Early Jewish History, Genesis 12—50 

Joseph and Pharoah

1. Pharaoh’s Disturbing Dreams (Genesis 41:1-13)​

2. Joseph’s God-Given Interpretation and Plan (Genesis 41:14-38)​

3. Joseph’s Faithfulness Rewarded (Genesis 41:39-57)

CENTRAL TRUTH: God gives wisdom and understanding to his followers.​

INTRODUCTION

     After he is sold to Potiphar, Joseph rises to the rank of overseer over Potiphar’s house (Gen. 39:4-6), is falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife for inappropriate sexual advances (vv. 11-18), is unjustly thrown into prison (v. 20), and then interprets two of the prisoners’ dreams (40:1-23). All seems hopeless for Joseph. At the end of Genesis 40, Joseph is still in prison, still separated from his family, and is even forgotten (v. 23).​

     Chapter 41, however, takes a dramatic turn for Joseph. Pharaoh has two troubling dreams (vv. 1-7), and the cupbearer whose dream Joseph correctly interpreted while in prison finally remembers the Hebrew dream interpreter (vv. 8-13). Pharaoh’s dreams become the catalyst that thrusts Joseph from his prison’s pit to the royal court. ​

1. PHARAOH’S DISTURBING DREAMS​

A. Visions of Cattle and Grain (Genesis 41:1-7)

B. The Cupbearer’s Remembrance (Genesis 41:8-13)

• Why do you suppose God spoke to Pharaoh through dreams?
  

Two Choices​

     When terrible things happen, there are two choices, and only two: we can trust God, or we can defy Him. We believe that God is God, He’s still got the whole world in His hands and knows exactly what He’s doing, or we must believe that He is not God and that we are at the awful mercy of mere chance.—Elisabeth Elliot​

2. JOSEPH’S GOD-GIVEN INTERPRETATION AND PLAN​

A. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams (Genesis 41:14-32)

B. Joseph Provides a Plan (Genesis 41:33-38)

• Once something is “established by God” (Gen. 41:32), what will the outcome be?
  

Wise Living​

     There are ten different categories the Book of Proverbs discusses in the idea of wisdom. It says we ought to have wisdom in character, discipline, fiscal responsibility, morality, marriage, decision-making, self-control, habits, relationships, and communication. Proverbs 16:3 tells us the only way this can be a life reality is when we commit to the Lord whatever we do. Only then will our plans succeed.—Paul L. Walker​

3. JOSEPH’S FAITHFULNESS REWARDED​

A. Joseph’s Sudden Promotion (Genesis 41:39-44)

B. Joseph’s Sons and Success (Genesis 41:45-57)



• Compare the going described in verse 45 with the going in verse 55.

Obeying a Higher Law​

     Daniel’s upcoming promotion by King Darius generated envy among the other government officials, so they schemed against him. They convinced the king to pass a law that prohibited all individuals from praying to any other god except to the king for the next thirty days. Daniel disregarded the law and continued his custom of praying three times a day to his God. For disobeying the king’s decree, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den. Because of Daniel’s committed devotion to God, God delivered him from the lions’ den and prospered him during Darius’ reign (Dan. 6:1-28).​

EVERLASTING REWARD​

    Joseph remained faithful to God in the face of extreme adversities, and God honored him, blessed him, and rewarded him in the land of his oppression. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus stresses the eternal rewards for those who overcome trials, adversities, and suffering. Everyone who overcomes will “eat from the tree of life” (2:7), eat “the hidden manna” (v. 17), have “power over the nations” (v. 26), “be clothed in white” (3:5), “sit with [Christ] on [His] throne (v. 21), and “inherit all things” (21:7). Let us stand firm so we may become worthy of our eternal hope.​

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2023-2024.