Joseph’s life to the point of Genesis 41 has been anything but ideal. His brothers stripped him of his clothing, threw him into a pit, and then sold him to people passing through the land. These people then sold Joseph to a man named Potiphar. Potiphar’s wife wrongly accuses Joseph of trying to lie with her and Joseph is thrown into prison. While in prison God allows him to rightly interpret dreams of two of Pharaoh’s chief officers. Joseph only asks to be remembered when the interpretations come to pass; however, the chief cupbearer forgets Joseph and he remains in prison.
In Genesis 41, Joseph’s life takes a dramatic turn for the better. Two years have passed since Joseph interpretated the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. At this time Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, has two dreams which cause him to be troubled. Pharaoh calls for magicians and wise men interpret the dream; however, no one is able to interpret the dream. It is at this time that the cupbearer finally remembers Joseph. The cupbearer tells Pharaoh about Joseph’s truthful interpretations. Pharaoh calls for Joseph to interpret the dreams. In Genesis 41:16 Joseph gives the Lord credit for the ability to interpret the dreams: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Joseph is able to correctly interpret Pharaoh’s dreams by the power of God. In Genesis 41:39-41 the Bible describes Pharoah’s reaction: “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.””
The main lesson I want to bring out from this event in Joseph’s life is the importance of giving God the glory. Joseph correctly interpreted the dreams, not of his own power, but of the power of God. Joseph could have easily taken credit for the interpretations rather than giving glory to God; however, Joseph correctly gives God the glory and recognition.
Read Week 11 – Bible Stories to Share with Your Children: Joseph in Prison