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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 317

"The king sent and released him, The ruler of the people let him go free." Psalm 105:20

Text: Genesis 41:1-57

RELEASED FROM PRISON

The Pharaoh’s order went out. Joseph was to be released from prison and brought to him immediately. Just one word, and Joseph’s stay in prison was over – for good!

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph,
and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon;
and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh.”
GENESIS 41:14


IN THE PRESENCE OF PHARAOH

The mighty Pharaoh spoke to Joseph not as a prisoner, but as one in search for truth. Without any preliminaries, Pharaoh brought up the subject of his dreams.

“I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.
But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream,
to interpret it.”
GENESIS 41:15


GIVING ALL GLORY TO GOD

Joseph was not tempted in the least by these flattering words from Pharaoh. He disclaimed any power within himself to interpret dreams. Instead he bore witness and made sure that he gave all glory to God.

“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
GENESIS 41:16


INTERPRETING PHARAOH’S DREAMS

Once again, Pharaoh rehearsed his dreams to Joseph. Would he be able to interpret his dreams about the “ugly and gaunt” cows that ate up the “fine looking and fat” ones? Would he also be able to explain his second dream of the “withered and thin” stalks eating up the “seven good heads” (Genesis 41:17-24).

Without hesitation, Joseph gave an interpretation of the dreams to Pharaoh.

“The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh
what He is about to do…”
GENESIS 41:25

Joseph took great care to emphasise that God (his God and not the gods of Egypt) had revealed what would take place shortly.

“Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout
all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine
will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt;
and the famine will deplete the land…
And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because
the thing is established by God, and God will shortly
bring it to pass.”
GENESIS 41:29-32

With great courage and clarity Joseph became God’s spokesman!