Topical Bible: Dream: Pharaoh

◄ Dream: Pharaoh ►

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In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh's dreams play a pivotal role in the unfolding of God's plan for the people of Israel. These dreams are recorded in the Book of Genesis and are central to the account of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who rises to prominence in Egypt.

Context and Background

Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a key figure in the account of Joseph, which is found in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually finds himself in Egypt, where he gains favor due to his ability to interpret dreams—a gift attributed to the divine wisdom granted by God.

Pharaoh's Dreams

The account of Pharaoh's dreams is found in Genesis 41. Pharaoh experiences two distinct dreams that trouble him greatly, and none of his magicians or wise men can provide an interpretation. The first dream involves seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt and ugly cows. The second dream features seven plump ears of grain swallowed by seven thin and scorched ears.

Genesis 41:1-7 describes these dreams:

> "After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river. And the cows that were sickly and thin devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up. He fell asleep again and had a second dream: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—thin and scorched by the east wind. And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh woke up and realized it was a dream."

Joseph's Interpretation

Pharaoh's cupbearer, who had previously been imprisoned with Joseph, remembers Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and recommends him to Pharaoh. Joseph is summoned and, with God's guidance, provides the interpretation of the dreams.

Genesis 41:25-30 records Joseph's interpretation:

> "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 ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. The seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them 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. Behold, 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 the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land.'"

Significance

Pharaoh's dreams and Joseph's interpretation are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they demonstrate God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate His plans through dreams. Secondly, they highlight Joseph's role as a divinely appointed leader who, through his wisdom and discernment, saves Egypt and surrounding nations from severe famine. Lastly, these events set the stage for the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, which is a crucial development in the history of Israel.

Pharaoh's response to Joseph's interpretation is one of recognition and reward. He elevates Joseph to a position of high authority, making him second only to Pharaoh himself. This elevation not only fulfills Joseph's earlier dreams of leadership but also serves as a testament to God's providence and faithfulness to His promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:1-36
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Prisoner who Became a Mighty Ruler
... "The dream came twice to Pharaoh to show that the famine will surely come,
and that God will soon make the dream come true. Now ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prisoner who became a.htm

Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint.
... Yet the chief butler forgot Joseph, and did not speak to the king about him as he
might have done. At the end of two long years, Pharaoh dreamed a dream. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter vii joseph a servant.htm

Goodness in a Dungeon
... butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a ... shot forth;
and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh's cup was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/goodness in a dungeon.htm

Joseph's Eagerness to Help Others
... So he asked Pharaoh's officers, "Why do you look so sad to-day?" They answered,
"We have had a dream, and there is no one who can tell what it means." Then ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs eagerness to help others.htm

Joseph and his Brethren.
... Both had dreams which troubled them much, but Joseph was enabled by God to interpret
their dreams for them. By-and-by Pharaoh, the king, dreamed a dream. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joseph and his brethren.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... "In my first dream," said Pharaoh, "I was standing by the river: and I saw seven
fat and handsome cows come up from the river to feed in the grass. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

Chapter xli
... The opening clause of this verse in literal translation runs thus: "and upon ('al)
double occurrence (hishshan??th) of the dream to Pharaoh" (is built the fact ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... me. And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: what God
is about to do he hath declared unto Pharaoh. The seven ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... Joseph had not only interpreted Pharaoh's dream, but had suggested a policy
in preparation for the coming famine. He had recommended ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Chapter xl
... all these accelerated processes involved, by the time the cup was in Pharaoh's hand
its contents was the customary wine. The whole makes up a dream just as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm