Genesis 41 - Introduction

(E (JP).) Joseph and Pharaoh's Dreams

This is a continuation of ch. 40, and is mainly derived from E. In this section Joseph as the servant of God is not only rescued from the position of a slave, but exalted to be the first minister in Egypt. Pharaoh's dreams offer the occasion for Joseph's liberation. The incidents in the previous chapter, after a long disciplinary interval of waiting, are the cause of his being remembered by the chief butler. He is summoned into the presence of Pharaoh himself. His interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams is rewarded by a startling elevation into highest office 1 [57]

[57] " The points of resemblance between Daniel 2 and Genesis 40-41 are very striking. In both accounts we have a young Hebrew raised by the favour of a heathen king to great political prominence owing to his extraordinary God-given ability to interpret dreams. In both versions the heathen astrologers make the first attempt to solve the difficulty, which results in failure, whereupon the pious Israelite, being summoned to the royal presence, in both cases through the friendly intervention of a court official, triumphantly explains the mystery to the king's satisfaction." Encycl. Brit.edn. ii, art. "Daniel."

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The Compiler, in order to harmonize the accounts, introduces in Genesis 41:14 the mention of "the prison," which is taken from J.

1 7. Pharaoh's dreams.

8 32. Joseph as Interpreter.

33 36. Joseph's counsel.

37 46. Joseph as Grand Vizier.

47 49. The seven good years.

50 52. Joseph's sons.

53 57. The years of famine.