Browse Bible Study Resources

PHARAOH’S DREAMS

Text: Genesis 41
14 May 2013

(I) PHARAOH’S DREAMS

1. Dream #1 (Genesis 41:1-4)

a) Seven fat cows came out from the river

b) Seven thin cows also came out from the river

c) The Seven thin cows ate up the Seven fat cows

2. Dream #2 (Genesis 41:5-7)

a) Seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plumb and good

b) Seven thin heads blighted by the east wind sprang up

c) The seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads

3. Troubled by these dreams

a) Called for all the wise men and magicians (Genesis 41:8a)

b) No one knew how to interpret these dreams (Genesis 41:8b)

(II) THE CHIEF BUTLER

1. He spoke up and confessed that he had forgotten all about Joseph (Genesis 41:9-11)

a) He recalled the dreams he and the late baker had

b) Both dreams were interpreted correctly by Joseph

2. He recalled how Joseph’s interpretation was accurate and were fulfilled (Genesis 41:12-13)

(III) SENDING FOR JOSEPH

1. Pharaoh sent for Joseph (Genesis 41:14)

2. Joseph was presented to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14)

3. The Pharaoh asked him if he was an interpreter of dreams (Genesis 41:15)

4. Joseph testifies that God was the One who gave him the interpretation (Genesis 41:16)

(IV) PHARAOH REPEATS HIS DREAMS TO JOSEPH

1. Both dreams were told to Joseph (Genesis 41:17-24)

2. The magicians could not interpret them (Genesis 41:24)

(V) JOSEPH’S INTERPRTATION OF THE DREAMS

1. Two dreams, but one message (Genesis 41:25-32)

2. God had given an urgent message to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:28)

3. These dreams will be fulfilled

4. God will bring the dreams to pass (Genesis 41:29-31)

a) Great harvest for seven years

b) Severe famine for the subsequent seven years

5. Good and practical advice offered (Genesis 41:33-36)

a) To look after the produce in the plentiful years

b) This will be the reserve for the land when it has a famine

(VI) PHARAOH IMPRESSED WITH JOSEPH

1. He recognised the Spirit of God in Joseph (Genesis 41:37-38)

2. Joseph was set over all the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:39-40)

3. He was presented to Egypt with royal honour (Genesis 41:42-44)

4. He was also given a wife (Asenath) (Genesis 41:45)