Pharaoh himself has a dream some 3 years later. When no one can interpret the dream, the cupbearer remembers his promise to a man he met in prison, Joseph. Joseph is summoned and interprets the dream for Pharaoh: seven years of bounty will be followed by seven years of famine. Preparations are made to ensure Egypt's preservation, and Joseph is placed in charge of the food allocation system - in fact, he is made 2nd only to Pharaoh.
The famine comes just as God promised and foretold in Pharaoh's dream. It is so severe that surrounding countries and peoples come to Egypt to purchase food. Among the starving is a band of Hebrews, 10 brothers from one father. They claim that a younger brother is at home and another brother "is no more" and ask for food. Joseph, recognizing these as his brothers, sends them home (all but Simeon) with instructions to return with the youngest brother to prove they are not spies. Father Jacob laments that he has now lost 3 sons; Joseph is gone to the beasts, Simeon is as good as dead in an Egyptian prison, and Benjamin will die if he leaves the safety of home.
What would happen? Can God work even THIS situation for the good of all involved? Read tomorrow's installment to find out (or just read it in your Bible).
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