Genesis 41:20

Context of Genesis 41:20

Genesis 41:20 is a pivotal verse within the narrative of Pharaoh's prophetic dreams, which only Joseph, by God's wisdom, could interpret. This verse describes the second part of Pharaoh's dream: "And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine." Following the vision of the healthy cattle grazing, this disturbing image vividly portrays the impending disaster. The dream immediately precedes the similar vision of the seven good ears of corn being devoured by seven thin, blasted ears, reinforcing the certainty and severity of God's message to Egypt's ruler.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Revelation and Warning: The dream is a direct communication from God to Pharaoh, serving as a clear warning about future events. It underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to reveal His plans.
• Cycles of Abundance and Scarcity: The imagery of the fat kine being consumed by the lean ones powerfully symbolizes a period of great prosperity (seven years of plenty) followed by a devastating famine (seven years of scarcity). This highlights a biblical principle of natural and divinely ordained cycles in life and history.
• The Consuming Nature of Famine: The act of the "ill favoured kine" devouring the "fat kine" emphasizes the totality and severity of the coming famine. It suggests that the years of hardship would not merely follow but would utterly consume the prosperity of the good years, leaving nothing behind. This foreshadows the immense challenge Egypt would face.
• God's Providence: Even in a pagan context, God orchestrates events, using dreams to set in motion His plan for the preservation of His people, Israel, through Joseph's elevation to power. This demonstrates God's overarching providence, turning potential disaster into an opportunity for salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses archaic but evocative language in this verse:

• "Kine": This term refers to cattle or cows. In ancient agrarian societies like Egypt, cattle were a primary measure of wealth and sustenance, making them a fitting symbol for years of prosperity.
• "Ill favoured": This phrase means "unpleasant in appearance" or "ugly." It emphasizes the sickly, emaciated, and undesirable state of these cattle, contrasting sharply with the "fat" and healthy ones. This visual contrast heightens the sense of dread associated with the coming famine.
• "Did eat up": The verb "eat up" conveys a complete and destructive consumption, not merely grazing. It signifies that the famine would not just be a lean period but one that would utterly deplete the accumulated wealth and resources of the good years.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:20 offers timeless lessons for contemporary life:

• Foresight and Preparation: Just as Pharaoh's dream warned of future scarcity, we are called to exercise wisdom and foresight. This applies to personal finances, resource management, and even spiritual preparation for challenging times. We should not take periods of abundance for granted.
• Understanding Life's Cycles: Life often presents seasons of plenty and seasons of want. This verse reminds us to acknowledge and prepare for these cycles, trusting in God's provision through them all.
• Stewardship: The consumption of the fat kine by the lean ones highlights the transient nature of material wealth. It encourages responsible stewardship of resources during times of prosperity, knowing that they may be needed in times of hardship.
• Trust in God's Plan: Even in seemingly negative or frightening prophecies, God often has a greater purpose. For Joseph, this dream led to his elevation and the salvation of many. It encourages us to seek God's wisdom and trust His plan, even when circumstances seem dire.