Genesis 41:32

And for that the dream was doubled, &c.— We may remark here, 1st, That Joseph informs Pharaoh his dream was doubled, both for the fuller confirmation of the certainty, and the speedy execution of the event foretold: 2ndly, and which is the most essential, Both here, and in the foregoing discourse, Genesis 41:25; Genesis 41:28. he directs Pharaoh to look upon God as the Author of these events; for such fertility, and such famine, did not proceed from mere natural causes, but from the Providence of that All-wise Being, who presides over and directs the springs of nature's operations. The natural cause of plenty, and famine, in AEgypt, is ascribed to the Nile; for when that river, in its annual overflowings, rises only twelve cubits, a famine ensues; when thirteen, great scarcity; when fourteen, they have a good year; when fifteen, a very good; and, if it rises to sixteen cubits, they have luxuriant plenty. See Pliny, lib. 5: cap. 9. Now that this river should overflow so largely for seven years together, as to make vast plenty; and then, for the next seven years, not overflow its banks at all, or so little, as to make a long and grievous famine, could be ascribed to nothing but an extraordinary interposition of Providence. We may add, that such an event, lying out of the common course of nature; could only be foretold by supernatural assistance.

REFLECTIONS.—Pharaoh relates, and Joseph interprets to his full satisfaction. The dreams are one, to confirm the certainty of their fulfilment. They predict seven years of plenty, and seven years of famine which should succeed them, famine so severe as should consume the whole produce of the former years. Note; 1. The greatest plenty is often succeeded by the greatest penury; careful economy therefore is wise and prudent. 2. All our worldly comforts are like the abundance of AEgypt; the evil days come, when we shall no longer have pleasure in them. How solicitous should we then be to secure a more enduring portion. 3. What God hath decreed, will shortly come to pass; for time is swift, and death and eternity near, even at the door.