Genesis 41:28 Study Bible: That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh. What God is about to do he has shown to Pharaoh.

◄ Genesis 41:28 ►

It is just as I said to Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.

It is just as I said to Pharaoh
This phrase underscores the certainty and authority of Joseph's interpretation. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which conveys not just speaking but declaring or affirming with confidence. Joseph's role as a divinely inspired interpreter is emphasized here, as he reassures Pharaoh that his previous explanation was accurate. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where dreams were considered messages from the divine, and interpreters were seen as mediators of divine will.

God has shown Pharaoh
The Hebrew word for "God" here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a term that denotes the supreme deity, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. The use of "shown" (from the Hebrew root "רָאָה" - ra'ah) implies a revelation or unveiling of divine plans. This highlights the biblical theme that God, in His omniscience, reveals His purposes to whom He chooses, even to a pagan king like Pharaoh. It underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and rulers.

what He is about to do
The phrase "about to do" comes from the Hebrew root "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to make or accomplish. This indicates not just a future action but a determined plan that is already set in motion. In the scriptural context, it reassures the reader of God's proactive role in history, orchestrating events according to His divine will. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God’s plans are purposeful and will come to fruition, encouraging believers to trust in His divine timing and sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later imprisoned in Egypt, and eventually rose to power as the second-in-command to Pharaoh. He interprets Pharaoh's dreams, revealing God's plan for Egypt.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who has troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. He seeks Joseph's insight after hearing of his ability to interpret dreams.

3. Egypt
The land where these events take place. It is a powerful and influential nation during this time, and the setting for Joseph's rise to power.

4. God
The ultimate orchestrator of events, revealing His plans through Joseph to Pharaoh. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to communicate His will through chosen individuals.

5. Dreams
The medium through which God communicates His plans to Pharaoh, which Joseph interprets. The dreams foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and events. He reveals His plans to those He chooses, demonstrating His ultimate authority over nations and rulers.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's life exemplifies faithfulness and trust in God despite difficult circumstances. His integrity and reliance on God lead to his eventual exaltation.

Divine Revelation
God communicates His will in various ways, including dreams. We should be attentive to how God might be speaking to us today, through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

Preparation and Wisdom
Joseph's interpretation of the dreams leads to practical action—preparing for the coming famine. We are called to seek God's wisdom and act prudently in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's ability to interpret dreams demonstrate God's power and sovereignty in Genesis 41:28?

2. In what ways can we see God's providence at work in Joseph's life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own circumstances?

3. How does Joseph's response to Pharaoh's dreams encourage us to seek God's wisdom in our decision-making processes?

4. What parallels can we draw between Joseph's account and other biblical figures who were used by God to reveal His plans, such as Daniel?

5. How can we remain faithful and trust in God's timing and purposes when facing challenges or uncertainties in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
Joseph's earlier dreams about his family bowing to him, which set the stage for his journey to Egypt and eventual rise to power.

Daniel 2
Similar to Joseph, Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, demonstrating God's power to reveal mysteries and His sovereignty over nations.

Acts 7
Stephen recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's providence and faithfulness in using Joseph to save many lives.

Sermons

Joseph as a Prophet	T. H. Leale.	Genesis 41:17-32
The Tried Man	R.A. Redford	Genesis 41

People

Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah

Places

Egypt, Nile River, On

Topics

Clear, Pharaoh, Shewn, Showed, Showeth, Shown, Spake, Spoke, Spoken

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 41:1-49

8131 guidance, results

4823 famine, physical

     1424   predictions
     1443   revelation, OT
     5978   warning

Genesis 41:28-36

5967 thrift

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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