Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Dreams mentioned in the Bible

a) They are not the same as the dreams we have today

b) They were special messages from God

2. The dreams of two servants of the Pharaoh

a) The dream of the chief butler

i) His dream was fulfilled

ii) He was restored to his position as the chief butler

b) The dream of the chief baker

i) His dream was fulfilled too

ii) He was executed by the Pharaoh

THE DREAMS OF THE PHARAOH

1. The first dream

a) Seven fine looking and fat cows

b) Seven ugly and gaunt cows

c) The seven ugly and gaunt cows ate up the fine looking and fat cows
Genesis 41:2-4

2. The second dream

a) Seven heads of grain on one stalk arose

b) Seven blighted and thin heads sprang up

c) The blighted thin heads devoured the seven plump heads
Genesis 41:5-7

SEEKING THE INTERPRETATIONS OF THESE DREAMS

1. Pharaoh was troubled by these dreams Genesis 41:8a
And called his council of advisors

2. They were made up of:

a) Magicians

b) Wise men

3. His dreams were told to them Genesis 41:8b

4. But they could not interpret the dreams Genesis 41:8c

a) They feared the Pharaoh

b) If they were wrong, they could be jailed

c) They could also be executed

THE CHIEF BUTLER

1. He informed the Pharaoh about his dream

2. A Hebrew prisoner interpreted his dream correctly

3. He had all but completely forgotten about Joseph Genesis 41:9-13

THE PHARAOH CALLED FOR JOSEPH

1. Joseph was summoned

2. He had to make himself presentable to the Pharaoh

a) He had to shave

b) He had to put on a new set of clothing Genesis 41:14

c) The Pharaohs of old kept themselves clean-shaven

THE PHARAOH TOLD JOSEPH HIS DREAMS

1. He had heard that Joseph could interpret dreams well

2. He wanted Joseph to interpret his dreams Genesis 41:15, 17-24

JOSEPH’S ANSWER TO THE PHARAOH

1. He claimed no credit to his ability to interpret dreams

a) It is not in me

b) God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace Genesis 41:16

2. The Interpretation to the two dreams of Pharaoh

a) The two dreams are one Genesis 41:25a

b) God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do Genesis 41:25b, 28

c) The meaning:

i) There will be seven good years of “great plenty”

ii) They will be followed by seven years of famine

iii) The land would be depleted Genesis 41:30-31

iv) The dreams would be fulfilled Genesis 41:32

3. The suggestion of Joseph

a) This was beyond the interpretation of the dreams

b) This was needed and wise advice

i) The Pharaoh must select a wise and discerning person

ii) He is to be appointed to oversee the land

iii) Officers must also be appointed to collect 20% of the surplus harvest

iv) The access grain must be carefully stored under Pharaoh’s authority

v) This will ensure the survival of Egypt

CONCLUSION

1. The LORD was with Joseph

a) In Potiphar’s home

b) In prison

c) Even in being “forgotten” by the chief butler

2. The significance of the LORD being with Joseph

a) He was preserved

b) He was given discernment

c) He was given great wisdom

3. Joseph did his part:

a) He did not take credit at all

b) He spoke of his faith in God and sought to glorify Him

c) He spoke humbly but courageously