We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream. Genesis 41:11 WEB
In this verse, an Egyptian court official explains to Pharoah an experience he had while imprisoned with Joseph the favored son of Jacob. The official served as Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer. But for a time, he and Pharaoh’s baker endured arrest for displeasing their sovereign. While in prison, the captain of the guard assigned both the cupbearer and the baker to the care of Joseph.
Although imprisoned himself under false accusations from Potifar’s wife, Joseph found favor among his jailers. As we read in Genesis 39:21-22, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. KJV” Soon Joseph would find favor with Pharaoh himself.
While imprisoned with the cupbearer, Joseph interpreted a dream for him predicting the cupbearer’s release from captivity in three days. In addition, Joseph interpreted a dream for the baker, accurately predicting his release at the same time as the cupbearer. The cupbearer shared this information with Pharaoh who reported being troubled by a dream or two of his own. In his dreams, Pharaoh observed seven fat cows devoured by seven weak cows and seven healthy heads of grain consumed by seven thin heads of grain.
God Gives the Answer
When Pharaoh’s magicians and wise men failed to offer an interpretation of his dreams, Pharaoh sent for Joseph and asked him for an interpretation. Joseph replied to Pharaoh in Genesis 41:16 saying, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires. NIV” Inspired by God, Joseph explained Pharaoh’s dream as a message from the Lord revealing seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
In response to the wisdom of God revealed in the interpretation, Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of his palace, making him the second most powerful man in Egypt. In this role, Joseph administered a program of storing excess produce from the years of abundance. These stores of food saved Egypt and her neighbors from starvation during the seven years of famine.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom of your holy word. Thank you for enriching my life with the truth recorded in the Bible. Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to live a life that serves your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Upon This Rock
