Pharaoh's Nightmare

By Mary Vee
Genesis 41:1-13

Pharaoh went to bed late after celebrating yet another birthday. His closest, and trusted adviser bowed and stepped backward to leave the room. "Good night, Pharaoh."

Pharaoh shook his head. "Yet another birthday."

His adviser stopped and raised his eyes. "A delightful party! Not as exciting as the time you honored the servants."

"Ahh, yes." Pharaoh nodded and chuckled. "Two years ago. I'll never forget the look on the baker's face. He thought I wouldn't find out what he did. Well, I showed him, and all the other servants at the party. They can't hide the truth from me."

The adviser stroked his beard. "And your butler has remained a faithful servant."

"True, he has. I felt bad about throwing him in prison with the baker. Yet, I needed to discover the truth. Fortunately I did, and in time to present my verdict at the party."

"Wise choice, Pharaoh."

"You may take your leave." Pharaoh yawned and crawled into bed. He pulled the blankets close to block a cool breeze and fell asleep within seconds. That night he had a frightening dream. He suddenly awoke. Sweat puddled on his forehead. His body trembled and his heart raced. After looking around the room to be sure everything was save he fell asleep again. Again he had a disturbing dream.

The next morning Pharaoh rubbed his shoulders. His muscles ached. He felt like he hadn't slept at all. "Steward!"

Seconds later the steward entered. "Yes, Pharaoh?"

"Gather all the magicians of Egypt" Pharaoh paced in front of his bed. "--and all the wise men!" He clapped his hands twice. "--at once!"

Later that morning Pharaoh stood before the magicians and wise men of Egypt. "I had a disturbing dream last night. You must tell me what it means." He sat on his throne and took a deep breath. "Last night I found myself near the river. Seven cows, fine looking and fat walked out of the water onto the shore. Clearly they ate of the rich, nearby meadow. As they stood on the water's edge, seven skinny, ugly cows walked out of the water. They stood for a moment next to the fat cows. Then, before my eyes, the skinny, ugly cows ate up the fine looking, fat cows."

The wise men and magicians' eyes went wide. The butler offered Pharaoh something to drink.

Pharaoh took a sip and set the cup down. He leaned forward. "There was a second dream. This time I stood in a field. Before me, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk. They appeared plump and good to eat. Next, seven thin heads, marred with disease from the east wind sprang up. The seven thin heads of grain suddenly devoured the seven plump, healthy heads." Pharaoh reached for his cup again, closed his eyes, and took a sip. He set the cup back down. "Well? What is the meaning of my dreams?"

The magicians and wise men shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads. One spoke out, "Pharaoh, this indeed is disturbing. The meaning is too great for us to know."

The butler stepped back and gasped. He bowed to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh turned to him and squinted. "What? Butler"

The butler bit his lower lip. "I'm sorry, Pharaoh. I've forgotten a message. When you were angry with your servants you sent both me and the chief baker to prison in the house of the captain of the guard. We each had a dream one night; each with it's own meaning. There was a young Hebrew man there, a servant of the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us, giving each his own meaning. Everything he said came true. Pharaoh restored me to my office and hung the baker."

Pharaoh stood and folded his arms. "Well, what was his name?"

"I believe it was Joseph, Pharaoh"

"Guard! Find Joseph and bring him to me--at once!"

Is Joseph in trouble? Will Joseph be able to help Pharaoh? Why did Pharaoh have these dreams? Click on the comment button to answer. Stop back on Saturday to see what happens next.