Genesis 41:14-36

Pharaoh Called For Joseph

Naturally, Pharaoh sent for the Hebrew who had interpreted the dreams of his servants in prison. Joseph cleaned up, shaved the hair of his head and put on fresh clothing and approached the ruler of Egypt. Joseph's answer when Pharaoh said he had heard Joseph could interpret dreams is most interesting. Just as he had told the butler and baker, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

Pharaoh related the dreams to Joseph. God's messenger then began to explain that God had revealed coming events to Egypt's ruler. Actually, Joseph explained, the two dreams had one message. Seven years of plenty were to be followed by seven years of famine which would make everyone forget the plenty. "And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass."

Joseph went on to suggest Pharaoh set a man over the land. This man would in turn select other officers to collect a tax of twenty percent during the time of plenty. Grain thus stored up would serve as a reserve during the years of severe famine to follow (Genesis 41:14-36).