In the land of Egypt, Pharaoh had two troubling dreams. In the first dream, he saw seven healthy cows grazing by the Nile River, but then seven sickly cows came and ate the healthy ones. In the second dream, he saw seven full and good heads of grain on a stalk, but seven thin and scorched heads swallowed them up. Pharaoh was deeply troubled and called for his wise men, but none could interpret the dreams.
At that time, Joseph, a Hebrew man who had been sold into slavery and imprisoned, was known for his ability to interpret dreams. When the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph’s gift, he told Pharaoh about him. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and said, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Joseph explained that the dreams had the same meaning: there would be seven years of great abundance in Egypt, followed by seven years of severe famine. He advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise man to oversee the storing of grain during the years of plenty so that Egypt would be prepared for the famine. Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s wisdom and appointed him as the ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself.
Under Joseph’s guidance, Egypt stored grain during the years of abundance. When the famine came, Egypt was prepared, and people from surrounding lands came to buy grain. Joseph’s interpretation and leadership saved Egypt from disaster and demonstrated God’s favor and wisdom.