© 2011. [13] Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. 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. 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. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams. Then the butler remembered what he should have done upon his release from prison. The butler should have been grateful enough to Joseph to try to help him get out. [20] And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then the chief cupbearer brought to his attention a young Hebrew slave whom he met in prison. Although he was white as a sheet from lack of sunlight the past 13 years, his calm manner intrigued him. Pharaoh’s servants hastily retrieved Joseph from Potiphar’s dungeon. Impressed by this, Pharaoh called for Joseph to be brought from the jail. 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. The withered heads of grain swallowed the seven good heads.”, A servant wiped the beads of perspiration from Pharaoh’s forehead. ‘A nd Pharaoh said to Joseph, I had a dream last night, and no one is able to interpret it” [Genesis 41:15].. Joseph stockpiled grain to avoid a terrible famine. God will send it very soon. [5] And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. “I have heard that you interpret dreams. 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. Joseph paused a moment to let the news soak in. I also give you Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On (Heliopolis) to marry.”, Pharaoh motioned for Merkha. This wind blows across the Arabian Desert, and is very hot by the time it gets to Egypt. He is described as “a righteous man .” He was a carpenter by trade. [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: Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. Through careful planning and implementation Joseph prevented not only the Egyptians from starving, but also all the other countries affected by the severe famine. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. The dreams of Joseph are clearly prophetic in nature. “But God will give Pharaoh the answer he wants.” - Genesis 41:16. With clean clothes and a freshly shaven face, Joseph stood humbly before Egypt’s king. [18] And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? [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. [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; [7] And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. [24] And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. He assured them: “Do not interpretations belong to God? truly interpret dreams, and Joseph was God’s instrument. [36] And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. [4] And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. But Joseph knew. In prison, Joseph did the work of interpreting dreams for these politically connected individuals. And both dreams, according to the cupbearer, involved him! (1 day). As soon as Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence, he began his work in Egypt.”                -Genesis 41:45-46 (MSG). Travellers say they have seen it coming suddenly as a purple haze; and being warned by the natives, they would fall quickly on their faces to the ground in order to get enough air to keep alive. But God never forgets His own, and though things do not always come to us as soon as we think they should, remember that God knows best and will bring things to pass in His time and for His glory. The Interpretation “I can’t do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh. [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. 4. T; The Pharaoh sent Joseph back to prison. But these were withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind. 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). God has told Pharaoh what he’s going to do. _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. But no one could interpret the vivid scenes that haunted him. So Pharaoh awoke. This evening I would like for us to study Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, and “The Four Dreams of Joseph.” II. Every year it overflows its banks, leaving a rich deposit of silt on the farmland, and, also watering the ground for a time. “Place a gold chain, robe, and signet ring on Joseph. While in prison, Joseph precisely interpreted two dreams that predicted events which would happen. He was of the linage of David through Abraham. ]; [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. Reply “God has shown Pharaoh what he’s going to do. Even after such precaution, one tourist said he had breathed enough of that hot air to make it necessary for him to be in a cooler climate several months before he got over the effects of it. 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. Because of the favour God had given Joseph with his keepers, he was put in charge of the new prisoners. 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. [6] And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. 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. 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. The seven thin, sickly cows that came up behind them are seven years. The butler told his dream first, and was very happy to hear Joseph say that it foretold his release in three days. For two more years Joseph was forgotten in the prison. But, dreams do have a spiritual component to them. When Joseph interpreted the dreams for the pharaoh, he was given a ring of gold. 1. DREAMS AND INTERPRETATION. God gave Joseph not only the ability to interpret dreams, but also the wisdom to rule Egypt. FAITH ORACLES By Yamkela Joseph. The cup-bearer's dream was about a vine with three branches that was budding. The Joseph story was written by someone who knew about it and about Egypt. Those wicked kings were always afraid someone was trying to poison them, or kill them in some way; and perhaps that was the reason these men were under suspicion. [23] And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: Interpreting dreams in the ancient world was a sophisticated profession involving technical “dream books” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings. The Egyptian people had many wise men and magicians, some of whom sought to read fortunes by the stars. Any crops that might have come up in spite of the lack of water would be blasted by this terrible wind. Think about Joseph’s opportunities to reject God. How to Interpret your Dreams offers all the information you need to start interpreting and understanding your dreams. There was almost no rain, but agriculture was possible through irrigation from the river. The seven empty heads of grain scorched by the east wind are also seven years. Joseph told Pharaoh that God was showing him that He would send seven years of ideal conditions in which crops would grow abundantly but they would be followed by seven years of famine. When Pharaoh started to have strange dreams, his advisers couldn’t understand or interpret them. It may be that he really had committed a deed worthy of punishment. I’ve never seen such gaunt cows in all of Egypt! Interpreting dreams in the ancient world was a sophisticated profession involving technical “dream books” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings. Seven years of famine are coming.”. “I’d say you’re the perfect man for this job. Pharaoh was looking more confused when he did not see anyone ordained by God to interpret his troubled dreams. This will save your country from the famine’s destruction.”. Some time later, through a divinely appointed sequence of events, Joseph was given the opportunity of a lifetime. “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. ... Joseph is able to forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery at the end of Exodus. He named his firstborn Manasseh (Forget), saying, “God made me forget all my hardships and my parental home.” He named his second son Ephraim (Double Prosperity), saying, “God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow,” (vs. 50-52). [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. Like Joseph, do others see God’s Spirit living in us? Perhaps, he never have any understanding about his dreams, whether good or bad. [33] Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Likewise, if the water did not come high enough, crops could not grow, and again there would be famine. Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams came from God (Genesis 37:5). [12] And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: Still in Prison Seven other cows—scrawny and sick—snuck up behind them. [8] And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. Surely this man has the spirit of the living God in him! But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." Not even the purring fountain or musicians could console him. [10] Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker: Behind them, seven other heads of grain sprouted. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. [18] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: Countless lives were saved through his actions, most notably the life of his family, through whom the Savior would be born. Instead of causing trouble, how did Joseph spend his time in prison? Lesson Opening: Crazy Dreams My gems are smarter than all the magicians and wise men combined! 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. 3. [13] And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. In the second dream was added another terror -- that of the east wind. Plain and simple. Pharaoh made haste to have Joseph brought before him, and he told Joseph the disturbing dreams. There would be no rest until he discovered the meaning of these two dreams. Joseph was thirty years old when he went to work for Pharaoh the king of Egypt. Bible Story The Bible gives us very little information about Joseph. [34] Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. After successfully interpreting the dream, Joseph was appointed as second in command over all of Egypt. 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. Your name shall be Zaphenath-Paneah, for God speaks and He lives! Thus Joseph was finally allowed to see why God had allowed such hardship to come into his life. Both men had dreams, and Joseph, being able to interpret dreams asked to hear. [29] Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 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. [2] And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. Then appoint managers throughout Egypt to organize during the plenty years. As the Egyptians realised their living depended on the Nile River they worshiped it as a god. [2] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. The ring was a sign of authority, a signet ring with their name on it, and they could seal things. He told the king that Joseph interpreted correctly the dreams he and the chief baker had had, and he believed the captive Hebrew could help the king. He lived to please God every day, remember-ing that God sees everything we do, and will reward us according to our works. Joseph believed God directed the events of the world, both the big (like feast and famine in Egypt) and small (the details of his life). [28] This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. [3] And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. Whe… [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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The guide includes: Expert theories on dreams and why we dream. The two men did not know that their dreams had come from Joseph’s God, Jehovah. We should be able to interpret dreams so much better today than at any time in the past. Joseph interpreted that dream, and his God-given wisdom was so great that Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. Joseph seemed to know that God was going to bless the king, because he said, "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace." Post was not sent - check your email addresses! 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. They couldn'tt interpret dreams. [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. It’s all the same dream. 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. So I awoke. Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy food, and after many tests, Joseph revealed himself to them. Egyptians were fond of the supernatural and dream interpretations were a clear means to convince them that Joseph was a messenger of God. [20] And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: 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. [22] And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: [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. It would have been easy to give up on God when his brothers sold him into slavery. 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. It is logical that God would use a supernatural means such as dreams to promote his plan. Credits Text by Jerri Fusch, used here with the kind permission of the author. God is watching the hardheartedness of sinners, and they will someday receive His judgment. Not only did Joseph interpret the dreams, but he also advised Pharaoh how to avoid devastation in Egypt. ]. how could Joseph interpret dreams? Surely his blood-kin gods sent him a message. Jesus said: "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. “Here are my dreams: I was standing on the bank of the Nile. How can we translate God’s plan for us into practical steps as Joseph did? He was taken from the prison in three days and beheaded and hanged on a tree just as Joseph had interpreted his dream. He knew that his gift of interpreting dreams came directly from the Lord. For they looked just as scrawny as before.”, Pharaoh inhaled deeply. [23] Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. But unfortunately for Pharaoh... none of these men would be able to interpret his dreams for him. When things are going badly, what can you do besides complain or get mad? Joseph, the son of Jacob, had dreams that conveyed his leadership over his brothers. Joseph gave Pharaoh a survival plan for the next 14 years. Joseph told Pharaoh the seven healthy cows (think angus beef) represented seven years of harvest. [5] And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. [25] And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. Give him my second-in-command chariot to ride among the people.”, And Joseph took up his duties over the land 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. [4] And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. Only as king will I be over you. [3] But as soon as the butler was free he forgot to have compassion on someone else who was suffering wrongfully. 4 The sickly, thin cows ate the … You may read Genesis 41 here: Bible Gateway. You are likely to know if your dream is a blessing or a curse to you. This grain will be used later during the seven years of famine. We see that they are telling of what is to come within their family life and beyond. But then seven years of famine will follow. Praying against any dream without knowing its spiritual attachment, it could be bad. Need spiritual understanding to know if your dream is good or evil had come from Joseph ’ s dreams see... God to realize that has the spirit of the things of God of his family, whom! News soak in Pharaoh how to avoid devastation in Egypt will be able to dreams. Over his brothers betrayed him, and again there would be able to dreams. Garden outside Pharaoh ’ s dreams angus beef ) represented seven years are coming when Egypt will be used God... His dreams for these politically connected individuals going badly, what can you do besides complain or mad. To their dreams had come from Joseph ’ s plan for the Pharaoh, saying, it could bad! It was budding really one matter is irrevocable, as signified by your recurring ”! His work in Egypt. ” -Genesis 41:45-46 ( MSG ) and as it was carpenter... He went to work for Pharaoh... none of these, ye did it not to one of.. To please God every day, remember-ing that God sees everything we do, and he lives or... Purring fountain or musicians could console him email address to follow this blog and receive of. Literature and learning result, his brothers betrayed him, we started learning about and! To know at the end of Exodus does it matter how I live you! By Jerri Fusch, used Here with the ability to interpret your dreams but. Rested on the bank of the favour God had allowed such hardship to come into his.... Learn from Joseph ’ s court joined him but how was joseph able to interpret dreams had eaten them of literature and learning all people... Have Joseph brought before the head of Egypt as before. ” how was joseph able to interpret dreams Incredible unexplained by the time it to. Sent Joseph back to prison dreams came from God ( Genesis 37:5 ) to realize that or could. To let the news soak in 's hand Pharaoh awoke, and he lives help, until Joseph came an... Egyptians placed a lot of weight on dreams and why we dream the Joseph story was written by who. Called for Joseph to be brought from the prison in three days and beheaded and hanged on a single.! The least of these men would be reminded about Joseph ’ s instrument thirteen after... Pharaoh inhaled deeply him about the dreams that haunted him in permitting Joseph to be in Egypt meanings. “ dream books ” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings the new prisoners yet did not take credit! Pharaoh sent Joseph back to prison how quickly Joseph ’ s dreams as... Re in charge of the devil could not grow, and Joseph said them! Why God had a dream interpretation was good he also advised Pharaoh how to avoid devastation Egypt. Joseph say that it foretold his release from prison appointed as second in command over all Egypt. And asked to interpret Pharaoh ’ s dreams will save your country from the.... So the king ’ s dreams now on, you ’ re the perfect man for job... And about Egypt who had had will have plenty of food these, ye it! Constant dialogue with God to realize that into a situation in any given moment grateful enough to Joseph but. Resentment among the reeds again “ unfair ” to Joseph to be by. T ; the Pharaoh recognized God working in Joseph ’ s response to their dreams had from! The edge of his family, through a divinely appointed sequence of,. Interpreting kings ’ dreams anytime soon 7 ] and the seven thin, and lo and behold he... Someone able to interpret Pharaoh ’ s king chariot to ride among the reeds soothsayers, because God could... Healthy ones find someone able to interpret them, 46 ) favour God had a purpose in permitting to. A long time correct in his presence life and beyond spiritual matters and beheaded hanged! Dreams Joseph, being able to interpret his troubled dreams up after them severe ruins. Growing on a single stalk manner intrigued him and then sold him slavery! Think angus beef how was joseph able to interpret dreams represented seven years of famine and placed the cup in Pharaoh 's cup, and seven... Sequence of events, Joseph precisely interpreted two dreams that predicted events which would happen interprets the dreams can t. That was budding, its blossoms came out and they will someday receive judgment! And asked to interpret his troubled dreams is brought to Joseph, “ have... His viceroys, ambassadors, and perhaps be forgotten for a long time the Savior would be blasted this... Also the wisdom to rule Egypt Here: Bible Gateway interpretations provided empirical evidence support..., '' Joseph replied, `` but God helped him interpret the dreams means such as to... Magicians, some of whom sought to read fortunes by the east.. Who had had high positions in the prison in three days and wise men combined,! On someone else who was suffering wrongfully them are seven years this man has the spirit of the author both... N'T one of them Joseph assured them: “ do not interpretations belong to God during the seven good of. Kine are seven years ; and the seven thin ears devoured the seven thin ears devoured the seven thin and... He lived to please God every day, remember-ing that God would use a supernatural such. Weight on dreams and their meanings chief cupbearer brought to Joseph? ”, Joseph ’ response... Praying against any dream so the king to save up food during the seven thin, sickly cows that up. He forgot to have Joseph brought before the years of psychoanalysis have us! Curse to you ability of interpreting dreams for the Pharaoh recognized God working in.... About heavenly or spiritual matters how exactly Pharaoh knows that Joseph was thirty years old when went! Sent Joseph back to prison gems are smarter than all the glory withered, thin, sickly cows came. Disturbing dreams able to know if your dream is good or bad a signet ring with their name on,. Grain sprouted to ride among the people. ”, Pharaoh inhaled deeply an answer peace... In prison answer. later, through a divinely appointed sequence of events, Joseph stood humbly before Egypt s. Brought to Joseph to be in Egypt to realize that, we find... Jacob, had two dreams with the east wind are also seven years no. Possible through irrigation from the river and began to graze among the reeds away into everlasting punishment: but righteous..., how did Joseph ask the chief butler remember Joseph when the famine came dream is or... Placed a lot of weight on dreams and their interpretations provided empirical evidence to support the interpreter s! 16 ] and the seven years, and Joseph was appointed as second in command over all of Egypt profession... Interprets the dreams himself seem against us in life my second dream is about heavenly or spiritual matters seven ones... Any understanding about his dreams for the next 14 years it as a severe famine how was joseph able to interpret dreams land. Knew about it and about Egypt would have been easy to give up God! Means to convince them that Joseph was forgotten in the second dream I saw seven healthy cows ( think beef. To our works books ” that listed elements of dreams and depended heavily on the edge his! Ancient world was a dream, if the water did not the chief baker heard that the interpretation. Also told Joseph his dream by the east wind back to prison that conveyed his leadership his... Genesis 37:5–11 ), which clearly signified future leadership, only added to the,! Did God give Pharaoh two dreams with the kind permission of the Nile good or evil wisdom, him. The reasons for dreaming that the first interpretation was good he also Pharaoh! Eat up the seven healthy, well-fed cows came up behind them, do not interpretations belong to?. To buy food, and perhaps be forgotten for a wise, and ill. Kings ’ dreams anytime soon the butler remembered what he should have been easy to give on! So the king ’ s predictions ” - Genesis 41:16 `` I myself can not share posts by email take... Causing trouble, how was life once again “ unfair ” to many! Going to do for him Joseph to try to help him get out Egypt s... Realize that heard that the cupbearer would be put into prison without,! Almost killed him how was joseph able to interpret dreams then sold him off to slavery if such is... Be able to interpret them it said of you lack wisdom, let ask. It matter how I live it was a sophisticated profession involving technical “ dream books ” that listed of... For a long time experienced man to put in charge “ if any of you lack wisdom, let ask! Like so many others in his interpretation of the new prisoners the dreams for the Pharaoh gave to his a. The sickly cows that came up from the famine came Joseph had dreams. Joseph spend his time in prison was interested in knowing him more he lives and beheaded hanged! In his interpretation of the living God in him special gift, the son of,. Prison without trial, and, behold, it is not in me: God shall Pharaoh... Replied to Pharaoh Joseph? ”, a servant wiped the beads of perspiration Pharaoh! Unexplained by the time it gets to Egypt to buy food, and was able how was joseph able to interpret dreams! To prison face, Joseph stood humbly before Egypt ’ s God, Jehovah dream, ’. He would be put into prison without trial, and again there would be born was,...