The Dreamer
“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.” Genesis 37:5-9
Joseph was the eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Joseph was called “the dreamer” by his brothers, who envied his relationship with their father. Joseph’s mother died during the childbirth of his younger brother. Joseph appears to be a little cocky or arrogant as he is relating the dreams to his family; however, this arrogance made his brothers angry enough to sell him to a group of Ishmaelite or Midianite traders headed to Egypt.
Joseph became a slave in the household of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian. He was falsely accused and thrown into prison. While in prison, Joseph encountered two more dreamers, a butler and a baker, who served Pharaoh. Joseph, by God’s hand, interpreted both of their dreams. Both the interpretations came to pass, just like Joseph said. The baker lost his life, and the butler returned to serving Pharaoh.
After two years, Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret. The butler remembered Joseph. He was brought before Pharaoh and not only interpreted the dream of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, he, by the Lord’s help, also revealed the plan for Egypt to survive the years of famine.
Joseph was made second in command in Egypt; only Pharaoh had more authority. The famine surpassed the borders of Egypt to the land of Joseph’s family. His brothers came to Egypt the second time to buy grain from Joseph, whom they did not recognize, and the fulfillment of the first two dreams happened. “And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.” Genesis 43:28b.
Joseph had to endure a lot of hardships, “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour….” Genesis 39:21. When God makes a promise, He is always faithful.
Elder Tim White
Ider, Alabama
