Bible Commentaries

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh ^a dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

(a) This dream was not so much for Pharaoh, as is was a means to deliver Joseph and to provide for God's Church.

And he slept and dreamed the ^b second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.

(b) All these means God used to deliver his servant, and to bring him into favour and authority.

And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was ^c troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but [there was] none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

(c) This fear was enough to teach him that this vision was sent by God.

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I ^e do remember my faults this day:

(e) He confesses his fault against the king before he speaks of Joseph.

Then Pharaoh sent and called ^f Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved [himself], and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

(f) The wicked seek the prophets of God in their time of need, while in their prosperity they abhor them.

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ^g [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

(g) As though he would say if I interpret your dream it comes from God, and not from me.

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, ^h The dream of Pharaoh [is] one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he [is] about to do.

(h) Both his dreams have the same message.

Now therefore let Pharaoh ⁱ look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

(i) The office of a true prophet is not only to show the evils to come, but also the remedies for the same.

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the ^k Spirit of God [is]?

(k) No one should be honoured who does not have gifts from God fitting for the same.

Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy ^l word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

(l) Some read, "the people will kill your mouth", that is obey you in all things.

And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, ^m Bow the knee: and he made him [ruler] over all the land of Egypt.

(b) Or "Abrech": a sign of honour; a word some translate, tender father or father of the king, or kneel down.

And Joseph [was] ⁿ thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

(n) His age is mentioned both to show that his authority came from God, and also that he endured imprisonment and exile for twelve years or more.

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my ^o father's house.

(o) Nonetheless, his father's house was the true Church of God: yet the company of the wicked and prosperity caused him to forget it.