to come into his life. We should be able to interpret dreams so much better today than at any time in the past. [28] This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. [16] When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head: Interpreting dreams in the ancient world was a sophisticated profession involving technical “dream books” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings. [3] And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. [18] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: Pharaoh was looking more confused when he did not see anyone ordained by God to interpret his troubled dreams. Surely this man has the spirit of the living God in him! God will still work his plan, and he can overcome all obstacles. When Joseph interpreted the dreams for the pharaoh, he was given a ring of gold. “I have heard that you interpret dreams. So, when the pharaoh had a dream about seven lean ears of corn devouring seven fat ears, the priest in the temple looked into the books and the dream was not there, thus they were not able to interpret it. Although he was white as a sheet from lack of sunlight the past 13 years, his calm manner intrigued him. But like Joseph, we may find ourselves thrown into a situation in any given moment. None of my friends will know if I sin a little; and it will be much easier to get along with these people if I worship their gods." That is what the pharaoh gave to his viceroys, ambassadors, and viziers. Joseph assured them that they did not need the astrologers and soothsayers, because God alone could give the proper interpretation. They made up excuses to justify their ignorance. [19] Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. So to interpret your dreams, you should be able to know at the end of it if such dream is good or evil. You are likely to know if your dream is a blessing or a curse to you. What do I have to lose? And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew:25:45, 46). Genius. It was the duty of the chief butler to serve wine to the ruling monarch; and, of course, the baker had charge of all the bread and pastry for the royal table. For he'd remembered that Joseph was that certain dream interpreter -- who'd once interpreted his troubling dream correctly, as he was serving time in prison. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." With clean clothes and a freshly shaven face, Joseph stood humbly before Egypt’s king. “No one in all of Egypt can tell me the meaning.”, Joseph looked Pharaoh directly in the eyes and spoke in a quiet, respectful tone. F But then seven years of famine will follow. “I’d say you’re the perfect man for this job. When things are going badly, what can you do besides complain or get mad? [29] Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: To Joseph—but only to Joseph—the dreams were obvious. “But God will give Pharaoh the answer he wants.” - Genesis 41:16. [2] And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. It’s all the same dream. Pharaoh's Dream CowsSo lately, we've been studying Genesis in the girls bible study I've been going to on Thursdays. “Here are my dreams: I was standing on the bank of the Nile. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! [27] And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. There would be no rest until he discovered the meaning of these two dreams. 4 The sickly, thin cows ate the … This grain will be used later during the seven years of famine. [35] And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. Egyptians were fond of the supernatural and dream interpretations were a clear means to convince them that Joseph was a messenger of God. They told him about the dreams they had had. Not even the purring fountain or musicians could console him. So Pharaoh awoke. Interpreting dreams in the ancient world was a sophisticated profession involving technical “dream books” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings. 7 Lesson’s From Joseph’s Dreams. Joseph paused a moment to let the news soak in. [17] And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head. [26] The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. So I awoke. Joseph did not take any credit for his ability to interpret dreams, but gave God all the glory. Joseph was kind-hearted, and he was interested in knowing why they felt so sad. (How exactly Pharaoh knows that Joseph's interpretation is correct is left unexplained by the text. He confidently answered in Genesis 41:16 saying, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Joseph, by the Spirit, interpreted the king’s dream. There, he successfully interprets the dreams of fellow prisoners (Gen 40), revealing his divinely sent capacity to understand, with God’s help, the meaning of dreams. Is this true?” “No Sir, I can’t interpret dreams.” Joseph didn’t cower under his piercing gaze. Genesis 41:16 "I myself cannot do it," Joseph replied, "but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer." They should collect all the food produced in the good years ahead and stockpile the grain under your authority, storing it in the towns for food. We see that they are telling of what is to come within their family life and beyond. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. As we can see by Pharaoh's first dream, the years of plenty would probably come from a favourable condition of the river; and the years of famine, which follow would also come from the condition of the river. “Place a gold chain, robe, and signet ring on Joseph. The Four Dreams Of Joseph No. Say: Joseph did not take credit for being able to interpret dreams. And again "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah:55:9). Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams. [8] And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. Below is 7 things we can learn from Joseph’s dreams. He was taken from the prison in three days and beheaded and hanged on a tree just as Joseph had interpreted his dream. They couldn'tt interpret dreams. “Pharaoh had the same dream twice. [11] And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. [7] And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? No one was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. [15] And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. Thus Joseph found himself in prison -- not for any wicked deed he had done, but because a woman's pride had been hurt, and she wanted to get revenge. The two men did not know that their dreams had come from Joseph’s God, Jehovah. Some time later, through a divinely appointed sequence of events, Joseph was given the opportunity of a lifetime. For example, in a dream, if a man saw his enemies making bad offerings, it meant people were working against him. (1 day). If someone displeased them, he would be put into prison without trial, and perhaps be forgotten for a long time. True/False. Joseph did not take any credit for his ability to interpret dreams, but gave God all the glory. This is the third lesson in a series of 5 about Joseph’s life and the incredible way that God used him to bless his people. It is logical that God would use a supernatural means such as dreams to promote his plan. “What shall I do Joseph?”, Joseph’s gaze rested on the vegetable garden outside Pharaoh’s window. [10] And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: Countless lives were saved through his actions, most notably the life of his family, through whom the Savior would be born. God will send it very soon. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. The seven empty heads of grain scorched by the east wind are also seven years. We should remember Joseph when the odds seem against us in life. [15] For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. He was living so close to the Lord that he could claim oneness with Him, just as the Word speaks of the sanctified people: "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews:2:11). “I can’t do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh. Did Joseph take the credit for being able to interpret dreams? So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream: "In my dream there was a vine before me, Genesis 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. Joseph is brought before Pharaoh, and lo and behold, he correctly interprets the dreams! Joseph has a special gift, the ability of interpreting dreams. Give him my second-in-command chariot to ride among the people.”, And Joseph took up his duties over the land of Egypt. [30] And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; Joseph was thirty years old when he went to work for Pharaoh the king of Egypt. Perhaps, he never have any understanding about his dreams, whether good or bad. We can ready ourselves to be used by God when we invest in knowing Him more. “But my God can.”, “Alright then,” Pharaoh sat on the edge of his gold engraved throne. [22] And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: Not only did Joseph interpret the dreams, but he also advised Pharaoh how to avoid devastation in Egypt. [31] And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. The Bible gives us very little information about Joseph. Joseph stockpiled grain to avoid a terrible famine. The butler should have been grateful enough to Joseph to try to help him get out. Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness Sake. Joseph’s response to their dreams is pretty remarkable and telling of what had been happening in Joseph’s heart. Pharaoh asked everyone but God helped him interpret the dreams. There was almost no rain, but agriculture was possible through irrigation from the river. After two years the king dreamed two dreams that he thought were important, and he called in all the wise men and magicians of his realm to explain what they meant. From there, Joseph was faithful to God and through trials and temptations was able to interpret dreams of Egypt’s rulers when others couldn’t. Pharaoh’s servants hastily retrieved Joseph from Potiphar’s dungeon. “Look for a wise, experienced man to put in charge. 4. Surely his blood-kin gods sent him a message. 6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: _The Kings and The Prophets Destiny Journey_ Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. In the second dream was added another terror -- that of the east wind. It is the prequel to the dream of Pharaoh that is brought to Joseph many years later while he is imprisoned in jail. For these were no ordinary dreams. 700 Introduction. Through careful planning and implementation Joseph prevented not only the Egyptians from starving, but also all the other countries affected by the severe famine. One morning when he came to them, perhaps to bring their breakfast, they looked troubled. Joseph interpreted that dream, and his God-given wisdom was so great that Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. God is watching the hardheartedness of sinners, and they will someday receive His judgment. He's also unique in his ability to interpret dreams This spiritual gift is particularly striking because of the consequences: for Joseph himself, he gained comfort and assurance that he had been chosen of God. I also give you Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On (Heliopolis) to marry.”, Pharaoh motioned for Merkha. The two men did not know that their dreams had come from Joseph’s God, Jehovah. Why did God give Pharaoh two dreams with the same meaning? The dreams of Joseph are clearly prophetic in nature. In this story, Joseph, his father Jacob’s favorite son, had been sold into slavery by his jealous older brothers, in a quintessential manifestation of sibling rivalry.After Joseph resists the advances of his first master’s wife, he is accused by her of attempted rape and he is placed in prison (Gen 39). 1. Joseph was ready. [8] And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. Seven years are coming when Egypt will have plenty of food. I. (8-3) Genesis 37:28 The price received for Joseph, twenty pieces of silver, is the same price specified later in the Mosaic law for a slave between the ages of five and twenty (see Leviticus 27:5 ). FAITH ORACLES By Yamkela Joseph. [9] Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Life in Egypt depended upon the River Nile. The guide includes: Expert theories on dreams and why we dream. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. Is this true?”, “No Sir, I can’t interpret dreams.” Joseph didn’t cower under his piercing gaze. But unfortunately for Pharaoh... none of these men would be able to interpret his dreams for him. The Egyptians placed a lot of weight on dreams and depended heavily on the men who claimed to be able to interpret them. Only as king will I be over you. The Interpretation While in prison, Joseph precisely interpreted two dreams that predicted events which would happen. How was Joseph able to interpret dreams? In fact, he did not need a dialogue at all. It would seem that the butler would have been so happy to have his old position back that he would have thought about it every day -- but he did not. truly interpret dreams, and Joseph was God’s instrument. But Joseph knew. Joseph told Pharaoh the seven healthy cows (think angus beef) represented seven years of harvest. But these were withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind. [7] And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. Every year it overflows its banks, leaving a rich deposit of silt on the farmland, and, also watering the ground for a time. We know so much more and have made so many advances in science and technology, which should help us to be better in figuring what dreams are all about. The ring was a sign of authority, a signet ring with their name on it, and they could seal things. You may read Genesis 41 here: Bible Gateway. It does not seem to have been unusual for people to tell their dreams to such a person, and get some kind of interpretation, but here in the prison there was no one to tell them the meaning of the dreams. “But my God can.” “Alright then,” Pharaoh sat on the edge of his gold engraved throne. Was dream interpretation pretty commonplace in those days? Because of the favour God had given Joseph with his keepers, he was put in charge of the new prisoners. 3. [11] And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. 41 At the end of two years Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, 2 when seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows came up from the Nile and began to graze among the reeds. ]. The only people who God has blessed with the ability to interpret dreams can do it and they weren't one of them. [4] And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. [16] And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. [18] And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: [17] And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: The cup-bearer took those grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. Joseph had been in Egypt about 11 years by this time, but in spite of his surroundings he had lived in such a way that he still had confidence that God would hear him when he prayed. 2. God gave Joseph not only the ability to interpret dreams, but also the wisdom to rule Egypt. Daniel was a prophet who was able to interpret dreams and understand all kinds of literature and learning. Dreams Interpreted 2 Peter 1:21 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as … 2. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God”  (James 1:5). [32] And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.