Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”
Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river; and behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, fat and sleek. They fed in the marsh grass; and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ugliness. The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle; and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke. I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good; and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”
Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is one. What God is about to do he has declared to Pharaoh. The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one. The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine. That is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. Behold, seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt are coming. Seven years of famine will arise after them, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land, and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous. The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 16, 17, 32 14. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph. We see…
14. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph. We see in the person of a proud king, as in a glass, what necessity can effect. They whose circumstances are happy and prosperous will scarcely condescend to hear those whom they esteem true prophets, still less will they listen to strangers. Wherefore it was necessary that the obstinacy of Pharaoh should be first subdued, in order that he might send for Joseph, and accept him as his master and instructor. The same kind of preparation is also necessary even for the elect; because they never become docile until the pride of the flesh is laid low. Whenever, therefore, we are cast into grievous troubles, which keep us in perplexity and anxiety, let us know that God, in this manner, is accomplishing his design of rendering us obedient to himself. When Moses relates that Joseph, before he came into the presence of the king, changed his garments, we may hence conjecture that his clothing was mean. To the same point, what is added respecting his “shaving himself,” ought, in my opinion, to be referred: for since Egypt was a nations of effeminate delicacy, it is probable that they, being studious of neatness and elegance, rather nourished their hair than otherwise. But as Joseph put off his squalid raiment, so, that he might have no remaining cause of shame, he is shaved. Let us know, then, that the servant of God lay in filth even to the day of his deliverance.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv14, 16, 19, 21, 25, 29, 31 The wicked seek to the Prophets of God in…
The wicked seek to the Prophets of God in their necessity, whom in their prosperity they abhor.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 32 Gen 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and…
Gen 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved [himself], and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
Ver. 14. And they brought him hastily.] Heb., They made him run: who haply knew not what this haste and hurry meant, but was betwixt hope and fear till he came to the king. It is God that "bringeth low, and lifteth up; that raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set him among princes," &c. {1Sa 2:7-8} In the year of grace 1622, the Turkish Janizaries, who have learned that damnable art of making and unmaking their king at pleasure, drew Mustapha, whom they had formerly deposed, out of prison: and when he begged for his life they assured him of the empire; and carrying him forth upon their shoulders, cried with a loud voice "This is Mustapha, Sultan of the Turks; God save Mustapha, &c.," with which sudden change the man was so affected that he fell into a swoon for joy, and they had much ado to keep life in him. {a} Our Henry IV was crowned the very same day, that the year before he had been banished the realm {b}
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And changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.] And should not we get on our best when we are to come before God? Should we accost him in the nasty tattered rags of the old Adam; and not spruce up ourselves with the best of our preparation?
{a} Mustapha, subita illa mutatione qua ex carcere ad summam dignitatem et potentiam evectus erat, ita commotus fuit, ut animi deliquium pateretur ,& c. - Parei. Medul., p. 1165.
{b} Dan., Hist. of Engl., p. 48.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv14, 16, 21, 25, 30 The dungeon, or prison, by a synecdoche of the…
The dungeon, or prison, by a synecdoche of the part for the whole. For it is not probable that Joseph, who was now so much employed, and intrusted with all the affairs of the prison and prisoners, Gen 39:21-23, should still be kept in the dungeon properly so called.
He shaved himself; for till then he suffered his hair to grow, as the manner was for persons in prison, or under great sorrow, 2Sa 19:24. But to appear in a mournful dress before the king was not convenient, nor usual. Compare Est 4:4.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v17 Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He dreamt that…
Here, I. Pharaoh relates his dream. He dreamt that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones and the lean ones, come out of the river. For the kingdom of Egypt had no rain, as appears, Zac 14:18, but the plenty of the year depended upon the overflowing of the river, and it was about one certain time of the year that it overflowed. If it rose to fifteen or sixteen cubits, there was plenty; if to twelve or thirteen only, or under, there was scarcity. See how many ways Providence has of dispensing its gifts; yet, whatever the second causes are, our dependence is still the same upon the first Cause, who makes every creature that to us that it is, be it rain or river.
II. Joseph interprets his dream, and tells him that it signified seven years of plenty now immediately to ensue, which should be succeeded by as many years of famine. Observe, 1. The two dreams signified the same thing, but the repetition was to denote the certainty, the nearness, and the importance, of the event, Gen 41:32. Thus God has often shown the immutability of his counsel by two immutable things, Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18. The covenant is sealed with two sacraments; and in the one of them there are both bread and wine, wherein the dream is one, and yet it is doubled, for the thing is certain. 2. Yet the two dreams had a distinct reference to the two things wherein we most experience plenty and scarcity, namely, grass and corn. The plenty and scarcity of grass for the cattle were signified by the fat kine and the lean ones; the plenty and scarcity of herb for the service of man by the full ears and the thin ones. 3. See what changes the comforts of this life are subject to. After great plenty may come great scarcity; how strong soever we may think our mountain stands, if God speak the word, it will soon be moved. We cannot be sure that tomorrow shall be as this day, next year as this, and much more abundant, Isa 56:12. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. 4. See the goodness of God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made accordingly. Thus he sets the one over-against the other, Ecc 7:14. With what wonderful wisdom has Providence, that great housekeeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from the beginning hitherto! Great variety of seasons there have been, and the product of the earth is sometimes more and sometimes less; yet, take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the manna is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence, He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers little has no lack, Exo 16:18. 5. See the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and the overplus of it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men alive, Gen 41:29-31. Meat for the belly, and the belly for meats, but God shall destroy both it and them, Co1 6:13. There is bread which endures to everlasting life, which shall not be forgotten, and which it is worth while to labour for, Joh 6:27. Those that make the things of this world their good things will find but little pleasure in remembering that they have received them, Luk 16:25. 6. Observe, God revealed this beforehand to Pharaoh, who, as king of Egypt, was to be the father of his country, and to make prudent provision for them. Magistrates are called shepherds, whose care it must be, not only to rule, but to feed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv14–32 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph,.... Sent messengers to…
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph,.... Sent messengers to him to come to him directly, ordered the captain of the guard, or keeper of prison, to loose him, and let him free, see Psa 105:20,
and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon; that is, out of the prison house; which, as Jarchi says, was made like a ditch or dungeon, or in which the dungeon was where Joseph was first put when he was brought to prison; though it cannot be thought that he continued there when he had so much respect shown him by the keeper, and had other prisoners committed to his care: however, he was fetched in great haste from his place of confinement, by the messengers that were sent for him; or "they made him to run" (h), from the prison to the palace, the king being so eager to have his dream interpreted to him:
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and he shaved himself; or the barber shaved him, as Aben Ezra; his beard had not been shaved, nor the hair of his head cut very probably for a considerable time; it being usual for persons in such circumstances to neglect such things:
and changed his raiment; his prison garments being such as were not fit to appear in before a king, and put on others, which either the king sent him, or the captain of the guard his master furnished him with:
and came in unto Pharaoh: into his palace, and his presence; what city it was in which this Pharaoh kept his palace, is no where said; very probably it was which the Scriptures call Zoan, that being the ancient city of Egypt, Num 13:22.
(h) "et currere fecerunt eum", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus; "et fecerunt ut curreret", Piscator.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv16, 29, 30 (1.) He gives honour to God; It is not…
(1.) He gives honour to God; It is not in me; God must give it. Great gifts then appear most graceful and illustrious, when those that have them use them humbly, and take not the praise of them to themselves, but give it to God, (2.) He shews respect to Pharaoh, and hearty goodwill to him, supposing that the interpretation would be an answer of peace. Those that consult God's oracles may expect an answer of peace.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv14, 16, 18, 21, 25, 31 Verse 14. They brought him hastily out of the…
Verse 14. They brought him hastily out of the dungeon] Pharaoh was in perplexity on account of his dreams; and when he heard of Joseph, he sent immediately to get him brought before him. He shaved himself - having let his beard grow all the time he was in prison, he now trimmed it, for it is not likely that either the Egyptians or Hebrews shaved themselves in our sense of the word: the change of raiment was, no doubt, furnished out of the king's wardrobe; as Joseph, in his present circumstances, could not be supposed to have any changes of raiment.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv14, 16, 29, 30 Gen 41:14. Brought him out of the dungeon —…
Gen 41:14. Brought him out of the dungeon — Or prison; for, as Joseph was now so much employed, and intrusted with all the affairs of the prison and prisoners, it is not probable that he should still be kept confined in the dungeon, properly so called. The king could scarce allow him time, but that decency required it, to shave himself, and to change his raiment. It is done with all possible expedition, and Joseph is brought in perhaps almost as much surprised as Peter was, Act 12:9; so suddenly is his captivity brought back, that he is as one that dreams, Psa 126:1. Pharaoh immediately, without inquiring who or whence he was, tells him his business, that he expected he should interpret his dream.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv14, 16, 23, 30 Shaved him. The Egyptians let their hair grow, and…
Shaved him. The Egyptians let their hair grow, and neglected their persons, when they were in mourning or prison. But on other occasions they cut their hair in their youth. (Herod. ii. 36. iii. 12.) It was not lawful to appear in court in mourning attire. (Esther iv. 2; Genesis l. 4.) (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph--Now that God's set…
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph--Now that God's set time had come (Psa 105:19), no human power nor policy could detain Joseph in prison. During his protracted confinement, he might have often been distressed with perplexing doubts; but the mystery of Providence was about to be cleared up, and all his sorrows forgotten in the course of honor and public usefulness in which his services were to be employed.
shaved himself--The Egyptians were the only Oriental nation that liked a smooth chin. All slaves and foreigners who were reduced to that condition, were obliged, on their arrival in that country, to conform to the cleanly habits of the natives, by shaving their beards and heads, the latter of which were covered with a close cap. Thus prepared, Joseph was conducted to the palace, where the king seemed to have been anxiously waiting his arrival.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 16, 25, 32 14. Brought him hastily — Hebrews, caused him to…
14. Brought him hastily — Hebrews, caused him to run. Every thing was excitement about the royal household that day, and hence the haste.
Shaved — According to Herodotus (ii, 36) the Egyptians never allowed their beards to grow, except while mourning for deceased relatives. The most recent researches into Egyptian archaeology confirm this statement. In order, therefore, to conform to the Egyptian ideas of propriety, Joseph was shaved in order to be presentable at the royal court.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv14, 16, 23, 25, 32 14. and they … dungeon] A clause probably introduced,…
14. and they … dungeon] A clause probably introduced, like that in Gen_40:15, in order to harmonize the E with the J version. In E, Joseph is a slave, not a prisoner: in J he is a prisoner, cf. Gen_39:21-23.
shaved himself] The Egyptians paid extreme care to matters of cleanliness. They were very generally themselves clean shaven. LXX and Lat. render “they shaved him.”
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv14, 18, 19, 23 (14) He shaved himself.—Herodotus (ii. 36) mentions that the…
(14) He shaved himself.—Herodotus (ii. 36) mentions that the Egyptians suffered their hair and beards to grow only when in mourning; whereas in Palestine the beard was regarded as a manly ornament. On Egyptian monuments only captives and men of low condition are represented with beards. In the prison, therefore, Joseph would leave his beard untrimmed, but when summoned into the king’s presence, he would shave it off. Abravanel notices that for each suffering of Joseph there was an exact recompense. It was for dreams that his brethren hated him, and by help of dreams he was exalted in Egypt. They stripped him of his many-coloured coat; the Egyptians clothed him in byssus. They cast him into a pit, and from the pit of the prison he was drawn forth by Pharaoh. They sold him into slavery; in Egypt he was made lord.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 16, 17, 25, 26 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought…
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily (literally, caused him to run) out of the dungeon: (vide Gen_40:15) and he shaved himself, this was exactly in accordance with Egyptian custom (Heb 2:36). Wilkinson states that "the custom of shaving the head as well as beard was not confined to the priests in Egypt, but was general among all classes" (Rawlinson"s "Herodotus," vol. 2. p. 49; cf. "Ancient Egyptians," vol. 2. pp. 330-332. ed. 1878). That the verb is not more exactly defined by a terra Cellowing, such as the head, (Num_6:9) the beard, (2Sa_10:4) but stands alone (the only instance of its intransitive use), appears to suggest that the writer was familiar with the practice of shaving (vide Havernick, "Introd.,and changed his raiment, as required by the customs of Egypt (vide Hengstenberg"s "Egypt," p. 30; of. (Gen_35:2) and came (or went) in unto Pharaoh.
HOMILIES BY J.F. MONTGOMERY Ver. 14.
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The blessing of suffering wrongfully.
Joseph had probably been three years in prison (cf. ver. 1 with 40:4). Sorely must his faith have been tried. His brothers, who had plotted his death, prosperous; himself a slave, spending the best years of his life in prison; and that because he had been faithful to God and to his master. We know the end, and therefore hardly realize his desolate condition when no sign of anything but that he should live and die uncared for and forgotten. But the trial comes more home to us when some one for whom we care, or perhaps ourselves, "endure grief, suffering wrongfully;" when unsuspecting frankness has been overreached, or trust betrayed, or feebleness oppressed.
We feel not only that wrong has been done, but as if there had been a failure in God"s care. It is one thing to acknowledge the doctrine of God"s providence, and quite another to feel it under pressure of trouble. A frequent mistake to think of suffering as calling for immediate restitution. Since God beholds the wrong, should there not be some speedy token that he does so? The truth which faith has to grasp is that God is carrying out a plan, for which all these things are.a preparation. We may not be able to trace it; but it is so. Thus it was with Joseph. All through these sad years God was guiding him. It was not merely that in time the cloud was removed; every step of the way had its purpose. (Joh_16:20) In the prison he was learning lessons of the soul, unlearning the spirit of censoriousness and of self-complacency, (Gen_37:2) and, by obeying, learning how to rule. And the course of events bore him on to what was prepared for him. Had he remained at home, or returned thither, or had Potiphar not cast him into prison, he would not have been the head of a great work in Egypt, the helper of his family, the instrument of fulfilling God"s promise. Not one step of his course was in vain; his sufferings were blessings.
I IN SUFFERING WRONG WE ARE FOLLOWING CHRIST. He suffered for us, "leaving us an example" (1Pe_2:21) of willingness to suffer for the good of others. This is the principle of self-sacrifice; not a self-willed sacrifice, (Col_2:23) but the submission of the will to (Luk_22:42; Heb_10:7) "This is acceptable with God" to accept as from him what he sends, though we may-not see its use. (Heb_12:5-7)
II FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN THE DISCIPLINE OF SUFFERING IS NEEDFUL. If it was so in our Lord"s sinless human nature, (Heb_2:10) how much more in us, who must be taught to subdue the flesh to the spirit I Without trial Christian courage and fruit-bearing graces would fail, (Joh_15:2) as without the winter"s cold the forest tree would not form sound wood. And trial calls them into exercise, (Rom_5:3) and through a sense of our weakness draws us nearer to God. (2Co_12:7-9)
III NOT ONLY TRIAL IN GENERAL, BUT EVERY PART OF IT WORKS GOOD. To every part the promise applies. (Joh_16:20) So it was with Joseph. God lays no stroke without cause. (Heb_12:10) The conviction of this works practical patience. This particular suffering has its own loving message.
IV WE OFTEN CANNOT FORESEE THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS. How different was the end to which God was leading Joseph from anything he could have expected or hoped for! Yet far better. We can see but a very little way along the path by which God is leading us. We walk by faith that his guidance is unerring, and that which he has provided is best. M. (Eph_3:20)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv14, 17 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph
Gen_41:14-16
Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph
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Joseph summoned into Pharaohs presence
I.
HIS LONG WAITING FOR NOTICE AND DELIVERANCE. The religious mind will see in this the wisdom of God.
1. In regard to the education of character.
2. In its adaptation to the circumstances of the individual.
3. In its elevation above all human infirmities.
II. THE MANIFEST HAND OF GOD IN IT. It was wisely ordered that Joseph should be under no obligation to Pharaoh for his deliverance. It is for his own sake that Pharaoh sends for Joseph. The chief butler was suffered to forget his friend, the prophet of his deliverance, and was forced to remember him only by circumstances. To neither of them was Joseph indebted. Thus it was Gods design that the chosen family should be under obligations to none. Their calling was to impart blessings to mankind, and not to receive.
III. HIS PIETY THROUGHOUT THE INTERVIEW.
1. His simplicity of character. He makes no long speech. He does not use the opportunity to glorify himself, or to plead for liberty and reward. His manner was dignified and respectful, yet marked by great openness and simplicity of character. Joseph is the same in the palace or in the prison.
2. His humility. He indulged in no spirit of boasting, though this compliment from the king would have tempted weaker men to be vain and proud (Gen_41:15). Joseph never forgot his character as a witness for God.
3. His calmness. He was conscious of Gods presence and of his own integrity, so he could afford to be calm before the rulers of this world.
4. His kindly consideration for others. Pharaoh might have reason for the worst fears when he heard of the interpretation of the bakers dream. Though a king he was not exempt from the common evils of human nature; nor from death--the chief calamity. But Joseph hastens to remove all fear of an unfavourable interpretation from his mind, by assuring him that the future had in it nothing but what would make for the peace of Pharaoh. (T. H.Leale.)
The turning-point in Josephs career
It is a very difficult thing to let patience have her perfect work. Who has not felt again and again the truth of the proverb, Hope deferred maketh the heart sick?
I. This sickness would, no doubt, again and again be felt by Joseph, when his patience was so long and so severely tried.
II. Look now at the means by which the deliverance of Joseph was brought about.
III. The perplexity of Pharaoh would only be increased by the inability of his wise men to resolve his doubts.
IV. Look now at Josephs introduction to Pharaoh.
V. See now what Joseph did, after interpreting Pharaohs dream. He did not stop there. He suggested the practical use to be made of the Divine revelation which was now granted. (C. Overton.)
The prime minister
I. OBSERVE JOSEPHS SUDDEN ELEVATION.
1. The elevation was unanimous. The imprisoned Hebrew had surprised king and statesmen with his high and noble qualities. By subtle methods God moved their hearts, and in a short hour Joseph was raised from prison to the highest pinnacle of power.
2. His main recommendation was spiritual Pharaoh recognized him at once as a man in whom dwelt the Spirit of God. The power of the Spirit is available for any emergency.
3. He was entrusted with supreme authority. Such was the high estimate of Joseph, created in all minds, that they felt he was worthy of the largest trust. They could trust him as they trusted the law of gravitation. A Christian will never abuse his power. Now, Josephs early dreams begin to be realized.
II. MARK HIS EMINENT CHARACTER.
1. It was transparent with honesty. Looking down into the clear waters of an Italian lake at night, you may see every star of heaven faithfully reflected; so, looking into Josephs character, every grace and virtue of heaven seemed there to shine. His mind was the mirror of an honest purpose.
2. It was a character marked by energy. Indolence, so common among Orientals, found no place in him. Soon as duty was discovered, it was discharged.
3. He was as religious in prosperity as in adversity. This is solid worth; this is rare piety. That tree is well-rooted which, can bear the scorching heat of summer, as well as the cold blast of a winters storm; so that mans soul is well-rooted in God who is as prayerful in a mansion as he was in a prison. When children were born in Josephs house the God of his fathers was not forgotten.
III. CONSIDER HIS SAGACIOUS POLICY.
1. Joseph was a great economist. In His administration God is a great economist, and Joseph followed God. Our spiritual riches should supply the lack in others.
2. Joseph was a man of order. Nothing was left at haphazard. In an enterprise so vast order was essential to success.
3. Josephs policy turned disaster into blessings. In Potiphars house, and in the State prison, Joseph had been learning daily the kind of administration prevalent in Egypt. His vigorous mind detected its weak points. He saw how easily discontent and sedition might arise; he saw where corruption and misrule crept in. And now he found an opportunity for applying a remedy. As the Prime Minister for Pharaoh, he made the sceptre of the king everywhere more powerful. (J. Dickerson Davies, M. A.)
Great changes in life
There are great changes in life. Some of our lives amount to a succession of rapid changes; and it takes a man of some moral nerve and stamina to stand the violent alternations of fortune. Some men cannot bear promotion. It is dangerous to send little boats far out into the sea. Some men are clever, sharp, natty, precise, wonderfully well informed, newspaper fed and fattened, and yet, if you were to increase their wages just a pound a week, they would lose their heads. That is a most marvellous thing, and yet nobody ever thought he would lose his head with such an increase of fortune. But it is a simple fact, that some men could not bear to step out of a dungeon into a palace: it would kill them. What helps a man to bear these changes of fortune, whether they be down or up? God-He can give a man gracefulness of mien when he has to walk down, and God can give him enhanced princely dignity when he has to walk up; a right moral condition, a right state of heart, the power of putting a proper valuation upon prisons and palaces, gold and dross. Nothing but such moral rectitude can give a man security amidst all the changes of fortune or position in life. His information will not do it; his genius will not do it. Nothing will do it but a Divine state of heart. It is beautiful to talk to a man who has such a state of heart, when great changes and wonderful surprises come upon him--when Pharaohs send for him in haste. It is always a good and stimulating thing to talk to a great man, a great nature, a man that has some completeness about him. It must be always a very ticklish, delicate, and unpleasant thing to talk to snobs and shams and well-tailored mushrooms; but a noble thing to talk to a noble man, who knows what prison life is, who knows what hardness of life is, and that has some notion of how to behave himself even when the greatest personages require his attendance. Few men could have borne this change. None of us can bear the great changes of life with calmness, fortitude, dignity, except we be rightly established in things that are Divine and everlasting. (J. Parker, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v17 Gen_41:32. The dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice.] This…
CRITICAL NOTES.—
Gen_41:32. The dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice.] This denotes the certainty and nearness of the event. (1Ki_11:9; Job_33:14; Psa_62:11.)—
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MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Gen_41:17-32
JOSEPH AS A PROPHET
In interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph shows himself a true prophet of the Lord. He has all the marks of those who are called to reveal the Divine mind to man.
I. Boldness. The true prophet has no fear of man. He speaks the word which God hath given him, regardless of consequences. He is ready to reprove even kings—to utter truths, however unwelcome. It required some courage to enter upon the perilous task of announcing to this Egyptian despot a famine of seven years. But Joseph had all the boldness of a man who felt that he was inspired by God.
II. Directness. Joseph spoke out at once, without any hesitation. There was no shuffling to gain time; no muttering—no incantations, after the manner of heathen oracles and prophets. This simple and clear directness is the special characteristic of Holy Scriptures; and by which they are distinguished from the literature of the world, which upon the deepest and most concerning questions never reaches a stable conclusion.
III. Positiveness. Joseph’s interpretation was throughout explicit and clear. There are no signs of doubt or misgiving. This Divine certainty is the common mark of all God’s prophets.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Gen_41:17. Here begins Joseph’s rise. Being in prison, he struck not fire, though he had a good brain; but waited till it came down from heaven to him, first in the butler’s dream, and now in Pharaoh’s.—(Trapp.)
It was happy for Pharaoh and for Egypt that the magicians confessed their incapacity to interpret this dream. Had they pretended to give some meaning to it out of the imagination of their own hearts, it is probable that he would have rested satisfied with it, and sought no further. Consequently when the seven years of plenty came, the abundance might have been spent in dissipation, and no provision made against the long and terrible famine. But when he was convinced that the mind of God was not with the magicians, he was forced to seek for light where he could find it.—(Bush.)
Gen_41:18-24. Even to the heathen and to infidels, God sometimes reveals great and secret things, to the end that it may become known how His Divine care and Providence may be traced everywhere within and without the Church.—(Starke.)
Gen_41:25-32. Joseph no doubt felt happy in seizing this opportunity to speak of his own God, the Ruler of the world, to Pharaoh, and particularly to proclaim His providence and foreknowledge. He knew that events would soon confirm his words, and that Pharaoh’s mind was already prepared to receive it.—(Bush).
Important truths are repeated in the Scriptures. God speaks once, yea, twice to man.
Joseph marks his God-consciousness more distinctly before Pharaoh, by saying Ha-Elohim, thus making Elohim concrete by means of the article.—(Lange.)
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On vv14, 25 Pharaoh tells Joseph his Dreams
Pharaoh tells Joseph his Dreams
v. 14. Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, he gave orders that he should be fetched, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon, the word being used here again to designate the unpleasantness of the prison, The description shows how quickly the fortunes of Joseph turned. And he shaved himself, the Egyptian custom permitting long hair and a beard only in case of mourning, and changed his raiment, as one fully sensible of the great honor conferred upon him, and came in unto Pharaoh.
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v. 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. In his anxiety Pharaoh overstated the facts, intimating that it was but necessary for Joseph to hear a dream, and the interpretation would follow as a matter of course.
v. 16. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me, literally, By no means I; Joseph was far from arrogating to himself this ability;—God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. It was both a prayer and a promise.
v. 17. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river;
v. 18. and, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored; and they fed in a meadow;
v. 19. and, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill-favored and lean-fleshed, such as in ever saw in all the land of Egypt for badness. As Pharaoh remembers the scene in his dream, the extreme ugliness of the lean cows stood out very prominently.
v. 20. And the lean and the ill-favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine;
v. 21. and when they had eaten them up, when in their greed they had swallowed them whole, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. Pharaoh added also this item for the sake of emphasIsaiah So I awoke. But immediately after falling asleep again, Pharaoh dreamed once more.
v. 22. And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good;
v. 23. and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them;
v. 24. and the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. Cf vv. 5-7. And I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me, v. 8.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv14, 17, 19, 22, 25, 27, 30 Pharaoh sent and called for
Pharaoh sent and called for
It is understood that Pharaoh sent servants. AT: "Pharaoh sent his servants to get Joseph" (See: Ellipsis)
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out of the dungeon
"out of the jail" or "out of the prison"
He shaved himself
It was common practice to shave both the facial and head hair when preparing to go before Pharaoh.
came in to Pharaoh
Here "came" can be stated as "went." AT: "went before Pharaoh" (See: Go and Come)
there is no interpreter for it
"no one can explain the meaning"
you can interpret it
"you can explain its meaning"
It is not in me
"I am not the one who can explain the meaning"
God will answer Pharaoh with favor
"God will answer Pharaoh favorably"
translationWords
Pharaoh
Joseph (OT)
dream
God
favor
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv14, 16, 17, 25, 32 41:14-15 Pharaoh immediately summoned Joseph from prison to interpret…
41:14-15 Pharaoh immediately summoned Joseph from prison to interpret his dreams. • He shaved, as was the Egyptian custom.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.