v1  Joseph had to wait another two "full years". Circumstances are changed, to bring about his release and exaltation. The timing is significant, as Pharaoh had dreams to be interpreted, and Jacob’s family was in need of food. Further, God’s predictions to Abraham (15.13-14) had to be fulfilled.

v2-4  Pharaoh’s dream is dramatic. Seven fat and healthy cows are eaten up by seven thin, ugly cows.

v5-7  The dream is repeated with ears of corn. The thin ears swallowed up the healthy ears

v8  No one could interpret the dreams (see Dan 4.7; 5.8).

v9  It was no accident that the butler still served Pharaoh, and he recalls Joseph’s interpretation of his dream two years earlier. He rightly remembered his "short-comings", his failure to speak of Joseph earlier.

v12-13  The butler’s recollection of Joseph was of a young man of integrity and humility. 

v14-15  Pharaoh acts with some urgency, bringing Joseph out of prison.

v16  "I cannot do it"; Joseph’s humility. He claims no special power of himself. It is God who gives the interpretation of dreams (40.8; Dan 2.27-28).

Like Daniel, Joseph had to bring good news and bad news, to the butler and baker, and now to Pharaoh. The faithful man brings the message of God in full, without changing it to suit his audience.

v17-24  Pharaoh’s description is detailed and genuine.

v21  No one could tell that the thin cows had eaten the healthy cows; just as the seven years of plenty were forgotten in the famine (v30-31).

v24  None of the magicians of Egypt could explain the dreams. Later, at the time of Moses, the magicians are again defeated by God’s power. We note the occultist religion in Egypt.

v25  God has revealed things to Pharaoh. The fact that he had no faith in the true God did not stop God speaking to him.

v32  The emphasis of the repeated dreams. The two are one. The matter is firmly established by God. Compare "Now I say again" (Gal 1.8-9).

v33-36  After explaining the meaning of the dream, Joseph now applies God’s word. Pharaoh had to do something. Since the first seven years were about to begin, he must not delay.

v37  The plan seemed good. Joseph is quickly picked out at the best man for the job. Here is the "discerning and wise man" (v33). Joseph was not seeking a position; he just wanted freedom (40.15).

v39-40  Joseph, once despised and rejected by his brothers, is now exalted by the Egyptians. The Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by the Jewish people, but accepted by the Gentiles.

v42-43  Compare Mordecai in Esth 7.8-10. Men bow before Joseph (see Phil 2.9-11), all authority given to him (Eph 1.20-21; Heb 1.3).

v45  His new name, meaning "revealer of secrets"; Christ has revealed the mystery of the gospel (Matt 13.35; Eph 3.3-4). His wife, Asenath, pictures the church (Rom 11.25; Eph 3.6; 5.30-32)

v46  Joseph is now 30 years old; compare 37.2. He has spent 13 years in Egypt, mainly in prison.

v50-52  Joseph’s sons are a testimony to God’s care of him. Through these difficult years, Joseph maintained his trust in God.

v55  "Go to Joseph"; the only way of life and safety. (Mark 9.7; John 2.5)

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