Two years later Pharaoh dreamed beside the Nile. Seven healthy cows came from the river, followed by seven gaunt cows that devoured them. Pharaoh slept again and saw seven full heads of grain on one stalk. Seven thin heads scorched by the east wind swallowed the full ones.
Disturbed in the morning, Pharaoh summoned Egypt’s magicians and wise men, but none could interpret the dreams. The cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. He told Pharaoh about the Hebrew youth in prison whose interpretations of his and the baker’s dreams had proved correct.
Joseph was quickly brought from prison, made presentable, and taken before Pharaoh. When Pharaoh said he had heard of Joseph’s ability, Joseph replied that the answer would come not from him but from God. After hearing both dreams, Joseph said they carried one message: God was showing Pharaoh what he was about to do.
The seven healthy cows and full heads were seven years of abundance. The seven gaunt cows and scorched heads were seven years of severe famine that would follow. The repetition meant the matter was firmly decided and would soon happen. Joseph advised appointing a discerning administrator to collect one-fifth of the harvest during the plentiful years and store it in the cities.
Pharaoh and his officials approved. Declaring that no one was as discerning as Joseph, in whom God’s Spirit was present, Pharaoh placed him over Egypt. He gave Joseph his signet ring, fine clothing, a gold chain, and the second royal chariot. Joseph was thirty years old when he entered Pharaoh’s service.
For seven years the land produced abundantly, and Joseph stored more grain than could be measured. Two sons were born to him. Then the famine began across the surrounding lands, while Egypt had stored food. Egyptians and people from other countries came to Joseph to buy grain. The famine grew severe throughout the earth.