Joseph spent two more years in prison and then Pharoah had a dream.
In his dream, Pharoah saw seven cows come up out of the river, fat and healthy looking. But then seven more cows came up ugly and thin. The thin cows ate up the fat cows, but they still looked thin.
The dream woke Pharoah up, it was so strange. But then he fell asleep and dreamed again. This time seven full ears of corn grew up on one stalk. Then seven thin ears grew up and ate up the seven full ears. But these didn't get any fatter either.
These dreams worried Pharoah. He called in all his wise men to tell him the meaning of the dreams, but they could not.
Then the butler remembered Joseph. He told Pharoah about the young man who had told him the meaning of his dream.
Immediately, Pharoah sent to the prison to bring Joseph before him. Joseph washed and put on clean clothes and then came to stand before Pharoah. He asked Pharoah to tell him the dreams and that God would tell him the meaning of them.
When Pharoah had finished telling the dreams, Joseph explained that the seven fat cows and seven fat ears of corn, meant seven good years where the land would produce well. The seven thin cows and thin ears of corn meant seven years of famine when nothing would grow.
Joseph told Pharoah to set someone up to gather in food during the years of plenty to prepare for the years of nothing. And Pharoah, recognizing that God was with Joseph, put him in charge. He gave him his signet ring, garments of fine linen to wear and a gold chain to go about his neck. He made him ride in a chariot while the people were told to bow the knee to him.
So for seven years, Joseph gathered grain into storehouses. The farmers had to give Joseph one-fifth of what they grew. During this time Joseph married and had two sons. And then, the famine began.
Things to Remember
Discussion
God knows our future and can rescue us from everything bad, even death. God had put Joseph in Egypt to help save many people from going hungry during the famine. Can you think of ways to help people who are hungry today? It is sad that there could be enough food for everyone in the world today but when people are selfish or don't want to share, that is when some people go hungry.
What did Pharoah dream about?
How did Joseph suggest he could prepare for the famine?
How do you think Joseph would have felt when he was taken from prison and suddenly an important person in Egypt?
Activity Suggestions
You might want to draw a picture of the dreams Pharoah had, or maybe create a picture of Joseph dressed in his robe and gold chain.
Create a picture using several types of dried beans, lentils, grains and seeds. This is called a mosaic. Draw a simple design (small and simple works best) on a piece of heavy cardboard. Spread a little glue on at a time and press seeds into the glue to make a nice pattern.