Genesis 41:8
In the morning his spirit was troubled, so he summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him.
In the morning
The phrase "in the morning" signifies a new beginning or a fresh start, often associated with clarity and revelation in the Bible. In Hebrew, "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer) can symbolize the dawning of understanding or the light of God's guidance. This moment marks the transition from Pharaoh's restless night to the unfolding of God's plan through Joseph.

his spirit was troubled
The Hebrew word for "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) can mean breath, wind, or spirit, indicating the inner being or emotional state of a person. Pharaoh's troubled spirit reflects a deep disturbance, suggesting that his dreams were not ordinary but carried significant weight. This turmoil sets the stage for divine intervention, as God often uses such moments to reveal His purposes.

so he sent for all the magicians of Egypt
The term "magicians" (חַרְטֻמִּים, chartummim) refers to the learned men of Egypt, skilled in the arts of interpretation and the occult. Historically, Egypt was renowned for its wisdom and mystical practices. Pharaoh's reliance on these magicians underscores the limitations of human wisdom when faced with divine mysteries, highlighting the need for God's revelation.

and all its wise men
The "wise men" (חֲכָמִים, chakamim) were the intellectual elite, advisors skilled in various sciences and arts. Their inability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams emphasizes the theme that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone. This sets the stage for Joseph, who, through God's wisdom, will provide the interpretation.

Pharaoh told them his dreams
Pharaoh's act of sharing his dreams with the magicians and wise men indicates his desperation for understanding. Dreams in the ancient Near East were often seen as messages from the divine, and Pharaoh's openness to share them reflects his recognition of their importance. This moment foreshadows the divine revelation that will come through Joseph.

but no one could interpret them for him
The inability of the magicians and wise men to interpret the dreams highlights the limitations of human wisdom and the sovereignty of God in revealing His plans. The Hebrew word for "interpret" (פָּתַר, pathar) means to unravel or explain. This sets the stage for Joseph, who, empowered by God, will provide the true interpretation, demonstrating that divine wisdom surpasses all human understanding.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is troubled by his dreams and seeks their interpretation.

2. Magicians of Egypt
These were the learned men and priests who practiced the arts of divination and magic, often consulted for their wisdom and insight.

3. Wise Men
Advisors and scholars in Pharaoh's court, known for their knowledge and understanding.

4. Egypt
The powerful and influential kingdom where these events take place.

5. Dreams
The medium through which God communicates a future event to Pharaoh, which he cannot understand without divine interpretation.
Teaching Points
The Limitations of Human Wisdom
Despite their knowledge and skills, the magicians and wise men of Egypt could not interpret Pharaoh's dreams. This illustrates the limitations of human wisdom and the need for divine insight.

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God chose to reveal the future through dreams to Pharaoh, a pagan king, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His ability to communicate His plans to anyone He chooses.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
When faced with confusion or uncertainty, believers should seek wisdom from God, who provides understanding beyond human capability.

The Role of God's Servants
Joseph, who later interprets Pharaoh's dreams, serves as an example of how God uses His servants to reveal His purposes and provide guidance to those in authority.

Trusting in God's Timing
Pharaoh's inability to find an interpreter among his own people sets the stage for Joseph's rise to prominence, reminding us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Pharaoh's reaction to his dreams reflect the human tendency to seek understanding and control over the unknown?

2. In what ways does the inability of the magicians and wise men to interpret the dreams highlight the limitations of human wisdom?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking divine wisdom in our daily decision-making, as encouraged in James 1:5?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate with anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs?

5. How can we, like Joseph, be prepared to be used by God to provide guidance and insight to those around us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 2
Similar to Pharaoh, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon has troubling dreams that his wise men cannot interpret, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine revelation.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25
This passage contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God, emphasizing that true understanding comes from God alone.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
A Perplexing DreamG. Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:1-8
An Episode in a Nation's HistoryJ. Dickerson Davies, M. A.Genesis 41:1-8
Importance Attached to DreamsM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Genesis 41:1-8
Kine and CornF. J. Austin.Genesis 41:1-8
Pharaoh's DreamT. H. LealeGenesis 41:1-8
Pharaoh's Dream and its InterpretationF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 41:1-8
The Dream of PharaohHomilistGenesis 41:1-8
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Able, Calleth, Dream, Dreams, Egypt, Egypt's, Holy, Interpret, Interpreter, Magicians, Mind, Morning, Moved, None, Pass, Pharaoh, Recounteth, Sages, Scribes, Sense, Spirit, Therein, Thereof, Troubled, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:8

     4954   morning
     5933   restlessness
     8365   wisdom, human

Genesis 41:1-8

     5935   riddles

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour,
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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