Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
Joseph had been in prison for a long time, even though he hadn’t done anything wrong. But God was with Joseph and had a special plan for him. One day, everything changed when Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had two strange dreams that no one could understand.
Pharaoh’s Dreams
In the first dream, Pharaoh saw seven fat, healthy cows grazing by the river. Suddenly, seven thin, sickly cows came up out of the river and ate the fat cows!
In the second dream, Pharaoh saw seven healthy heads of grain growing on a single stalk. Then, seven thin and dried-up heads of grain grew and swallowed the healthy ones!
Pharaoh was very troubled. He called all his wise men and magicians to explain the dreams, but no one could figure out what they meant.
Joseph is Remembered
Pharaoh’s cupbearer, who had been in prison with Joseph, suddenly remembered something. He said to Pharaoh, “When I was in prison, there was a young man named Joseph who interpreted my dream. Everything he said came true!”
Pharaoh sent for Joseph right away. The guards brought Joseph out of the prison, and he was cleaned up and taken to Pharaoh.
Joseph Explains the Dreams
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had two dreams, and no one can tell me what they mean. I hear you can explain dreams.”
Joseph replied, “I can’t do it, but God will help me understand your dreams and tell you what they mean.”
Pharaoh told Joseph about the fat cows and the thin cows and about the healthy grain and the thin grain.
Joseph listened carefully and said, “God is showing you what will happen. The two dreams mean the same thing. There will be seven years of great harvests with lots of food. But after that, there will be seven years of famine, when there will be no food.”
Joseph’s Advice
Joseph continued, “Pharaoh, you should choose someone wise to collect and store extra food during the seven good years. That way, there will be enough food for everyone during the seven bad years.”
Pharaoh was very impressed. He said, “There is no one as wise as you! God has shown you these things, so I will put you in charge of everything. Only I will be greater than you.”
Joseph Becomes a Leader
Pharaoh gave Joseph fine clothes, a gold chain, and a chariot. He made Joseph the second-most powerful man in all of Egypt! Joseph went to work right away, organizing the storage of grain during the seven good years.
When the famine came, just as Joseph had said, there was plenty of food in Egypt because of Joseph’s wise planning. People from all over came to Egypt to buy food, and Joseph helped save many lives.
Lesson
Joseph’s story shows us that God can use us in amazing ways, even when we’re in tough situations. When we trust God and do our best, He can help us bless others. God always has a plan, and we can trust Him to work everything out for good!