Lesson 27 – Genesis 40–41 Interpreting Dreams

Each table will have a dream to interpret You need to come up with an interpretation of the dream in your group. Think about the objects/actions/animals in the dream and what they might represent There isn’t a correct interpretation; be creative. One person at the group will read dream, another will read interpretation.

Joseph could interpret dreams Butler (Gen 40:9-11) Vine with 3 branches Butler made grape juice for Pharoah In three days, Butler will be reinstated Baker (Gen 40:16-17) 3 White baskets on his head Birds ate bread out of the baskets In three days, Baker to be hanged and fed to birds

Pharaoh’s (Double) Dream Gen 41:1-7 7 fat kine (cows) eaten by 7 malnourished kine. 7 good ears devoured by 7 thin ears (of corn) There will be seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Save up food in the first 7 years to use in the second 7.

Pharaoh's Dream was part of the plan What would have happened if Pharaoh hadn’t had the dream? Had he not had the dream (and the Butler and Baker), Joseph would have stayed in prison. Egypt would have suffered from the famine. Joseph would have never reunited with his family What if it hadn’t been a dream, maybe just a letter from a prophet? Why didn’t the wise men interpret the dream?

So, why all the dreaming? First, it was a path for the Lord to bless Joseph, to bring him out of prison It was something the Lord knew Joseph could do. Why? Gen 39:21 Gen 40:8, 41:15-16 This is an opportunity to teach them Do they learn? (Gen 40:37-38)

Origin of Dreams How do we know that a dream is from God? Dreams from God are revelation. How do we discern revelation from God? D&C 50:9 We must be worthy v21-25 It is understood It edifies It is light/goodness v29-31 You have to ask If you don’t receive His Spirit, it’s not of God

Elder Bednar, April 2011

“Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (D&C 121:45) Joseph had this confidence “Do not interpretations belong to God?” “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” Not a confidence in self, but trust in the Lord This is the lesson of the story of Joseph God works His plan through many different means We need to be worthy to be part of that plan We need to be worthy to discern the plan

Notebook Ideas Have you had a dream, or vivid thought that you believe may be meant as revelation? How did you respond? What can you do to become more sensitive and discerning, to understand the will of God in your own life?