Fruitful in the Land of Affliction

After two more years, God moves. Pharaoh's twin dreams baffle Egypt's magicians and wise men. The cupbearer finally remembers Joseph, who is shaved, changed and rushed before the king. Joseph's first words are humble and God-centered: It isn't in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Throughout his interpretation, Joseph repeatedly names God as the one who is acting: What God is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh. The doubling of the dream means the matter is fixed by God and will happen soon.

Joseph then offers wise counsel: appoint a discerning man, collect a fifth of the produce during the years of plenty, and store it for the famine. Pharaoh recognizes a man in whom is the Spirit of God and sets Joseph over all Egypt. The signet ring, fine linen, gold chain and second chariot fulfill, in a surprising way, the dreams of Genesis 37. At thirty, thirteen years after being sold, Joseph is exalted.

Joseph names his sons Manasseh (God has made me forget all my toil) and Ephraim (God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction). He does not deny his suffering; he testifies to God's grace within it. When the famine spreads, All countries came into Egypt, to Joseph, to buy grain. Through Abraham's descendant, the nations are being blessed. Christians have read this as a picture of Christ, who humbled Himself and was highly exalted (Philippians 2:8-9).