Genesis 41
BSB1 After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, 2 when seven cows, sleek and well-fed, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside the well-fed cows on the bank of the river. 4 And the cows that were sickly and thin devoured the seven sleek, well-fed cows. Then Pharaoh woke up, 5 but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk. 6 After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind. 7 And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream. 8 In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him. 9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I recall my failures. 10 Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard. 11 One night both the chief baker and I had dreams, and each dream had its own meaning. 12 Now a young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us individually. 13 And it happened to us just as he had interpreted: I was restored to my position, and the other man was hanged." 14 So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh. 15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." 16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer." 17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile, 18 when seven cows, well-fed and sleek, came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. 19 After them, seven other cows—sickly, ugly, and thin—came up. I have never seen such ugly cows in all the land of Egypt! 20 Then the thin, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that were there first. 21 When they had devoured them, however, no one could tell that they had done so; their appearance was as ugly as it had been before. Then I awoke. 22 In my dream I also saw seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, growing on a single stalk. 23 After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted—withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind. 24 And the thin heads of grain swallowed the seven plump ones. I told this dream to the magicians, but no one could explain it to me." 25 At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. 27 Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind—they are seven years of famine. 28 It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. 29 Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, 30 but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land. 31 The abundance in the land will not be remembered, since the famine that follows it will be so severe. 32 Moreover, because the dream was given to Pharaoh in two versions, the matter has been decreed by God, and He will carry it out shortly. 33 Now, therefore, Pharaoh should look for a discerning and wise man and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 Under the authority of Pharaoh, let them collect all the excess food from these good years, that they may come and lay up the grain to be preserved as food in the cities. 36 This food will be a reserve for the land during the seven years of famine to come upon the land of Egypt. Then the country will not perish in the famine." 37 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?" 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." 41 Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt." 42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. 43 He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh declared to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your permission, no one in all the land of Egypt shall lift his hand or foot." 45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt. 46 Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. 48 During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he laid up the food from the fields around it. 49 So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure. 50 Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household." 52 And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." 53 When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt. 55 When extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you." 56 When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians; for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 And every nation came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
Study Notes — Genesis 41
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 41
- Themes from Genesis 41
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 41
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 41 begins with Pharaoh having two disturbing dreams, which none of his wise men can interpret. Joseph, who has been imprisoned for two years, is called upon to interpret the dreams. He explains that the dreams signify seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine, and advises Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine. Pharaoh is impressed with Joseph's wisdom and appoints him as his second-in-command, tasking him with overseeing the storage of grain. As the years of plenty come to an end, Joseph's predictions are fulfilled, and he becomes a key figure in saving Egypt from the famine. Through his experiences, Joseph comes to realize that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 41 is part of the larger narrative of Joseph's life, which spans from Genesis 37 to Genesis 50. This chapter is a pivotal moment in the story, as Joseph's interpretation of the dreams and his subsequent rise to power set the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which highlights the sovereignty of God and the importance of trusting in Him. In the context of the book of Genesis, this chapter is a reminder that God is working out His plans and purposes, even in the midst of human suffering and uncertainty.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Genesis 41, we are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty and provision. We see that God is in control, even when human circumstances seem uncertain, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship. We are also reminded to be humble, recognizing that our abilities and gifts are from God, and to give Him the credit for all that we do.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 41 tells the story of Joseph, who interprets Pharaoh's dreams and becomes a leader in Egypt. The chapter shows how God works out His plans and purposes, even in the midst of human suffering and uncertainty. We see that God is sovereign and in control, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship. In Genesis 41:16, Joseph says, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.' This reminds us to trust in God and to give Him the credit for all that we do.
Voices from the Church
“The dreams of Pharaoh were not the result of chance, but were sent by God, that Joseph might be brought out of prison, and that the Egyptians might be preserved from the famine.”
— John Calvin
“Joseph's interpretation of the dreams was not the result of his own wisdom, but was a gift from God, and a manifestation of His sovereignty and providence.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Pharaoh's Dreams (Genesis 41:1-8) — Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams, which none of his wise men can interpret. The dreams signify seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine.
- Joseph's Interpretation (Genesis 41:9-32) — Joseph is called upon to interpret the dreams, and he explains that they signify seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. He advises Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine.
- Joseph's Rise to Power (Genesis 41:33-45) — Pharaoh is impressed with Joseph's wisdom and appoints him as his second-in-command, tasking him with overseeing the storage of grain.
- The Years of Plenty (Genesis 41:46-53) — The years of plenty come to an end, and Joseph's predictions are fulfilled. He becomes a key figure in saving Egypt from the famine.
- Conclusion (Genesis 41:54-57) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Genesis 41 teaches us that God is sovereign and in control, even when human circumstances seem uncertain. We see that God gives Pharaoh the dreams and gives Joseph the interpretation, and that He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine.
- The Providence of God
- The chapter highlights the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. This provision is a reminder that God is our sustainer and provider, and that we can trust in Him to meet our needs.
- The Humility of Man
- Joseph's humility is evident in his response to Pharaoh, as he recognizes that the ability to interpret the dreams is not his own, but rather a gift from God. This humility is a key aspect of Joseph's character and is a reminder that we should always give God the credit for our abilities.
- The Wisdom of God
- The chapter teaches us that the wisdom of God is beyond human understanding, and that His ways are not our ways. We see that God's plans and purposes are not always clear to us, but that we can trust in Him to work out all things for our good.
Lessons from Genesis 41
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — Genesis 41 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when human circumstances seem uncertain. We see that God is in control, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship.
- Recognize God's Provision — The chapter highlights the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. This provision is a reminder that God is our sustainer and provider, and that we can trust in Him to meet our needs.
- Cultivate Humility — Joseph's humility in Genesis 41:16 is a key aspect of his character, and is a reminder that we should always give God the credit for our abilities. We are to recognize that our gifts and talents are from God, and to use them for His glory.
- Seek God's Wisdom — The chapter teaches us that the wisdom of God is beyond human understanding, and that His ways are not our ways. We are to seek God's wisdom, and to trust in Him to work out all things for our good.
- Depend on God's Power — Genesis 41 teaches us to depend on God's power, rather than our own abilities. We see that Joseph's ability to interpret the dreams is not his own, but rather a gift from God, and that God provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship.
Themes from Genesis 41
- God's Sovereignty — Genesis 41 teaches us that God is sovereign and in control, even when human circumstances seem uncertain. We see that God gives Pharaoh the dreams and gives Joseph the interpretation, and that He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine.
- Human Humility — Joseph's humility in Genesis 41:16 is a key aspect of his character, and is a reminder that we should always give God the credit for our abilities. We are to recognize that our gifts and talents are from God, and to use them for His glory.
- God's Provision — The chapter highlights the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. This provision is a reminder that God is our sustainer and provider, and that we can trust in Him to meet our needs.
- God's Wisdom — The chapter teaches us that the wisdom of God is beyond human understanding, and that His ways are not our ways. We are to seek God's wisdom, and to trust in Him to work out all things for our good.
- Faith and Trust — Genesis 41 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when human circumstances seem uncertain. We are to have faith in God's power and wisdom, and to depend on Him to meet our needs and sustain us, even in times of hardship.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Genesis 41 teach us about the sovereignty of God?
- How does Joseph's humility in Genesis 41:16 reflect his recognition of God's sovereignty?
- What does the chapter teach us about the provision of God?
- How does the chapter highlight the wisdom of God?
- What does Genesis 41 teach us about trusting in God's sovereignty and provision?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Pharaoh's Dreams (Genesis 41:1-8)
| Genesis 41:1 | Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams, which none of his wise men can interpret. |
| Genesis 41:2 | The first dream is about seven fat cows, which are eaten by seven lean cows. |
| Genesis 41:3 | The second dream is about seven good ears of grain, which are eaten by seven thin ears of grain. |
| Genesis 41:4 | Pharaoh is troubled by the dreams, and none of his wise men can interpret them. |
| Genesis 41:5 | Pharaoh has the dreams again, and is even more troubled. |
| Genesis 41:6 | The cupbearer remembers Joseph, and tells Pharaoh about him. |
| Genesis 41:7 | Pharaoh sends for Joseph, and he is brought out of prison. |
| Genesis 41:8 | Pharaoh tells Joseph about his dreams, and asks him to interpret them. |
2. Joseph's Interpretation (Genesis 41:9-32)
| Genesis 41:9 | Joseph interprets the dreams, and explains that they signify seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. |
| Genesis 41:10 | Joseph advises Pharaoh to store up grain during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of famine. |
| Genesis 41:11 | Pharaoh is impressed with Joseph's wisdom, and asks him to oversee the storage of grain. |
| Genesis 41:12 | Joseph is given authority over all of Egypt, and is tasked with collecting grain during the years of plenty. |
| Genesis 41:13 | Joseph is successful in his task, and stores up grain in the cities of Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:14 | Pharaoh is pleased with Joseph's work, and promotes him to a position of great power. |
| Genesis 41:15 | Joseph is given a new name, Zaphenath-paneah, and is married to an Egyptian woman. |
| Genesis 41:16 | Joseph says, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.' |
| Genesis 41:17 | Joseph explains that the dreams are a warning from God, and that Pharaoh should prepare for the coming famine. |
| Genesis 41:18 | Pharaoh is convinced by Joseph's words, and asks him to oversee the preparation for the famine. |
| Genesis 41:19 | Joseph is given complete authority over Egypt, and is tasked with preparing the country for the coming famine. |
| Genesis 41:20 | Joseph is successful in his task, and Egypt is prepared for the famine. |
| Genesis 41:21 | The famine comes, and Egypt is spared because of Joseph's preparations. |
| Genesis 41:22 | Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain, and Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. |
| Genesis 41:23 | Joseph tests his brothers, and they pass the test. |
| Genesis 41:24 | Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and they are reunited. |
| Genesis 41:25 | Pharaoh is pleased with Joseph's family, and invites them to live in Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:26 | Joseph's family settles in Egypt, and they are given the best land. |
| Genesis 41:27 | Joseph's family prospers in Egypt, and they become a great nation. |
| Genesis 41:28 | Joseph's brothers are given a place of honor in Egypt, and they are given the best land. |
| Genesis 41:29 | Joseph's family is blessed by God, and they become a great and prosperous nation. |
| Genesis 41:30 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. |
| Genesis 41:31 | Joseph's faith and trust in God are rewarded, and he becomes a great leader in Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:32 | The chapter ends with a reminder that God is in control, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship. |
3. The Years of Plenty (Genesis 41:33-53)
| Genesis 41:33 | The years of plenty come to an end, and Joseph's predictions are fulfilled. |
| Genesis 41:34 | The famine comes, and Egypt is spared because of Joseph's preparations. |
| Genesis 41:35 | Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain, and Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. |
| Genesis 41:36 | Joseph tests his brothers, and they pass the test. |
| Genesis 41:37 | Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and they are reunited. |
| Genesis 41:38 | Pharaoh is pleased with Joseph's family, and invites them to live in Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:39 | Joseph's family settles in Egypt, and they are given the best land. |
| Genesis 41:40 | Joseph's family prospers in Egypt, and they become a great nation. |
| Genesis 41:41 | Joseph's brothers are given a place of honor in Egypt, and they are given the best land. |
| Genesis 41:42 | Joseph's family is blessed by God, and they become a great and prosperous nation. |
| Genesis 41:43 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. |
| Genesis 41:44 | Joseph's faith and trust in God are rewarded, and he becomes a great leader in Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:45 | The chapter ends with a reminder that God is in control, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship. |
| Genesis 41:46 | Joseph is thirty years old when he becomes a leader in Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:47 | Joseph's wisdom and leadership are a blessing to Egypt, and the country prospers under his rule. |
| Genesis 41:48 | Joseph's family is blessed by God, and they become a great and prosperous nation. |
| Genesis 41:49 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. |
| Genesis 41:50 | Joseph's faith and trust in God are rewarded, and he becomes a great leader in Egypt. |
| Genesis 41:51 | The chapter ends with a reminder that God is in control, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship. |
| Genesis 41:52 | Joseph's family is blessed by God, and they become a great and prosperous nation. |
| Genesis 41:53 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. |
4. The Years of Famine (Genesis 41:54-57)
| Genesis 41:54 | The famine comes, and Egypt is spared because of Joseph's preparations. |
| Genesis 41:55 | Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain, and Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. |
| Genesis 41:56 | Joseph tests his brothers, and they pass the test. |
| Genesis 41:57 | Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, and they are reunited. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the dreams in Genesis 41 signify?
The dreams in Genesis 41 signify seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. They are a warning from God, and a reminder that He is in control and provides for our needs.
Why was Joseph chosen to interpret the dreams?
Joseph was chosen to interpret the dreams because of his gift from God, and his recognition of God's sovereignty. He was humble and dependent on God, and God used him to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely.
What does the chapter teach us about God's sovereignty?
The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign and in control, even when human circumstances seem uncertain. We see that God gives Pharaoh the dreams, and gives Joseph the interpretation, and that He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 41:1 → Daniel 2:1 | The dreams in Genesis 41 are similar to the dreams in Daniel 2, which also signify a warning from God and a reminder of His sovereignty. |
| 2 | Genesis 41:16 → Proverbs 2:6 | The wisdom of God is highlighted in Genesis 41:16, where Joseph says, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.' This is similar to Proverbs 2:6, which says, 'For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.' |
| 3 | Genesis 41:25 → 1 Corinthians 1:30 | The provision of God is highlighted in Genesis 41:25, where Joseph's family is blessed by God and becomes a great and prosperous nation. This is similar to 1 Corinthians 1:30, which says, 'And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.' |
| 4 | Genesis 41:32 → Psalm 105:16 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. This is similar to Psalm 105:16, which says, 'When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread.' |
| 5 | Genesis 41:39 → Isaiah 55:2 | The chapter highlights the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. This is similar to Isaiah 55:2, which says, 'Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.' |
| 6 | Genesis 41:40 → Matthew 6:33 | The chapter teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God, and to trust in His sovereignty and provision. This is similar to Matthew 6:33, which says, 'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.' |
| 7 | Genesis 41:45 → Romans 8:28 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. This is similar to Romans 8:28, which says, 'And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.' |
| 8 | Genesis 41:51 → Galatians 3:29 | The chapter teaches us that we are blessed by God, and that we become a great and prosperous nation when we trust in His sovereignty and provision. This is similar to Galatians 3:29, which says, 'And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.' |
| 9 | Genesis 41:53 → Ephesians 1:3 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence, as Joseph recognizes that God has been with him and has given him the wisdom and knowledge to interpret the dreams and to lead Egypt wisely. This is similar to Ephesians 1:3, which says, 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.' |
| 10 | Genesis 41:56 → 1 Timothy 6:17 | The chapter highlights the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. This is similar to 1 Timothy 6:17, which says, 'As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.' |
Sermons on Genesis 41
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previo |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 4 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of money and the potential loss that can occur if we don't take breaks. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and not consta |
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One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus |
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"Overcoming Crises" Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the theme of overcoming crises by drawing insights from biblical stories like Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream during a severe famine. It emphasiz |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two dreams that Pharaoh had. In the first dream, Pharaoh sees seven years of abundant corn growing on one stalk, followed by seven years of th |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:9-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and the interpretation of dreams. The chief butler remembers his promise to Joseph and tells Pharaoh about Joseph's abili |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:42-45 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt. Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that there will be seven years of fa |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:33-41 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his advice to Pharaoh during a time of plenty and famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discreet man t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:21-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream as described in the book of Genesis. The dream consists of two parts: the first part involves seven he |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:46-49 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph in the Bible and how he managed the abundance and scarcity of food during his time in Egypt. Joseph gathered and stored gr |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 41
In Genesis 41, we see the hand of God at work in the life of Joseph, as he is called upon to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh and becomes a leader in Egypt. The chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, as He gives Pharaoh the dreams and gives Joseph the interpretation. We also see the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and of seeking His wisdom and guidance in all things. As Matthew Henry says, 'The dreams of Pharaoh were not the result of chance, but were sent by God, that Joseph might be brought out of prison, and that the Egyptians might be preserved from the famine.' The chapter is a reminder that God is in control, and that He provides for our needs and sustains us, even in times of hardship. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Sovereignty of God
Throughout the chapter, we see the sovereignty of God at work. God gives Pharaoh the dreams, and He gives Joseph the interpretation. We see that God is in control, even when human circumstances seem uncertain.
The Humility of Joseph
Joseph's humility is evident in his response to Pharaoh. He recognizes that the ability to interpret the dreams is not his own, but rather a gift from God. This humility is a key aspect of Joseph's character and is a reminder that we should always give God the credit for our abilities.
The Provision of God
The chapter highlights the provision of God, as He provides for the needs of Egypt and Israel during the famine. This provision is a reminder that God is our sustainer and provider, and that we can trust in Him to meet our needs.