Genesis 41, part 1: Yosef foretells of seven famine years in Mitsraim

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In part 1 of our review of Genesis 41, we witness Yosef’s incredible rise from a forgotten prisoner to second-in-command over all Mitsraim (Egypt). His journey unfolds through Pharaoh’s strange and troubling dreams—visions of cows and grain that reveal God’s sovereign hand over nations and individuals alike. This passage reminds us that God directs history according to His purpose, appointing seasons of abundance and famine. Through Yosef’s story, we learn to trust God’s timing, His justice, and His provision, even in life’s most difficult circumstances.

Yosef (Joseph) rose quickly from forgotten prisoner to second-in-command of Mitsraim (Egypt), all because of two strange visions Pharaoh had—one of fat and famished cows, and the other of plump and withered heads of grain. Behind all of this, we see the Creator’s hand at work, teaching Pharaoh, Mitsraim, and us about where we should place our trust.

Pharaoh’s dream occurred after two years, meaning it was in the third year since the cupbearer’s restoration to Pharaoh’s house, as mentioned in Genesis 40. At first glance, it is difficult to see the Messiah in this chapter, but He is there. At this point in Genesis, Ya’akov (Jacob) and Yosef’s brothers are no longer the focus of the story.

Pharaoh’s first dream begins with seven beautiful cows feeding beside the Nile, followed by seven skinny, ugly cows emerging from the Nile and devouring the seven beautiful cows. In nature, cows do not cannibalize each other. Their teeth and digestive systems are not designed for that. This is proof that the dream is symbolic and not rooted in natural reality.

The second dream involves a stalk of grain with seven healthy heads on it. Then, seven other heads of grain sprout from another stalk, scorched and beaten by the east wind. The scorched heads consume the healthy ones. The east wind comes from the direction of sunrise.

When Pharaoh’s cupbearer heard about Pharaoh’s dreams, he was reminded of his faults and sins. The cupbearer had not previously revealed what he knew about Yosef’s ability to interpret dreams—not out of fear of Pharaoh or anyone else, but because God had not yet appointed the right time for this revelation. The cupbearer was the guilty party, not the baker.

Was the cupbearer spared or the baker executed because Pharaoh was unjust? No; this is an account for us. God intended for the cupbearer to be spared, so he was spared. Just as God grants us mercy before we repent (Romans 5:8), Pharaoh granted the cupbearer a reprieve.

We do not know whether the cupbearer repented before or after his life was spared.

Yosef was only 28 years old when he met the cupbearer and the baker in prison, and God was not ready for Yosef to be released until he was 30 years old. God can cause us to forget or remember certain events in our lives according to His purpose, especially when He intends for something to be recalled publicly.

When Pharaoh heard about Yosef, he had him brought up from prison to meet him. Yosef had to shave and dress appropriately to meet the supreme ruler of Egypt, meaning he had to appear Egyptian.

When Pharaoh saw Yosef for the first time, he immediately asked him to interpret his dreams—this was all he required of Yosef.

Yosef told Pharaoh that God would give him the meaning of the dreams. Yosef was not the witness; God was the true witness.

Yosef explained that God would give Pharaoh a shalom answer—an answer of peace. God would reveal to Pharaoh what He planned to do in the future. Even though the coming events would be difficult, the answer brought peace because it was complete and honest, answering Pharaoh’s question about the purpose of his dreams.

We often speak about preaching the Kingdom of God and the “good news,” but before the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God, much suffering, war, and famine will occur. Yet, it is still called “good news.”

The word translated as “determined” or “established” is the Hebrew word כּוּן (kun), Strong’s Lexicon No. H3559. This famine was appointed by God. The fact that Pharaoh received essentially the same dream twice served as two witnesses. Pharaoh was given a “double confirmation.” This means God had set this course, and He would not deviate from it.

Reader: Jeff. Speaker: Richard Agee. Summary: Tammy