Pharaoh dreams that seven healthy cows come up from the Nile, followed by seven thin cows that consume them without appearing any better afterward. He then dreams of seven full heads of grain swallowed by seven thin, scorched heads. Egypt’s magicians and wise men cannot give Pharaoh an interpretation that satisfies him.

The chief cupbearer remembers Joseph, the Hebrew prisoner who had correctly interpreted dreams in prison. Joseph is hurried from the dungeon, shaved, given fresh clothing, and brought before Pharaoh. Pharaoh says he has heard that Joseph can interpret dreams. Joseph immediately redirects the claim: the answer does not come from Joseph himself; God will give Pharaoh an answer.

After hearing both dreams, Joseph explains that they carry one message. Seven years of extraordinary abundance are coming to Egypt, followed by seven years of severe famine. The repetition of the dream indicates that the matter is established and will happen soon.

Joseph does more than interpret. He advises Pharaoh to appoint a discerning and wise administrator, place overseers throughout the land, and store grain during the abundant years so Egypt will have food during the famine. Pharaoh and his officials recognize wisdom in the proposal and place Joseph himself over the plan.

In a single day Joseph moves from prison to extraordinary authority. Pharaoh gives him his signet ring, clothing, a gold chain, an Egyptian name, and a wife. Joseph travels throughout Egypt organizing the collection of grain. The harvest is so abundant that the stored grain becomes difficult to measure.

Then the famine arrives, not only in Egypt but across the surrounding lands. Egyptians come to Pharaoh for food and are directed to Joseph. People from other countries also come to buy grain. The development sets up the next movement of Genesis: Joseph’s brothers will travel to Egypt seeking food without initially realizing that the official before them is the brother they sold years earlier.