The Dream Interpreter

The sun was slowly descending, preparing to kiss the horizon. Its golden rays bathed the majestic walls of Pharaoh's palace, casting shimmering reflections across the tranquil surface of the palace pools. On most evenings, Pharaoh would stand on his balcony, savoring the splendor of the Egyptian twilight. But tonight, his gaze was distant, his expression clouded with unease.

For days, Pharaoh had been tormented by strange and vivid dreams, lingering in his mind with unnerving clarity. In one, he saw seven fat, healthy cows devoured by seven gaunt, skeletal ones. In another, seven lush, golden bundles of grain stood side by side with seven scorched and withered stalks, the contrast stark and ominous. These visions weighed heavily on his heart, leaving him restless and seeking answers.

Pharaoh’s brow furrowed as he paced the grand hall, his voice tense. “Is there no one in this kingdom who can interpret the meaning of these dreams? Am I to believe that Egypt’s wisest minds are silent before this mystery?”

In that moment, the chief cupbearer, standing at a respectful distance, felt a pang of recollection. He hesitated before stepping forward, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty,” he began, his voice cautious yet tinged with hope, “I remember that, two years ago, when Your Majesty’s wrath had sent me to the dungeon, there was a young Hebrew man there. He had the gift of interpreting dreams. He told me my fate, as well as the baker’s, and his words came true exactly as he said. His name is Joseph.”

Pharaoh’s eyes lit up with interest. “Bring him here at once,” he commanded. “If this man truly has such a gift, perhaps he can deliver the answers we seek.”

Joseph was then brought before Pharaoh. Beforehand, the chief cupbearer gave him proper clothing and helped him to cut his hair and shave. “I am so sorry, Joseph. After I was freed, I was too excited to start my new job and reunite with my family. I totally forgot to tell Pharaoh about you.”

Joseph smiled. “That’s okay. The truth is revealed only when the time is right.”

When he emerged, the palace staff looked at him in astonishment. Until then, they had only seen the young man in a disheveled state. As it turned out, he was strikingly handsome!

Pharaoh, too, was taken aback. He had expected the prisoner to be a frail, emaciated young Hebrew. Instead, Joseph stood before him, strong and healthy, showing no signs of the mistreatments or hardship one might expect from years in prison. Yet Pharaoh didn’t dwell long on his surprise at Joseph’s appearance. His pressing concern was the meaning of his dreams, and he was eager to hear Joseph’s interpretation.

Pharaoh’s voice was firm but curious. “I have had dreams, Joseph, dreams that no one can explain. I hear you possess the ability to interpret them.”

Joseph met Pharaoh’s gaze. His tone humble yet assured. “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Pharaoh recounted his dreams, his voice tinged with the unease that had haunted him. Joseph listened intently, his expression contemplative. When Pharaoh finished, Joseph spoke.

“Your Majesty, the dreams are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven healthy cows and the seven good heads of grain represent seven years of abundance. The seven gaunt cows and the seven scorched heads of grain represent seven years of famine that will follow. The famine will be so severe that the years of abundance will be forgotten.”

A hush fell over the court. Joseph continued, “Let Pharaoh appoint a discerning and wise man to oversee the land of Egypt. During the seven years of abundance, let food be collected and stored in cities under Pharaoh’s authority. These reserves will sustain the nation during the seven years of famine, so that Egypt will not be ruined.”

Pharaoh’s eyes gleamed with admiration. He turned to his advisors. “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom the spirit of God dwells?”

There was no dissent. Pharaoh turned back to Joseph. “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

Thus, Joseph, once a prisoner in a foreign land, was elevated to the second-highest position in Egypt. Pharaoh bestowed upon him a signet ring, fine robes, and a chariot. He was given the name Zaphenath-Paneah and a wife from a noble family. In every sense, Joseph dramatically had risen from the depths to the heights.

_____

For seven years, Joseph oversaw the collection of grain across Egypt. The fields yielded abundantly, and the storehouses brimmed with reserves. He worked tirelessly, ensuring every region was prepared for the years to come. His wisdom and diligence earned him the respect of all who served under him.

Then came the famine, just as the dreams had foretold. The once-fertile lands withered under a relentless sun, and hunger gripped the nation. But Egypt, under Joseph’s guidance, was prepared. The granaries were opened, and food was distributed to the people.

Word of Egypt’s foresight spread, and neighboring lands came to buy grain, their survival dependent on Joseph’s stores. Among those who journeyed to Egypt were Joseph’s own brothers. They came seeking food, unaware that the powerful man before them was the brother they had once sold into slavery.

Joseph recognized them immediately, but they did not know him. The years had changed him—the boy they had betrayed was now a man of authority and wisdom.

Joseph’s heart was torn as he watched them bow before him, fulfilling the dreams he had shared with them so long ago. Yet he did not reveal himself. Instead, he tested their character, seeking to understand whether they had changed. Through trials and questions, Joseph saw their remorse and their love for one another, particularly in their defense of their youngest brother, Benjamin.

Finally, Joseph could no longer contain himself. He ordered everyone else to leave the room, and with tears streaming down his face, he spoke. “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?”

His brothers were stunned, their fear evident. Joseph quickly reassured them. “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now, there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years, there will be no plowing or harvesting. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”

The reunion was joyous and tearful. Joseph embraced his brothers and sent them back to Canaan with instructions to bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt. Pharaoh himself welcomed Joseph’s family, offering them the best of the land.