Joseph Rises to Power in Egypt
Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows swallowed by seven gaunt ones, and seven full ears of grain by seven withered ones, and no one can interpret it. Joseph, remembered at last by a former fellow prisoner, is brought from the dungeon, credits the interpretation to God, and reads the dream as seven years of plenty followed by seven of famine — then, unasked, proposes a policy: appoint an administrator and store one fifth of every harvest.
Pharaoh appoints him. When the famine comes it reaches Canaan, and Joseph's brothers arrive to buy grain and do not recognise him.
The reconciliation is the emotional centre of Genesis. Joseph weeps aloud, reveals himself, and refuses revenge — first at the reunion, then again after their father's death, when the brothers fear he has only been waiting: you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.
Where in scripture
[1] At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed: and behold, he stood by the river. [2] Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. [3] Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. [4] The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. [5] He slept and dreamed a second time: and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. [6] Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. [7] The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. …
Genesis 41:1–57 — opening verses
[1] Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he cried, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. [2] He wept aloud. The Egyptians heard, and the house of Pharaoh heard. [3] Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Does my father still live?” His brothers couldn’t answer him; for they were terrified at his presence. [4] Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” They came near. “He said, I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. [5] Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. …
Genesis 45:1–15 — opening verses
[15] When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.” [16] They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, [17] ‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. [18] His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” [19] Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God? …
Genesis 50:15–21 — opening verses
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
