Genesis 41

This long chapter is the record of the fifth series in the [~toledowth] of Jacob and may be entitled:

THE ELEVATION OF JOSEPH

The narrative naturally divides into nine paragraphs:

1. Pharaoh's dream (Genesis 41:1-8).
   
2. The butler remembers (Genesis 41:9-13).
   
3. Joseph appears before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14-16).
   
4. Pharaoh tells the dream to Joseph (Genesis 41:17-24).
   
5. Joseph interprets the dream (Genesis 41:25-32).
   
6. Joseph proposes measures to cope with the coming famine (Genesis 41:33-36).
   
7. Joseph is appointed chief administrator (Genesis 41:37-45).
   
8. The seven years of plenty (Genesis 41:46-53).
   
9. The seven years of famine (Genesis 41:54-57).
   

"Even those who divide the sources recognize this chapter as a unified narrative."[1] This, of course, leaves the critics little to say about it. As Peake put it, "The narrative, for the most part, needs no comment!"[2] Perhaps the most impressive thing about the chapter is its perfect fulfillment of the pattern reaching all the way back to the double dream of Joseph (Genesis 37), the dream that foretold the very events centering around this double dream of Pharaoh, a dream which Joseph's father accurately interpreted (Genesis 37:10). That first pair of dreams was followed by a second pair, those of the butler and the baker related in the last chapter; and now, in this, "The providential series of double dreams concludes!"[3] The first prophesied of the third; and the second proved a stepping stone to the third, which is the climax of all three. Only one voice speaks throughout Genesis. Only one power controls its events. That voice and power are those of God.