GENESIS 41

The narration in this chapter can be shown visually below to consist of two halves (see Figure 1). But they are unified as a whole by two similar phrases, “the land of Egypt” (14x) or simply “the land” (5x), which appear in both divisions.

                                              Figure 1: Two-Part Structure of Genesis 41

    A. Pharaoh dreams (1-8)

        B. Joseph interpreted two prisoners' dreams (9-13)

    A'. Pharaoh tells dreams to Joseph (14-24)

        B'. Joseph interprets Pharaoh's two dreams (25-32)

    ---------------------

            C. Joseph outlines plan to Pharaoh (33-36)

                D. Joseph promoted and married to Asenath (37-45)

            C'. Joseph implements plan (46-49)

                D'. Joseph's and Asenath have two children (50-52)

            C''. Joseph's plan is successful (53-57)

A and A' end similarly: “there was no one who could interpret” (8) // “there was no one who could explain” (24)

B' takes the form:

        1. “The two dreams are one and the same” (25a)

                2. “God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do” (25b)

                        3. Seven good years (26)

                                4. Seven bad years (27)

                2'. “God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do.” (28)

                        3'. Seven good years (29)

                                4'. Seven bad years (30-31)

        1'. “The doubling means that God has fixed the thing” (32)

And the root word “dream” appears exactly 14 (=2x7) times in this first half of Genesis 41 just as the number seven, symbolic of perfection or completion, is also prominent in Genesis 41:1-32.

Goldingay has enumerated the numerous echoes of Genesis 41 found in Daniel 2 concerning Daniel's

 interpretation of the king's dream about the statue with feet of clay. In fact, one might almost state that

 Daniel 2 is a commentary on the Joseph story.

Verse 1 “Two years of days” emphasizes the point that a full two years elapsed before he was

 remembered. If the butler had acted immediately, Joseph could have credited his own foresight instead 

of God's providence.

Verse 14 This custom is confirmed by Egyptian records. Shaving was a necessary ritual before 

appearing before Pharaoh. It probably had to do with removal of all body lice. Also, the removal of all

 body hair was a rite undergone by all newly ordained Egyptian priests.

Verse 16 Here we find the first of several times Joseph gives credit to God, perhaps indicating his 

growth of faith in prison. The generic Elohim is used rather than Yahweh, for Pharaoh's benefit. It could

 be a hint for us to utilize words and concepts easily understandable to a secular audience rather than

 putting them off or confusing them with unduly “churchy” wording and phrases.

Verse 32 This is similar to Jesus' use of “verily, verily” to indicate that a statement is really true.

Verse 33 Is he hesitant to put himself forward as the man to do the job, or is it a strong hint that he is 

applying for the job? One could take this to teach that we shouldn't be bashful about seizing 

opportunities. Perhaps we see here a combination of divine and human initiative.

Verse 36 God holds the fate of all nations in his hand, not just those who serve him. And other Bible 

passages teach that a whole nation may be blessed due to the actions of one pious person.

Verse 38-39 This is the first instance of the Holy Spirit dwelling in a person. Pharaoh recognizes the

 power of God at work, and his country is spared (contrast this with the encounters between the later 

Pharaoh and Moses).

Notice that this is the fourth time Joseph is the second in command: under his father as a favorite son, 

with Potiphar, and in jail. This is a foreshadowing of the fact that his tribe will be second after that of 

Judah.

Verse 42 This is parallel to Joseph's coat of many colors designating his status as the favorite.

Verses 42-43 One wonders whether Joseph was a man like Paul who could be content whether in

 prison or in comfort.

Verse 45 Joseph's name means “revealer of secret things.” OR “God speaks and lives.” OR “food man 

of the land.” Potiphar is a different person from the first Potiphar since this one is a priest. What do you

 think about a monotheist fitting in to a polytheistic culture? How much do you think he discussed

 theology with his boss?

Verse 51 The first name may mean “release from all obligation of debt” or “made me forget my 

problems by recompensing me.” If the latter, it brings up the question as to why Joseph never informed 

his father that he was alive.

Verse 55 Was Joseph doing his boss' job for him? It certainly wouldn't be the first or last example of 

that happening. I have personally been through that experience more than once in my career.