Tyndale Open Study NotesGenesis 41

God had used two dreams to identify Joseph as a leader among his brothers (37:5–11). He used two dreams to test Joseph’s faith in prison (40:5–14). Now God used two more dreams to raise Joseph from prison to a place of high honor and authority.

Joseph had shown that he was faithful in small tasks. Now God would give him responsibility over greater things.

Pharaoh's first dream was about cows. Cows often stood half-submerged in the Nile River's reeds to escape the heat and flies. They would leave the water to find grass.

The second group of cows worried Pharaoh because they were thin but were able to swallow the fat cows.

Pharaoh's second dream had a similar message. Seven shriveled heads of grain ate seven full heads of grain on one stalk and withered heads that grew afterward.

The magicians and wise men were part of a group of people who claimed special skill in spiritual matters, such as understanding dreams and visions (see Exodus 8:18–19; Daniel 2:10–11).

God used an Israelite slave to show that the wisdom of this world is limited (see Daniel 2). Even the most powerful nation is still under God’s rule and control (Daniel 2:20–23).

The chief cup-bearer finally remembered Joseph and testified that his interpretations were true.

• Pharaoh quickly summoned Joseph from prison to explain his dreams.

• Joseph shaved, following the Egyptian custom.

Joseph knew that only God could explain Pharaoh’s dreams (compare 40:8). He was sure God would reveal their meaning, as the dreams had a purpose (41:25, 28).

Pharaoh recounted his dreams and testified that no human wisdom could interpret them.

Both dreams predicted that seven years of abundant crops would be followed by seven years of severe famine.

The two similar dreams showed that the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly. This was like the dreams of the two prisoners that God quickly fulfilled (40:5–23). Joseph’s own two dreams (37:5–11) were also about to come true (41:37–46; 42:6–9).

• God’s message required a response. It was not given just to satisfy curiosity about the future. Joseph’s advice showed that he was wise and able to plan well. This is why Pharaoh chose him to lead (41:37–40).

• Joseph set up a system to store food. He placed one main leader over the work and local leaders in each area. He collected one-fifth (20 percent) of the grain and stored it for future needs. Later, wisdom literature (see study note on 37:2–50:26) teaches the same idea: plan for the future instead of living only for the present (see Proverbs 6:6–8; 27:12).

Pharaoh saw that Joseph was the right person for this work. He recognized that Joseph had the Spirit of God and was wise and understanding.

In this way, God showed his rule and authority over Egypt. Israelites who later read this story could trust that God would save them, just as he had promised.

Joseph was made the acting ruler or manager of Egypt.

• Pharaoh’s signet ring had a seal used for signing documents. The seal was impressed in soft clay, which hardened and left a permanent impression of the ruler’s signature, which carried his authority. Numerous seals of this type have been found in archaeological digs.

• The linen clothing and gold chain showed Joseph's new status as a ruler.

Pharaoh made Joseph second-in-command; all the people had to submit to him. Compare Psalm 105:16–22.

• As a sign of Joseph's new status, Pharaoh gave him an Egyptian name and a wife from an important family.

• On was a center for sun worship and later came to be known as Heliopolis (meaning "sun city").

• Joseph was thirty years old: It had been about 13 years since his brothers sold Joseph into slavery (37:2).

• traveled throughout the land of Egypt: As a wise manager, his first priority was to understand his responsibilities.

Pharaoh's dreams were fulfilled just as Joseph had explained.

• Despite his status and power, Joseph stayed true to his heritage. He gave his two sons Hebrew names.

• Manasseh: Joseph's wealth and success helped him forget the pain of being away from his family.

• Ephraim: By giving him this name, Joseph expressed his thanks to God for making him fruitful in Egypt.

Joseph’s wisdom paid off, for the seven years of plenty were followed by seven years of severe famine, but throughout Egypt there was plenty of food. Joseph had grain to sell to the Egyptians and to people from other countries as well.