Genesis 41

Pharao having had two dreams, and finding none among his own people, that could interpret them, it happened that the chief Cup-bearer remembereth Joseph, v. 1, etc. whom Pharao causeth to be brought before him, and tells him his dreams, which Joseph interprets, and gives good counsel withal to Pharao against the death to come, 14. Therefore Pharao appoints him Governour, next to himself over the whole Kingdom, presents him stately, gives him another name, and a wife too, 37. Joseph being now thirty years of age, makes a progress through all Egypt, and lays up provision in the seven good years, 46. Gets two sons, Manasse and Ephraim, 50. The bad years are coming on, wherein Joseph sells off the provision of corn, unto the people, 54.

1. And it came to pass, at the end of two full years, [Heb. Two years of days, i.e. two complete years. The same phrase is found likewise 2 Sam. 14. 28. And Jeremiah 28:3. So also a month of days doth betoken a full month, above chapter 29. 14.] that Pharao dreamed, and behold he stood by the River. [understand the famous river of Nilus: which moistens and makes fruitful the land of Egypt in a most singular manner, by his yearly over-flowing of it; Therefore in regard of the excellency of it, it is called the River, without any other addition, or apposition. See Exodus 1:22. And 2. 3. And 7. 24, 25. So also is Euphrates called the River, by way of excellency, without the name added to it, above ch. 31. 21.]

2. And behold , there came up out of the River, seven Cows, fair of aspect, and fat of flesh, and they fed in the grass. [Oth. Brook-land, moist meadow, marshes]

3. And behold, seven other Cows came up after them, out of the River, ugly of aspect, [Heb. Evil, or bad of etc. i.e. ill-favoured, deformed, mishappen; so also below ver. 4. 20, 21. The fair ones on the contrary, are called good, ver. 22. 26.] and thin (or, lean) of flesh; and they stood by (the other) Cows, at the blank [Heb. Lip] of the River.

4. And the Cows, ugly of aspect, and thin of flesh, did eaten up the seven Cows, fair of aspect, and fat: then Pharao awaked.

5. After that, he slept and dreamt (a) second time, and behold, seven cars arose up in one stalk (or, blade) fat and good [i.e. fair, full, plump]

6. And behold seven thin and by the East-wind blasted (or singed) ears, [the property of the East-wind is, to burn and singe the fruits and grains, especially in those Countries: See Ezech. 17. 10. And 19. 12. Hosea 13:15.] did shoot forth after them.

7. And the thin ears swallowed up the seven fat and full ears. [i.e. full of sap and moisture] Then Pharao awaked, and behold, it was a dream. [To wit, not a natural, but a divine dream, proceeding from God, and not from any natural causes. Otherwise: This was the dream.]

8. And it came to pass in the morning, [after he had been roused a while] that his spirit was troubled, [see above ch. 40. On v. 6.] and he sent, and called all the Magicians, [or, Astrologers, Sorcerers, or Sooth-sayers, as commonly they are wrongfully called. Understand such as practiced either meer natural, or superstitious, if not many times Diabolical Arts, to foretell or interpret hidden and abstruse things, and to do several strange seats: of such, see Exodus 7:11. And 8. 19. & 9. 11. Daniel 2:2. 10.] of Egypt, and all the wise men, [understand all such, as excelled in any sciences, or a cuteness of wit and Judgement, or much experience. See Exodus 7:11. Daniel 2:12.] that were in it: and Pharao told them to Pharao. [them, the dreams namely, though the singular go before; for there were two dreams, or a twofold dream.]

9. Then the chief of the Cup-bearers spoke unto Pharao, saying; I remember my sins too day, [i.e. those which at such a time I committed against the King.]

10. Pharao, [i.e. the King; for the name of Pharao was a name common to all the kings of Egypt; so that Pharao signified as much with the Egyptians, as when we say, The King, or, his Royal Majesty, or as they say in Germany, The Emperour, and Sire in France. See above chapter 12.14.] was very wroth with his servants, and delivered me into custody, at the house of the chief of the guard, [see above chapter 37. 36.] me and the chief of the Bakers.

11. And in one night we dreamed a dream, I and he: we dreamed, each according to the interpretation of his dream. [See above chapter 40. On verse 5.]

12. And there was with us an Hebrew youth, [viz. of about 28. Years, as appears below, v. 46.] a Servant of the chief of the Guard: and we told them unto him, and he interpreted us our dreams: he interpreted them, unto each according to his dream.

13. And even as he interpreted to us, so it came to pass; [Heb. And it came to pass, even as he interpreted unto us, so it came to pass, Psalms 105:20.] and he hath restored into my estate, and him he hanged.

14. Then Pharao sent, and called Joseph, and they made him come hastily [Heb. Run] out of the pit [or, dungeon:] and the cut this hair, [Oth. He caused his hair to be cut. Joseph let his hair grow in prison, in token of sadness. See 2 Sam. 19. 24. Or, after the custom of prisoners; but now he gives way to be trimmed, and to have his apparel changed, not to appear in a ghastly and mournful habit and condition before the King, which was both undecent, and unlawful. See Esther 4:2.] and they changed his clothes, and he came to Pharao.

15. And Pharao spoke to Joseph; I have dreamt a dream, and there is none to interpret it; but I heard say of thee, (when) thou hearest a dream, that thou doest interpret it.

16. And Joseph answered Pharao, saying; it is without me: [Oth. Without me God shall, etc. or, it is not in me, Thus Joseph endeavoureth with discretion, to turn away Pharao’s eyes, which now were sixth on him, from thence to God, from whom the interpretation of dreams is to be had. See above chapter 40. 8. And Daniel 2:28.] God shall declare Pharao’s welfare. [Heb. Answer Pharao’s peace, i.e. that which shall serve to the serve to the peace and welfare of him and his. See above chapter 37. On verse 14.]

17. Then Pharao spoke to Joseph; Behold, in my dream I stood at the bank of the River; [Heb. At the lip, etc.]

18. And behold, there came up out of the River, seven cows, fat of flesh, and fair of feature, and they fed in the grass. [See above verse 2.]

19. And behold , seven other Cows came up after these, lean and very ugly of shape [Heb. ill, or, bad of shape, and so in the sequel.] slender [Oth. Empty, starveling, rascal] of flesh: I have not seen the like for ugliness in all the land of Egypt.

20. And those slender and ugly Cows, did eat up the first seven fat Cows.

21. Which came into their belly, [Heb. into their inmost, or, into the midst of them] but one perceived not, that they were come into their belly; for their look was ugly, as in the beginning: then I awaked.

22. After that, I saw in my dream, and behold, seven ears rose up in one stalk, full and good. [i.e. fair, and so in the sequel.]

23. And behold, seven dry, thin, and of the East-wind blasted (or, singed) ears did shoot up after them:

24. And the seven thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears: and I have told it the Magicians, [see above verse 8.] but there was none that declared it me.

25. Then said Joseph to Pharao; Pharao’s dream is one; [i.e. of one sort or kind, for matter of interpretation,] that which God is doing, [i.e. that which he shall, or, is about to do. Things to come are often set down in the Present Tense, as now in being, or doing, being as sure with God, as if they were past or done already: as below verse 28. Exodus 9:14. Joshua 11:6. Matthew 24:40. And 26. 28.] he hath made known to Pharao.

26. The seven fair [Heb. good, see above on ver. 3.] Cows, are seven years; [i.e. signify seven years. See above chapter 40. On verse 12.] the seven fair ears are likewise seven years; the dream is one.

27. And the seven slender and ugly Cows, which came up after those, are seven years; and the seven slender, of the East-wind blasted ears, shall be seven years of famine. [i.e. types and tokens of seven such years to come, whereby God gives us to understand, that in those years he will send a death into the land.]

28. This is the word, which I spoke unto Pharao: that which God is doing, he hath showed to Pharao.

29. Behold, for the seven years to come, there shall be great abundance [Heb. satiety, i.e. store of all manner of things, whereby men may satisfy themselves, and much superfluity besides.] in all the land of Egypt.

30. But after them, there shall rise up seven years of famine; then all that abundance shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt [for commonly that which is removed from the eye, abides not long in the thoughts of the heart. See ver. 31.] and the famine shall consume the land. [i.e. both men and beasts, that are in the land, so also below ver. 36.]

31. Also the abundance shall not be perceived in the land, by reason of that famine, [Heb. from the face of that famine] that shall be thereafter; for it shall be very grievous.

32. And concerning that the same dream is reiterated to Pharao: [it is worth observing, that the Repetition here doth imply and signify the firmness of God’s decree, and Acceleration of the Execution.] it is because the thing is firmly decreed [Oth. For God’s sake, or in God’s behalf] and that God hasteneth to do the same.

33. Therefore let Pharao look now for an understanding and wise man: and set him over the land of Egypt.

34. Let Pharao do (so), and appoint over-seers over the land; and take the first part of the land of Egypt [Heb. let him five the land, i.e. let him receive the fifth part of the fruit of the land, to wit, at a reasonable rate, to sell it afterwards again to the subjects in the time of death, at a rate proportionable.] in the seven years of abundance.

35. And let them gather all food [i.e. all manner of provision the ground affords, which may serve for food] of these approaching good years, and lay up corn, under the hand of Pharao [i.e. by his command, authority, and order. So Exodus 4:13. And 9. 35. And Numbers 7:8. Etc.] for food in the Cities, and keep it.

36. Thus shall the food be for store for the land, for seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt: that the land perish not of famine. [Heb. be not cut off, or destroyed]

37. And this word was good in the eyes of Pharao, and in the eyes of all his servants. [i.e. they were well pleased with this advise. See above chapter 19. On verse 8.]

38. Then Pharao said to his Servants, should we (be able) to find such a man as this (is) in whom the Spirit of God may be? [i.e. such Wisdom and Providence, as God by his Spirit hath bestowed on this man, in such a singular manner. Thus God wrought and disposed the heart of Pharao, for the executing of his Counsel.]

39. After that, did Pharao say to Joseph; since God hath made all this known unto thee, there is none (so) understanding and wise, as thy self.

40. Thou shalt be over my house, [see above chapter 34. On ver. 19.] and on thy command [Heb. on, after, or according to thy mouth. Thus the word mouth is taken for command, Exodus 17:1. And 38. 21. Numbers 3:16. 39. And chapter 4. 45. And 9. 20. Deuteronomy 17:10, etc.] all my people shall kiss (the hand;) [in token of reverence and submission. It was the custom then, as it is to this day, in most parts, that the subjects brought the hand to the mouth, or kissed the same, when any great ones spoke unto them, or laid their commands upon them. Compare Job 31:27. Hosea 13:2. Where this phrase is used for an idolatrous exhibition of honour or worship. And thus there is likewise by kissing intimated a willing obedience, as 1 Kings 19:18. Psalms 2:12. Oth. At thy mouth shall all my people kiss.] only (in) this Throne shall I be greater than Thou. [Compare this phrase with ch. 36. 9.]

41. Moreover Pharao spoke to Joseph; Behold, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. [i.e. observe and consider to what dignity and power I have exalted thee]

42. And Pharao took his ring from off his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, [in token of empowering him, to seal all things in his name.] and got him to be arrayed in fine linen, [a sort of linen, or cloth, which was very precious among the Egyptians, being very fine and white; see thereof Exodus 25:4. And 39. 27, 29. Proverbs 31:22.] and laid a golden chain on his neck.

43. And he made him to ride upon the second chariot which he had; [the second next the first, of the king's own; in token that he was exalted next to the King above all the Lords of the land, Esther 10:3.] and they called before his face: Kneel: [some render the word Abrech, tender father; tender, by reason of his youth, and father, for his office sake; even as the Lords of the land are called, The fathers of the fatherland. (patres patrie)] Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.

44. And Pharao said to Joseph, I am Pharao: [i.e. in regard of the Royal Majesty I am above thee. Otherwise: Take these words to be an oath, as if he should have said, as true as I am King, or by my Royal Majesty, none shall, & c.] yet without thee none shall lift up his hand, or his foot, in all the land of Egypt. [that is, they shall not dare to do or enterprise any thing without thy leave and liking.]

45. And Pharao called Joseph name, Zaphnath Paaneah [i.e. interpreter of secrecy, or hiddenness.] and gave him Asnath, the daughter of Potiphera, the chief (or Governor) [The Hebrew word doth indeed signifieth Priest, but likewise in general the chief or principal or President in Political affairs, and a person of great respect and authority. See 2 Sam. 8. 18. And 9. 4. 1 Chronicles 18:17. Job 12:19. Joseph was necessitated by his present employment and engagement to accept of this match; the children thereof being nevertheless accounted by Jacob, as the fathers of two Tribes in Israel, below chapter 48. 16.] of On, [the name of a City in Egypt.] to wife: and Joseph went forth through the land of Egypt.

46. Joseph now was thirty year old, [Heb. a son of thirty year] when he stood before the face of Pharao King of Egypt: and Joseph went forth from the face of Pharao, and he past throughout all the land of Egypt. [viz. in pursuance of the Kings command, to appoint Officers every where, and to prepare store-houses against the death to come]

47. And the land brought forth [Heb. made] in the seven years of the abundance, by handfuls. [i.e. as much, as if for one grain, one had gotten whole handfulls.]

48. And he gathered all the food of the seven years, [i.e. all manner of eatable grains and fruits; and so in the sequel. Understand this of the fifth part, as above verse 34.] and put the food into the Cities: the food of the field of every City, which was round about her, he did put within there. [Heb. Into her midst.]

49. Thus Joseph brought together very much Corn, as the sand of the Sea, [this phrase implies an exceeding great quantity, past counting, above chapter 22. 17. Judges 7:12. 1 Samuel 13:5.] until they ceased to tell (or, count); for there was no number. [i.e. it was past numbering. So likewise Judges 6:5. Job 21:33.]

50. And unto Joseph two sons were born, before a year of the famine came, whom Asnath, the daughter of Potiphera, the Chief, (or, Governour) of On, did bear unto him.

51. And Joseph called the name of the first-born, Manasse: [Heb. Menasscheh, i.e. making to forget] for, (said he), God hath made me to forget all my toil, and all my fathers house, [i.e. the vexation and toil and trouble I have been exercised with, as well here in Egypt, as in my father’s house.]

52. And the name of the second, he called Ephraim: [i.e. double fruit.] for, (said he), God hath made me to grow in the land of my oppression. [i.e. in this very land, wherein I have been much opprest before.]

53. Then the seven years of abundance, that had been in the land of Egypt, ended.

54. And the seven years of famine began to come on; even as Joseph had said: and there was famine in all countries [viz. lying round about; such as were Canaan, Syria, Arabia, & c. as below verse 57.] but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. [i.e. all manner of eatable grain, and fruits for the food of man.]

55. Now when all the land of Egypt suffered famine, [viz. when the particular provision of the inhabitants was spent] the people cried to Pharao for bread: and Pharao said to all Egyptians; go to Joseph, do what he tells you.

56. And when the famine was over all the land, then Joseph opened all, where there was (somewhat) in, [viz. all the store-houses, where the corn and provision was gathered and laid up.] and sold to the Egyptians: for the famine grew strong in the land of Egypt.

57. And all countries, [viz. the neighbouring countries round about, as before verse 54.] came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy; for the famine was strong in all countries. [The Hebrew has it, and all the earth (or land) came, etc. (veniebant), that is, the inhabitants of all the bordering countries.]