Bible moment
The Bible moment
Genesis 41:37–45 records Pharaoh’s response to Joseph’s interpretation of his two dreams. Joseph explained that Egypt would have seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. He advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise administrator and collect one-fifth of each harvest during the abundant years. Pharaoh and his servants approved the plan. Pharaoh recognized that God had shown Joseph what was to come, so he appointed Joseph over Egypt and gave him authority over the land. Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, fine linen, and a gold chain as signs of this new responsibility. Joseph did not take authority for himself; Pharaoh entrusted it to him. The focus is not wealth as Joseph’s reward, but faithful service through wise administration. Joseph then traveled through Egypt, gathered grain during the abundant years, and later opened the storehouses when the famine began. People came to buy food because the famine was severe.
