(Genesis) Genesis 41:21-32
God gave Pharaoh a dream to predict seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, so he can prepare for the hardship.
In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream as described in the book of Genesis. The dream consists of two parts: the first part involves seven healthy cows and seven full ears of corn, symbolizing seven years of abundance. The second part of the dream includes seven thin and sickly cows and seven empty ears of corn, representing seven years of famine. The preacher emphasizes that this dream is a prediction from God, and it is important for Pharaoh to understand its significance. The repetition of the dream emphasizes its importance and confirms that it is established by God.
Full Transcript
Will you notice verse 21, "...and when they'd eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ill-favored as at the beginning. So I awoke, and I saw in my dream, and behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good." Now, that's the dream about the ears of corn. Actually, there are two dreams here, two separate parts of probably just one dream.
It's treated, by the way, as one dream. Now, verse 25, "...and Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one. God hath showed Pharaoh what he's about to do." Now, number one, the dream is one, one dream.
Not two separate things, but one thing. Both speak of the same thing. And the fact it's repeated adds to the importance of it and the significance of it.
And that's very important to see. And the reason that God has given it to Pharaoh is to let him know what he's about to do. Now, what does it mean? Here's the interpretation.
Verse 26 now of the 41st chapter of Genesis, "...the seven good kind are seven ears, and the seven good ears are seven years. The dream is one. And the seven thin and ill-favored kind that came up after then are seven years.
And the seven empty ears, blasted with east wind, shall be seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh, what God is about to do he showeth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, and there shall arise after them seven years of famine, and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt, and the famine shall consume the land, and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following, for it shall be very grievous." Now, will you notice, this is a prediction.
There's to be seven years of plenty, and then there's to be seven years of famine. Verse 32, "...and for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice. It is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass." This is something that is important, and God wanted Pharaoh to know about it.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Unity of the Dream
- A. The dream is one, not two separate things
- B. The repetition adds to its importance and significance
- II. The Interpretation of the Dream
- A. The seven good ears represent seven years of plenty
- B. The seven thin and ill-favored ears represent seven years of famine
- III. The Prediction of the Famine
- A. The famine will be very grievous and consume the land
- B. The plenty will be forgotten in the face of the famine
Key Quotes
“The dream is one, one dream.” — J. Vernon McGee
“God hath showed Pharaoh what he's about to do.” — J. Vernon McGee
“Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, and there shall arise after them seven years of famine,” — J. Vernon McGee
Application Points
- We should seek to understand God's plan and purpose for our lives, just like Pharaoh sought to understand the dream.
- We should prepare for the challenges and hardships that are coming, just like Pharaoh was encouraged to do.
- We should trust in God's sovereignty and know that He is in control, even when we don't understand the circumstances.