Joseph was humble, and he pointed Pharaoh to the all-knowing God. Behind them, seven other heads of grain sprouted. [16] And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Was dream interpretation pretty commonplace in those days? Genius. ‘A nd Pharaoh said to Joseph, I had a dream last night, and no one is able to interpret it” [Genesis 41:15].. The two men explained that they were agitated by their vivid and puzzling dreams —and by the fact that they had no interpreter with them. [12] And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. Joseph took all the credit for interpreting the dreams himself. The Egyptian people had many wise men and magicians, some of whom sought to read fortunes by the stars. How to Interpret your Dreams offers all the information you need to start interpreting and understanding your dreams. So, when the pharaoh had a dream about seven lean ears of corn devouring seven fat ears, the priest in the temple looked into the books and the dream was not there, thus they were not able to interpret it. They knew that Joseph had been able to interpret dreams and was summoned to Pharoah to see if he could interpret the dreams he was having. Was Joseph correct in his interpretation of the dreams of the baker and the butler? Instead of causing trouble, how did Joseph spend his time in prison? It does not seem to have been unusual for people to tell their dreams to such a person, and get some kind of interpretation, but here in the prison there was no one to tell them the meaning of the dreams. [34] Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. This Joseph guy—whom the cupbearer forgot about the past two years—supposedly interpreted not only the cupbearer’s dream, but also the head baker’s dream. [21] And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. This grain will be used later during the seven years of famine. He's also unique in his ability to interpret dreams This spiritual gift is particularly striking because of the consequences: for Joseph himself, he gained comfort and assurance that he had been chosen of God. “Here are my dreams: I was standing on the bank of the Nile. Impressed by this, Pharaoh called for Joseph to be brought from the jail. Reply Credits Text by Jerri Fusch, used here with the kind permission of the author. In recent years dams have been built to control the floods and store water for the dry years, but in those days if the water came too high and stayed on the ground too long so that crops could not be planted in time, the result was famine. We see that they are telling of what is to come within their family life and beyond. Every year it overflows its banks, leaving a rich deposit of silt on the farmland, and, also watering the ground for a time. For these were no ordinary dreams. [12] And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: [7] And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy food, and after many tests, Joseph revealed himself to them. [6] And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. Check out how quickly Joseph’s brothers and parents were able to interpret Joseph’s dreams. [27] And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. As the Egyptians realised their living depended on the Nile River they worshiped it as a god. He was of the linage of David through Abraham. You are likely to know if your dream is a blessing or a curse to you. [9] And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; Is this true?” “No Sir, I can’t interpret dreams.” Joseph didn’t cower under his piercing gaze. When the king learned of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, he sent for him and asked if he could interpret his dreams. Apostolic Faith, West & Central Africa - All rights reserved. Give him my second-in-command chariot to ride among the people.”, And Joseph took up his duties over the land of Egypt. (Daniel 1:17) Joseph had an angel appear in his dream warning him to take the baby Jesus and his mother to Egypt to escape Herod’s plan to kill the child. Life in Egypt depended upon the River Nile. From now on, you’re in charge of my affairs; all my people will report to you. He told the king that Joseph interpreted correctly the dreams he and the chief baker had had, and he believed the captive Hebrew could help the king. After having his own dreams, being sent into slavery and then prison, it would be understandable if Joseph wanted nothing to do with dreams. But as soon as the butler was free he forgot to have compassion on someone else who was suffering wrongfully. The Bible gives us very little information about Joseph. “But God will give Pharaoh the answer he wants.” - Genesis 41:16. 3. “Look for a wise, experienced man to put in charge. We should remember Joseph when the odds seem against us in life. There was almost no rain, but agriculture was possible through irrigation from the river. [5] And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison. Joseph had been in Egypt about 11 years by this time, but in spite of his surroundings he had lived in such a way that he still had confidence that God would hear him when he prayed. [35] And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. The Four Dreams Of Joseph No. Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams. Joseph told Pharaoh that God was showing him that He would send seven years of ideal conditions in which crops would grow abundantly but they would be followed by seven years of famine. Not even the purring fountain or musicians could console him. “I’d say you’re the perfect man for this job. He does not want us to fret at delays, but has said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46.10). The withered heads of grain swallowed the seven good heads.”, A servant wiped the beads of perspiration from Pharaoh’s forehead. [5] And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. Joseph was thirty years old when he went to work for Pharaoh the king of Egypt. FAITH ORACLES By Yamkela Joseph. [3] No one could help, until Joseph came as an agent for God and was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. They made up excuses to justify their ignorance. But no one could tell they had eaten them. Pharaoh is so impressed by the Hebrew young man, that he appoints Joseph to be Prime Minister of Egypt, second in power only to Pharaoh himself. [10] Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker: For he'd remembered that Joseph was that certain dream interpreter -- who'd once interpreted his troubling dream correctly, as he was serving time in prison. 41 At the end of two years Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, 2 when seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows came up from the Nile and began to graze among the reeds. [18] And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days: When things are going badly, what can you do besides complain or get mad? Think about Joseph’s opportunities to reject God. But God had given him the dreams, and the servants of the devil could not understand them. Interpreting dreams in the ancient world was a sophisticated profession involving technical “dream books” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings. This is the third lesson in a series of 5 about Joseph’s life and the incredible way that God used him to bless his people. Joseph told Pharaoh the seven healthy cows (think angus beef) represented seven years of harvest. As Joseph did not deserve to be in jail, and he wondered if he had been forgotten, he asked the butler to remember him when he was set at liberty. This is the third lesson in a series of 5 about Joseph’s life and the incredible way that God used him to bless his people. Both men had dreams, and Joseph, being able to interpret dreams asked to hear. T; Both dreams meant the same thing. “But my God can.”, “Alright then,” Pharaoh sat on the edge of his gold engraved throne. So to interpret your dreams, you should be able to know at the end of it if such dream is good or evil. The Egyptians placed a lot of weight on dreams and depended heavily on the men who claimed to be able to interpret them. [9] Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: He did not say: "Perhaps I will never get home again, so what does it matter how I live? The dreams of Joseph are clearly prophetic in nature. [20] And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Travellers say they have seen it coming suddenly as a purple haze; and being warned by the natives, they would fall quickly on their faces to the ground in order to get enough air to keep alive. Joseph, the son of Jacob, had dreams that conveyed his leadership over his brothers. Records of the veracity of past dreams and their interpretations provided empirical evidence to support the interpreter’s predictions. Seven years without any crops would bring terrible suffering upon the earth, and many people would die unless provisions were made ahead of time. Surely this man has the spirit of the living God in him! This has always been one of my favorite bible stories, but I was thinking more about it this time around, and… What did Joseph ask the chief butler to do for him? Lesson Opening: Crazy Dreams When Joseph interpreted the dreams for the pharaoh, he was given a ring of gold. Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams came from God (Genesis 37:5). 41 At the end of two years Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile, 2 when seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows came up from the Nile and began to graze among the reeds. What do I have to lose? how could Joseph interpret dreams? Title: Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams Scripture: Genesis 40-41 Target Age Group: 3 rd-5 th grade Supplies: Story sequence strips (download here) Optional Story Illustrations: The Story of Joseph Coloring Pages. _The Kings and The Prophets Destiny Journey_ Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. Jesus said: "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream: "In my dream there was a vine before me, Genesis 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. Joseph was ready. Countless lives were saved through his actions, most notably the life of his family, through whom the Savior would be born. Seven years are coming when Egypt will have plenty of food. This evening I would like for us to study Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, and “The Four Dreams of Joseph.” II. When the chief baker heard that the first interpretation was good he also told Joseph his dream. tell me them, I pray you. Suddenly, seven healthy, well-fed cows came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. The cup-bearer's dream was about a vine with three branches that was budding. [31] And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. The seven empty heads of grain scorched by the east wind are also seven years. How was Joseph able to interpret dreams? Pharaoh measured the Hebrew from head to toe. 2 Peter 1:21 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as … 1. This week, we started learning about Joseph and how he was able to interpret dreams. True/False. Learn the insights into dream processes and the reasons for dreaming that the past 120 years of psychoanalysis have provided us with. With clean clothes and a freshly shaven face, Joseph stood humbly before Egypt’s king. Seven years of famine are coming.”. One morning when he came to them, perhaps to bring their breakfast, they looked troubled. It was the duty of the chief butler to serve wine to the ruling monarch; and, of course, the baker had charge of all the bread and pastry for the royal table. Genesis 41:16 "I myself cannot do it," Joseph replied, "but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer." Likewise, if the water did not come high enough, crops could not grow, and again there would be famine. (How exactly Pharaoh knows that Joseph's interpretation is correct is left unexplained by the text. To Joseph—but only to Joseph—the dreams were obvious. We should always remember that God is the Giver of every good and every perfect gift; and if we do our work particularly well, or have some special accomplishments, we should not get exalted and think how good we are, but just thank God that He has given us these gifts. It’s all the same dream. As soon as Joseph left Pharaoh’s presence, he began his work in Egypt.”                -Genesis 41:45-46 (MSG). I also give you Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On (Heliopolis) to marry.”, Pharaoh motioned for Merkha. But then seven years of famine will follow. He did not need a constant dialogue with God to realize that. How can we translate God’s plan for us into practical steps as Joseph did? DREAMS AND INTERPRETATION. Joseph interpreted that dream, and his God-given wisdom was so great that Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. ]; [Genesis:41:1-36 [1] And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And both dreams, according to the cupbearer, involved him! T; The Pharaoh sent Joseph back to prison. [8] And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. [20] And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: [22] And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: God has told Pharaoh what he’s going to do. Soon two men who had had high positions in the king’s court joined him but they had done something to displease Pharaoh. The only people who God has blessed with the ability to interpret dreams can do it and they weren't one of them. He knew that his gift of interpreting dreams came directly from the Lord. 3_35J_JOSEPH, THE INTERPRETER OF DREAMS.doc, 3_35J_JOSEPH, THE INTERPRETER OF DREAMS.pdf, 03_35JF_JOSEPH, L’INTERPRETE DES SONGES.docx, 03_35JF_JOSEPH, L’INTERPRETE DES SONGES.pdf. For two more years Joseph was forgotten in the prison. © 2011. Pharaoh made haste to have Joseph brought before him, and he told Joseph the disturbing dreams. But these were withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind. The kings in the time of Joseph were very much like the dictators we have heard about in European countries in recent years. The cup-bearer took those grapes and squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? 1. As we can see by Pharaoh's first dream, the years of plenty would probably come from a favourable condition of the river; and the years of famine, which follow would also come from the condition of the river. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. For example, in a dream, if a man saw his enemies making bad offerings, it meant people were working against him. In prison, Joseph did the work of interpreting dreams for these politically connected individuals. [11] And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand. The guide includes: Expert theories on dreams and why we dream. what did Pharaoh’s dreams mean? Pharaoh’s servants hastily retrieved Joseph from Potiphar’s dungeon. In this story, Joseph, his father Jacob’s favorite son, had been sold into slavery by his jealous older brothers, in a quintessential manifestation of sibling rivalry.After Joseph resists the advances of his first master’s wife, he is accused by her of attempted rape and he is placed in prison (Gen 39). After successfully interpreting the dream, Joseph was appointed as second in command over all of Egypt. They should collect all the food produced in the good years ahead and stockpile the grain under your authority, storing it in the towns for food. Why did God give Pharaoh two dreams with the same meaning? We need spiritual understanding to know the meaning of the things of God. [22] But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Then the chief cupbearer brought to his attention a young Hebrew slave whom he met in prison. Joseph gave Pharaoh a survival plan for the next 14 years. Joseph is brought before Pharaoh, and lo and behold, he correctly interprets the dreams! I. [8] And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh. [3] And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. The butler should have been grateful enough to Joseph to try to help him get out. 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside those cows along the bank of the Nile. 2. Any crops that might have come up in spite of the lack of water would be blasted by this terrible wind. “Pharaoh had the same dream twice. Say: Joseph did not take credit for being able to interpret dreams. “In my second dream I saw seven healthy, full heads of grain growing on a single stalk. It must have seemed a long time for him, and he must have been very much disappointed that the butler had been so thoughtless. 4 The sickly, thin cows ate the … Perhaps, he never have any understanding about his dreams, whether good or bad. [7] And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? So Pharaoh awoke. 2. But no one could interpret the vivid scenes that haunted him. But like Joseph, we may find ourselves thrown into a situation in any given moment. [6] And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. The two men did not know that their dreams had come from Joseph’s God, Jehovah. Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do. Not only did Joseph interpret the dreams, but he also advised Pharaoh how to avoid devastation in Egypt. But unfortunately for Pharaoh... none of these men would be able to interpret his dreams for him. If we could only learn to trust Him fully! Whe… No one was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Only as king will I be over you. [4] And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward. Joseph assured them that they did not need the astrologers and soothsayers, because God alone could give the proper interpretation. “I have heard that you interpret dreams. Pharaoh was looking more confused when he did not see anyone ordained by God to interpret his troubled dreams. He was living so close to the Lord that he could claim oneness with Him, just as the Word speaks of the sanctified people: "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews:2:11). Joseph’s second dream is about heavenly or spiritual matters. ... Joseph is able to forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery at the end of Exodus. Even after such precaution, one tourist said he had breathed enough of that hot air to make it necessary for him to be in a cooler climate several months before he got over the effects of it. Joseph encouraged the king to save up food during the years of exceptional plenty to feed the people when the famine came. Word got out about his skills in interpreting the cupbearer’s and the baker’s dreams while he was imprisoned, and so he is brought to interpret Pharaohs dreams of the 7 fat and 7 lean sheep. [11] And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. When Pharaoh started to have strange dreams, his advisers couldn’t understand or interpret them. That is what the pharaoh gave to his viceroys, ambassadors, and viziers. Pharaoh asked everyone but God helped him interpret the dreams. The butler told his dream first, and was very happy to hear Joseph say that it foretold his release in three days. Below is 7 things we can learn from Joseph’s dreams. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matthew:25:45, 46). [Genesis:40:1-23 [1] And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. Daniel was a prophet who was able to interpret dreams and understand all kinds of literature and learning. Pharaoh's Dream CowsSo lately, we've been studying Genesis in the girls bible study I've been going to on Thursdays. We should always remember that God is the Giver of every good and every perfect gift; and if we do our work particularly well, or have some special accomplishments, we should not get exalted and think how good we are, but just thank God that He has given us these gifts. (8-3) Genesis 37:28 The price received for Joseph, twenty pieces of silver, is the same price specified later in the Mosaic law for a slave between the ages of five and twenty (see Leviticus 27:5 ). Joseph’s response to their dreams is pretty remarkable and telling of what had been happening in Joseph’s heart. The Joseph story was written by someone who knew about it and about Egypt. [21] And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand: Is this true?”, “No Sir, I can’t interpret dreams.” Joseph didn’t cower under his piercing gaze. Plain and simple. [28] This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Because of the favour God had given Joseph with his keepers, he was put in charge of the new prisoners. [23] Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him. 5. Surely his blood-kin gods sent him a message. They couldn'tt interpret dreams. This matter is irrevocable, as signified by your recurring dream.”, Incredible. Joseph stockpiled grain to avoid a terrible famine. [15] For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon. [14] But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: This leads Pharaoh to invite Joseph to interpret his disturbing dreams, and upon his successfully doing so, Joseph is appointed to be Pharaoh’s number two (Gen 41). He named his firstborn Manasseh (Forget), saying, “God made me forget all my hardships and my parental home.” He named his second son Ephraim (Double Prosperity), saying, “God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow,” (vs. 50-52). Before the years of famine came Joseph had two sons with Asenath. If someone displeased them, he would be put into prison without trial, and perhaps be forgotten for a long time. Thus Joseph found himself in prison -- not for any wicked deed he had done, but because a woman's pride had been hurt, and she wanted to get revenge. Seven other cows—scrawny and sick—snuck up behind them. Joseph did not take any credit for his ability to interpret dreams, but gave God all the glory. Your name shall be Zaphenath-Paneah, for God speaks and He lives! This Hebrew clearly spoke truth. 7 Lesson’s From Joseph’s Dreams. Joseph’s dreams (see Genesis 37:5–11), which clearly signified future leadership, only added to the resentment among the brothers. It would have been easy to give up on God when his brothers sold him into slavery. [26] The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. Joseph was kind-hearted, and he was interested in knowing why they felt so sad. We should be able to interpret dreams so much better today than at any time in the past. [13] And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged. But God never forgets His own, and though things do not always come to us as soon as we think they should, remember that God knows best and will bring things to pass in His time and for His glory. However, he was not so fortunate. He confidently answered in Genesis 41:16 saying, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Joseph, by the Spirit, interpreted the king’s dream. For they looked just as scrawny as before.”, Pharaoh inhaled deeply. [10] And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: Interpreting dreams in the ancient world was a sophisticated profession involving technical “dream books” that listed elements of dreams and their meanings. [2] And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. [15] And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. “What shall I do Joseph?”, Joseph’s gaze rested on the vegetable garden outside Pharaoh’s window. Praying against any dream without knowing its spiritual attachment, it could be bad. Either the person will understand or God will provide someone who will be able to interpret the message. [19] Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. truly interpret dreams, and Joseph was God’s instrument. Pharaoh liked that he didn’t twitch or shuffle his feet like so many others in his presence. While in prison, Joseph precisely interpreted two dreams that predicted events which would happen. [3] And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. The rest of the chapter tells of their dreams, Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams, and how the interpretations were later fulfilled. In this passage we find an important key regarding the interpretation of dreams: If God chooses to communicate with someone through a dream or vision, He will make sure the message is understood. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. Genesis 41:1-8 tells us of Pharaoh’s dream and his inability to find someone able to interpret it. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. ]. Some time later, through a divinely appointed sequence of events, Joseph was given the opportunity of a lifetime. There, he successfully interprets the dreams of fellow prisoners (Gen 40), revealing his divinely sent capacity to understand, with God’s help, the meaning of dreams. Dreams Can Tell the Future and Be Prophetic . The sickly cows ate up the seven healthy ones. Joseph paused a moment to let the news soak in. The ring was a sign of authority, a signet ring with their name on it, and they could seal things. Thus Joseph was finally allowed to see why God had allowed such hardship to come into his life. Bible Story In the second dream was added another terror -- that of the east wind. God gave Joseph not only the ability to interpret dreams, but also the wisdom to rule Egypt. [36] And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. Each with complete accuracy. F The cupbearer to Pharaoh remembered at this time how Joseph was able to interpret both his dream and the dream of Pharaoh’s chief baker while they were in jail and both interpretations came to pass exactly as they were told. Egyptians were fond of the supernatural and dream interpretations were a clear means to convince them that Joseph was a messenger of God. Lesson Opening: Crazy Dreams 3 After them, seven other cows, sickly and thin, came up from the Nile and stood beside those cows along the bank of the Nile. My gems are smarter than all the magicians and wise men combined! The King's Dreams This wind blows across the Arabian Desert, and is very hot by the time it gets to Egypt. Like Joseph, do others see God’s Spirit living in us? “No one in all of Egypt can tell me the meaning.”, Joseph looked Pharaoh directly in the eyes and spoke in a quiet, respectful tone. [19] And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: Once again, these dreams are concerned with food, sustenance, and the earth: By interpreting this dream correctly, Joseph averts a famine and saves the people.