(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, [it was] a dream.
And the thin ears swallowed up the seven full, ripe ears. Then Pharaoh woke up and realized it had been a dream.
And the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven plump, ripe ones. Then Pharaoh awoke and realized it was a dream.
And the thin ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
And the seven thin{H1851} ears{H7641} devoured{H1104} the seven{H7651} rank{H1277} and full{H4392} ears{H7641}. And Pharaoh{H6547} awoke{H3364}, and, behold, it was a dream{H2472}.
**Themes:**
- **Divine Revelation:** The dream experienced by Pharaoh is a form of communication from the divine, indicating a forthcoming significant event.
- **Famine and Plenty:** The contrast between the seven thin ears and the seven rank and full ears symbolizes a cycle of famine and abundance, a common biblical motif representing the vicissitudes of life and nature.
- **Interpretation and Wisdom:** The dream's meaning is not immediately clear, highlighting the theme of seeking understanding and wisdom, which will later be provided by Joseph's gift of interpretation.
- **Preparedness:** The dream serves as a warning to prepare for future hardship, emphasizing the importance of foresight and planning.
**Historical Context:**
- **Joseph's Egypt:** The verse is set in ancient Egypt during the period when Joseph, a Hebrew slave, has risen to a position of prominence due to his ability to interpret dreams.
- **Dreams in Ancient Cultures:** In many ancient cultures, dreams were considered messages from the gods and were taken very seriously, especially by rulers.
- **Economic Stability:** The dream's relevance to Pharaoh reflects the importance of agricultural success for the economic and social stability of Egypt, which was heavily dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile and consistent harvests.
In summary, Genesis 41:7 introduces a dream that foretells a period of agricultural abundance followed by a devastating famine. This dream prompts Pharaoh to seek an interpretation, leading to Joseph's rise as a key figure in the administration of Egypt. The verse reflects the cultural significance of dreams in the ancient world and underscores themes of divine communication, the cyclical nature of plenty and scarcity, and the need for wisdom and preparedness in governance.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)