Genesis 41:28–36, 46–49

Overcome Hard Times

Genesis 41:28–36, 46–49
God Is Never Surprised by a Problem. (28–32)
The phrase “What God is about to do” is stated in verse 25 and is repeated in verses 28 and 32. This reiteration underscores the certainty and the immanence of Joseph’s prophecy. His words are not a call to surrender but rather to action, just as in the preaching of the Old Testament prophets.

This passage contrasts the power of God with the feeble power of Pharaoh. God can cause a future whereas the Egyptian king cannot. Nor can the Pharaoh resist the future that God will bring. In Pharaoh’s mind the future is derived from the present through careful planning and calculation. But in his quiet, confident speech Joseph ends Pharaoh’s notion of the future. It is God, not imperial power or royal planning, who will cause the future. It is this God who will give life and bring death. It is this God who will cause the Nile to produce or cause the famine to come. Initially such a dream must have left Pharaoh incredulous. He is yet to realize that the future is in God’s hands.

God Has a Plan to Help Us Deal with Our Problems. (33–36)
The transcendent purpose of God set forth in verses 25–42 turns now to concrete historical action. Pharaoh must now unwittingly choose the person to carry out a strategic plan (the person whom God has already chosen). Now Joseph is not only a dream interpreter. He is prepared with a strategic follow-up program. Here we learn an important theological truth. The fixed purpose of God is no occasion for human surrender. The firm purpose of God requires bold action. God’s purpose is not the end of human planning and execution, but rather the ground for it. God’s plan is above and beyond human planning (Isa. 55:8–9), but that does not mean there should not be human planning. It means our human preparation and strategizing must be responsive and faithful to God’s plan.

A man is needed who is “discreet and wise,” who bears the marks of shrewdness and discernment. He also must be a man who fears God, for fear of God is the ground of all wisdom and strategy (Prov. 1:7). It is interesting how Joseph’s proposal is without guile. There is no hint that Joseph is referring to himself. However, we know where the prophecy will lead and who will become Egypt’s new respected leader.

Work God’s Plan. (46–49)
Joseph is 30 years old when these events occur, 13 years after his enslavement. As prime minister he carries out the economic program needed to prevent the disaster that Pharaoh’s dreams foretell. During the seven years of plenty — more than could actually be measured — he stores up food in all the cities. The image of the sand of the sea continues the blessing of the family of Abraham (Gen. 22:17).

The note of Joseph’s age punctuates a story that began when he was 17 (Gen. 37:2) and will reach its climax in another nine years (Gen. 45:3), more than 20 years since his abandonment at the hands of his brothers. Interestingly this is comparable with the length of time for Abraham between promise and fulfillment (Gen. 12:4 and 21:5) and for Jacob in the service of Laban (Gen. 31:41). All of these delays were fruitful which speaks to God working matters for good in His divine timing.

God’s work of blessing in this chapter includes the entire human race not just the chosen ones. God works in Pharaoh’s life in ways Pharaoh does not know, even through a dream. God works in and outside of the community of faith. This reality speaks all the more to the sovereign, all-knowing and all-powerful God in whose hands the future rests. However, God’s people are called to participate in His sovereign story.