Bible Commentaries
Genesis 41

Verses 1-57

Still the divine activity proceeded. Now it was Pharaoh who dreamed, and now the butler remembered. The result was that Joseph was brought before the king, and as he stood in the royal presence he was still the same man, dependent on God and proclaiming his dependence. In answer to the king's declaration that he had heard of his power to interpret dreams, Joseph said, "it is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace." He then proceeded to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. The result was that Pharaoh recognized in him "a man in whom the Spirit of God is," and again Joseph was promoted.

It is well to note this repetition. In slavery, in prison, at the court of the king, Jehovah was with His servant. The fact was recognized in turn by Potiphar, the chief keeper, and by Pharaoh. In each case Joseph was placed in power, in the house of his master, in the prison of his confinement, and in the realm of the king. True godliness will manifest itself and it always commands respect.

Thus the great regenerative movement of God proceeded and things are seen developing toward accomplishment of the divine purpose. One of the chief values of these Old Testament histories is the revelation of these facts. Moreover, this is not merely the story of a condition of affairs that existed long ago. It still exists. In the movements of our age a divine purpose is being wrought out through human history, even though we may not detect it.