Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, dreams play a significant role in the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph's experiences with dreams are pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for him and the nation of Israel. The account of Joseph and his dreams is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37 and 40-41.Joseph's Early Dreams Joseph's first encounter with dreams occurs in his youth, as recorded in Genesis 37. At the age of seventeen, Joseph receives two prophetic dreams that foreshadow his future rise to prominence and the eventual subservience of his family. In the first dream, Joseph sees himself and his brothers binding sheaves in the field, and his sheaf stands upright while his brothers' sheaves gather around and bow down to it. Joseph shares this dream with his brothers, who interpret it as a sign that he will rule over them, which fuels their jealousy and animosity towards him. The second dream is even more striking. Joseph dreams that the sun, moon, and eleven stars are bowing down to him. When he recounts this dream to his father, Jacob, and his brothers, Jacob rebukes him, asking, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?" (Genesis 37:10). Despite the rebuke, Jacob keeps the matter in mind, recognizing the potential significance of the dreams. Joseph's Interpretation of Dreams in Egypt Joseph's gift for interpreting dreams becomes evident during his time in Egypt. After being sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned, Joseph encounters two of Pharaoh's officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, who are also imprisoned. Each has a troubling dream on the same night, and Joseph offers to interpret them, acknowledging that interpretations belong to God (Genesis 40:8). The chief cupbearer's dream involves a vine with three branches that bud, blossom, and produce grapes, which he presses into Pharaoh's cup. Joseph interprets this dream to mean that within three days, Pharaoh will restore the cupbearer to his position. The chief baker's dream involves three baskets of bread on his head, with birds eating from the top basket. Joseph interprets this dream to mean that within three days, Pharaoh will execute the baker. Both interpretations come to pass exactly as Joseph foretold. Pharaoh's Dreams and Joseph's Rise to Power Joseph's ability to interpret dreams reaches its zenith when Pharaoh himself is troubled by two dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. In the first dream, Pharaoh sees seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt and ugly cows. In the second dream, he sees seven full and good ears of grain swallowed by seven thin and scorched ears. The chief cupbearer, remembering Joseph's accurate interpretations, recommends him to Pharaoh. Joseph is brought before Pharaoh and, with divine insight, explains that both dreams convey the same message: Egypt will experience seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the collection and storage of surplus grain during the years of abundance to prepare for the famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and the Spirit of God within him, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as second-in-command over Egypt, giving him authority to implement the plan. Joseph's interpretation and subsequent actions not only save Egypt but also preserve his own family, who come to Egypt seeking food during the famine. Significance of Dreams in Joseph's Life The dreams in Joseph's life serve as a divine instrument through which God's providential plan is revealed and fulfilled. They highlight Joseph's unique role as a leader and savior, not only for Egypt but also for the nascent nation of Israel. Through dreams, God communicates His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness in the midst of human affairs. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 1:20,21But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take to you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 2:13,19,20 Library On the First Commandment The King in Exile Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Psalm CV. The Peculiar Sleep of the Beloved The Works of Philo that have Come Down to Us. Matt. I. 17 Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ... Matt. I. 1 Introduction Resources What are prophetic dreams? Does God give prophetic dreams to people today? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is God giving people in closed countries dreams and visions to bring them to faith in Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dreams: Excess of Business Frequently Leads To Dreams: False Prophets: Condemned for Pretending To Dreams: False Prophets: Not to be Regarded In Dreams: False Prophets: Pretended To Dreams: God the Only Interpreter of Dreams: God's Will often Revealed In Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Abimelech Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Daniel Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Jacob Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Joseph Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Laban Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Midianite Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Nebuchadnezzar Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pharaoh Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pharaoh's Butler and Baker Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pilate's Wife Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Solomon Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Wise Men Dreams: The Ancients: Anxious to Have, Explained Dreams: The Ancients: Consulting Magicians On Dreams: The Ancients: Often Perplexed By Dreams: The Ancients: Put Great Faith In Dreams: Vanity of Trusting to Natural Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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