MPV Commentary

1. At the end of two full years, Pharaoh had two dreams in one night that were singular and similar, yet distinct and significant. These dreams troubled his spirit.

Pharaoh's official title was derived from an Egyptian word meaning "sun," signifying the royal authority. The prince who occupied the throne of Egypt at this time was Aphophis, a Memphite king known for his patriotism. Between Abraham's arrival in Egypt and Joseph's appearance there, more than two centuries had passed.

Kings sleep and dream just like their subjects. Pharaoh's dreams were so vividly impressed on his memory that he couldn't shake them off.

8. He called for all the magicians of Egypt to interpret these dreams. These individuals claimed supernatural skill in occult arts and sciences, including revealing mysteries and explaining portents. However, they were unable to decipher the meaning behind Pharaoh's dreams.

The distinction between "magicians" and "wise men" is unclear, but they formed different branches of a large group that laid claim to expertise in various areas. Despite their long practice, they were stumped by Pharaoh's dreams, which was part of God's plan to showcase Joseph's inspired wisdom.

9-13. The chief butler spoke up, saying, "I remember my faults against you, Joseph." This public acknowledgment would have reflected credit on the butler if it hadn't been obvious that he was trying to ingratiate himself with Pharaoh. It is right to confess our faults against God and others when we do so in a spirit of godly sorrow and penitence.

However, the butler's confession seemed insincere, as he didn't express any remorse for his actions or acknowledge God's goodness in announcing his release. His acknowledgment was likely a courtly art aimed at pleasing Pharaoh.

14. Then Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who had been imprisoned for two years. Now that God's set time had come (Ps 105:19), no human power could detain him any longer. During his confinement, Joseph may have struggled with perplexing doubts, but the mystery of Providence was about to be revealed.

Joseph shaved himself in preparation for meeting Pharaoh, as it was customary among Egyptians to shave their chins and heads upon arrival in the country. Thus prepared, he was brought to the palace, where Pharaoh anxiously awaited his arrival.

15-16. Pharaoh said, "I have dreamed a dream, but I don't know what it means." Joseph's genuine piety shone through as he disclaimed any merit and attributed his gifts or sagacity to the divine source of all wisdom. He expressed confidence that God would reveal what was necessary for Pharaoh to know.

17. Pharaoh described his dream: "In my dream, I stood on the bank of the river, where seven kine came up out of the water and fed in a meadow." The scene was set on the banks of the Nile, which was crucial for Egypt's fertility. Oxen were introduced in the first dream as symbols of the earth and food.

18-19. In the dream, seven kine emerged from the river and fed on rich fodder, representing years of plenty. However, seven other kine appeared, poor and ill-favored, symbolizing years of famine. The different conditions of these kine aptly represented the varying years of abundance and scarcity.

22. Pharaoh continued, "I saw in my dream seven ears of Egyptian wheat, full and good, but then blasted by a hot wind." This destructive wind was particularly devastating to grain in Egypt, where it would wither all vegetation (compare Eze 19:12; Ho 13:15).

23-24. The thin ears devoured the seven good ears, conveying the idea of destroying or absorbing the nutritious virtue of the soil around them.