Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
Ilumi Kids · Stories
Pharaoh, the king of all Egypt, woke up very worried. He had two very strange dreams in the same night and couldn't stop thinking about them.
First, he dreamed of seven fat, healthy cows that were eaten by seven thin, ugly cows. Then, he dreamed of seven full, good heads of grain that were swallowed by seven thin, dried-up heads of grain.
The king called all his wise men, but no one could tell him what the dreams meant. Pharaoh became even more distressed.
Pharaoh had two strange dreams about cows and heads of grain, and no one could explain them. The cupbearer remembered Joseph, who was brought out of prison. Joseph said the answer came from God: there would be seven years of plenty and seven of famine. He suggested storing food, and Pharaoh made him governor of Egypt.
Where it is in the Bible: Genesis 41
Wisdom comes from God, and he can turn our story around at just the right time.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
Pharaoh, the king of all Egypt, woke up very worried. He had two very strange dreams in the same night and couldn't stop thinking about them.
First, he dreamed of seven fat, healthy cows that were eaten by seven thin, ugly cows. Then, he dreamed of seven full, good heads of grain that were swallowed by seven thin, dried-up heads of grain.
The king called all his wise men, but no one could tell him what the dreams meant. Pharaoh became even more distressed.
Suddenly, the king's cupbearer remembered something important. He remembered a young man named Joseph, whom he had met in prison a long time ago.
The cupbearer told Pharaoh that Joseph knew how to interpret dreams because God helped him. Joseph had explained the cupbearer's dream, and everything happened exactly as he said.
The Cupbearer: I know a man who can help! His name is Joseph.
Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once. The guards took Joseph out of prison, gave him clean clothes, and brought him to the great palace. Joseph stood bravely before the king of all Egypt.
Pharaoh said, 'I've heard that you can interpret dreams.' Joseph replied with humility, showing that his wisdom came from God.
It is not in me; God is the one who will give Pharaoh a peaceful answer. — Genesis 41:16
After hearing the dreams, Joseph explained that both had the same meaning. It was a message from God to Pharaoh, showing what would happen in the future.
Joseph said, 'There will be seven years with plenty of food throughout Egypt. It will be a time of great abundance!'
'But after those good years,' Joseph continued, 'seven years of severe famine will come. There will be no food, and people will go through great hardship.'
Joseph not only explained the dream but also gave Pharaoh a very wise plan. He suggested that the king choose a wise man to store up some of the food from the good years. That way, when the famine came, everyone would have something to eat.
Pharaoh was amazed by Joseph's wisdom. He saw that the Spirit of God was with this young man and appointed him governor over all Egypt to take care of everything.
Joseph, who was once a prisoner, would now help save an entire nation, all because he trusted in God.
