a) Narrate the dreams of Pharaoh. (b) In what three ways did the interpretation of...

Explanation

A. THE DREAMS OF PHARAOH (GEN. 41:1-33)

i. Pharaoh dreamed of seven sleek and fat cows coming out of the Nile.

ii. He saw seven other slim and thin cows.

iii. The thin and slim cows swallowed the fat ones.

iv. He dreamed again of seven plump and good ears of corn growing in one stalk.

v. Another seven thin and blighted ears came up also.

vi. Again, the seven thin and blighted ears of corn ate up the good and plump ones.

vii. When he woke up, he was troubled and afraid.

viii. So he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt

ix. But his magicians and wise men could not interpret the dreams.

x. Then the chief butler remembered how Joseph had effectively interpreted his dreams in prison.

xi. The chief butler recommended Joseph to Pharaoh.

xii. Pharaoh narrated his dreams to Joseph.

xiii. Joseph emphasized that it is only God who gives favourable answer/interpretation to dreams.

xiv. Joseph gave good and acceptable interpretations to Pharaoh's dreams.

B. WAYS THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DREAMS AFFECTED JOSEPH AND HIS PEOPLE

i. Pharaoh made Joseph the leader of his household and people.

ii. Joseph was appointed next in rank to Pharaoh/ governor.

iii. Joseph was honoured with a royal marriage.

iv. He used his position to prepare adequately for famine.

v. He used his position to save his people during the period of famine.

vi. Reused his position to settle his family in Egypt during the period of famine.

vii. The episode brought reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. `

viii. Through him, God's promise to Abraham was fulfilled because Joseph brought security and prosperity to his family in Egypt.

ix. It led to his freedom/release from prison.