"This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh."
Genesis 41:28 is a part of the narrative in which Joseph, the son of Jacob, has been elevated to a position of authority in Egypt after correctly interpreting Pharaoh’s dream. In the dream, Pharaoh saw seven fat cows being devoured by seven thin cows, and seven healthy ears of grain being consumed by seven withered ears. Joseph correctly discerned that the dream was a message from God, revealing that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine.
In this particular verse, Joseph is explaining to Pharaoh the significance of the dream:and emphasizing that what God has revealed through the dream is intended specifically for Pharaoh’s understanding and benefit. Let’s break down the verse further to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning:
"This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh":Joseph refers to the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream as the message he is about to convey:He acknowledges that what he is about to reveal is a response to Pharaoh’s dream, which God had revealed to him.
"What God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh":Joseph makes it clear that the dream and its interpretation are divinely inspired and are a means by which God is revealing His plans to Pharaoh. It signifies that God is about to bring a significant event, specifically the seven years of abundance and famine:to pass in Egypt.
This verse highlights several key points:
- Divine revelation:It emphasizes that God chooses to communicate with people through dreams and visions. The dream that Pharaoh had was not merely a product of his imagination but a means by which God conveyed His message:
- God’s providence and sovereignty:The verse underscores God’s active involvement in human affairs:By revealing the impending events to Pharaoh, God demonstrates His foreknowledge and control over the future circumstances of Egypt.
- Joseph as a faithful messenger:Joseph faithfully conveys the divine message to Pharaoh:without altering or diluting its content. He recognizes the importance of relaying God’s message accurately, ensuring that Pharaoh comprehends its significance.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s ability to communicate with individuals through various means:and His sovereign control over human history. It also highlights the importance of faithful messengers who convey God’s messages accurately and without distortion.
Genesis 41:28 encourages us to be open to God’s revelation in our lives:to recognize His providential hand, and to faithfully communicate His message to others when entrusted with it.
