Genesis 41:17-32 – The Interpretation
Joseph has told Pharaoh that God holds all dreams and their interpretations in His hands. Pharaoh now explains his dreams to Joseph. These are dreams of skinny cows eating fat cows and skinny, dead corn swallowing up good corn. To all hearing these dreams they must have seemed at first like nonsense, but God is even then revealing the meaning to Joseph.
Joseph tells Pharaoh that these dreams are a sign of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. The two dreams mean the same thing, but it is repeated to show how certain, near, and important these things are.
In this life there can be great and sudden changes as these dreams of Pharaoh remind us. After great plenty can come great scarcity. No matter how strong and sure we think the things of this life are, God can change them. We can’t be sure that tomorrow will be like today.
God shows His goodness in sending Egypt seven years of plenty before the famine, so that the people can provide accordingly. God is in control of each of the seasons and He controls the weather, drought, and famine in His perfect wisdom.
The years of plenty would be swallowed up and forgotten in the years of famine. The things we own, our jobs, our health, our families, the people we love the most, all can be taken from us in a moment and what will matter most at that time will be what our standing with God is. When we have to face God with our eternity hanging in the balance, our bank accounts and number of friends will be completely forgotten.
Questions
- What did Pharaoh’s dreams mean?
- Who was giving the plenty and famine?
- Why did God repeat His message in the dreams?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God holds all things in His hands.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.