1. Lesson 27 – Genesis 40–41
Interpreting Dreams

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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?

6. 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)

7. 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

8. Elder Bednar, April 2011

9. “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

10. 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?