Joseph from the Bible - The Book of Genesis
Today's Thought: "Dreams are the subtle whispers of our inner self, urging us towards growth and understanding." - Unknown
There are many instances of Joseph interpreting dreams in the Bible, Book of Genesis.
1. Joseph's Own Dreams (Genesis 37:5-11):
Dream of the Sheaves: Joseph dreamed that he and his brothers were binding sheaves of grain in the field. His sheaf rose and stood upright, while his brothers' sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to his.
Interpretation (by Joseph): Joseph told his brothers that this dream meant he would one day rule over them. This angered his brothers, fueling their jealousy.
Dream of the Sun, Moon, and Stars: Joseph had another dream where the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to him.
Interpretation (by Joseph): He shared this dream with his father, Jacob (Israel), who rebuked him, asking if he, his wife (Rachel, represented by the moon), and his eleven sons (represented by the stars) would indeed bow down to him. This dream further intensified his brothers' resentment.
2. The Chief Butler's Dream (Genesis 40:9-15):
The Dream: The chief butler of Pharaoh dreamed of a vine with three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. He took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand.
Interpretation (by Joseph): Joseph told him that the three branches represented three days. Within three days, Pharaoh would restore him to his position, and he would again serve Pharaoh his cup as before. Joseph asked the butler to remember him to Pharaoh so he could be released from prison.
3. The Chief Baker's Dream (Genesis 40:16-19):
The Dream: The chief baker dreamed of three white baskets on his head. In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on his head.1
Interpretation (by Joseph): Joseph told him that the three baskets also represented three days. Within three days, Pharaoh would lift up his head (meaning execute him) and hang him on a pole, and the birds would eat his flesh.
4. Pharaoh's Dreams (Genesis 41:1-32):
First Dream (The Cows): Pharaoh dreamed he was standing by the Nile River. Seven sleek, fat cows came up out of the river and grazed in the reeds. After them, seven other cows came up out of the river, ugly and thin, and they devoured the seven sleek, fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up.
Second Dream (The Grain): Pharaoh fell asleep again and dreamed of seven heads of grain, healthy and good, growing on one stalk. After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind, and they swallowed up the seven healthy, full heads. Then Pharaoh woke up, and it was a dream.
Interpretation (by Joseph): Joseph explained that both dreams had the same meaning. The seven sleek, fat cows and the seven healthy heads of grain represented seven years of great abundance in Egypt. The seven ugly, thin cows and the seven thin, scorched heads of grain represented seven years of severe famine that would follow, so severe that the abundance would be forgotten. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint overseers to gather and store food during the seven years of abundance to prepare for the famine.
These are the main dream narratives involving Joseph in the Book of Genesis. They highlight his God-given ability to interpret dreams, a gift that ultimately led to his rise in power in Egypt and the saving of his family and the nation during the great famine.
Book of Dreams - Study Guide - Get Yours Today!
* The Dream
* Dream Timeline
* Dream Briefing
* Dream Study Guide
* FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The ebooks give an insight into the dreams that Mr. Kelly Dunn has been compiling for over thirty years.
Bookmark this page for future updates!