Two Dreams of Pharaoh,
Including Seven Years of Plenty and Seven Years of Famine
Genesis 41:1-24

Lesson 89

background notes

doctrinal points

1. Unbelievers cannot understand God’s program for the world.

2. Believers can understand God’s program for the world.

 

practical applications
1. Let’s remember that God remembers when others don’t remember.

2. Let’s remember to give God all the credit.

 

questions
1. What was usual about Pharaoh’s dreams, and what was unusual about them?

2. What part did the butler play in restoring Joseph to favor with Pharaoh?

3. Why is it that unbelievers cannot understand God’s program for the world?

4. Why can believers understand God’s program for the world?

 answers
1. It was normal in Egypt for cows to dip into the Nile River to escape the heat and insects, and then come up and graze in the marsh grass. It was unusual that seven mean, lean, ugly cows completely ate up seven sleek, well-fed cows. The same was true of the dream about the heads of grain. There was nothing unusual about seven plump heads of grain or seven thin heads of grain scorched by the east wind. What was unusual was that the thin ones swallowed up the good ones.

2. Pharaoh was troubled by his dreams, and none of his magicians or wise men could interpret them. It was at this point that the butler finally remembered Joseph and his interpretation of dreams. Joseph was taken from prison and brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams.

3. Although God’s program is black and white in Scripture, unbelievers are blind because they do not know God. See 1 Corinthians 1:20 and 2:14.

4. God gives wisdom and insight to those who love Him. Christians understand that everything is working toward the return of Christ and His kingdom.

 

discuss / consider
1. How can you know God’s ultimate plan for this world?

2. Do you remember that God remembers when others don’t remember? Give examples.

 

challenge
Remember to give God the credit for all that you have received from Him.

memorize

• “I remember my faults this day.” Genesis 41:9

• “It is not in me; God will give an answer of peace.” Genesis 41:16