Genesis 41:5

And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.

And he slept {H3462} and dreamed {H2492} the second time {H8145}: and, behold, seven {H7651} ears of corn {H7641} came up {H5927} upon one {H259} stalk {H7070}, rank {H1277} and good {H2896}.

But he went to sleep again and dreamt a second time: seven full, ripe ears of grain grew out of a single stalk.

but he fell back asleep and dreamed a second time: Seven heads of grain, plump and ripe, came up on one stalk.

And he slept and dreamed a second time: and, behold, seven ears of grain came up upon one stalk, rank and good.

Commentary

Genesis 41:5 describes the second of Pharaoh's two prophetic dreams, which would ultimately lead to Joseph's elevation and the salvation of Egypt from famine. Following his first unsettling dream of the fat and lean kine, Pharaoh falls asleep again, and this time, his subconscious presents a vivid agricultural vision.

Context

This verse is pivotal within the broader narrative of Pharaoh's troubling dreams in Genesis 41. Having already been disturbed by the first dream of seven fat cows consumed by seven lean ones, Pharaoh's second dream reinforces the message with different, yet equally symbolic, imagery. The repetition of the dream underscores its divine origin and certainty, a crucial point that Joseph later emphasizes in his interpretation. This agricultural imagery of corn (referring to grain, likely wheat or barley in ancient Egypt) is deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian life, which depended heavily on the annual flooding of the Nile River for fertile lands and abundant harvests.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Foresight: God communicates directly through dreams, revealing future events to Pharaoh. This dream specifically points to a period of seven years of great abundance.
  • Confirmation through Repetition: The occurrence of a second, similar dream serves to confirm the message's veracity and urgency. This principle of divine confirmation through repetition is a recurring motif in biblical narratives.
  • Abundance and Prosperity: The description of the ears of corn as "rank and good" symbolizes a time of extraordinary fertility and prosperity, setting a clear contrast with the subsequent imagery of blight and scarcity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "rank and good" for the ears of corn translates the Hebrew words briy'ot (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืื•ึนืช) and tovot (ื˜ื•ึนื‘ื•ึนืช). Briy'ot signifies "fat," "plump," or "healthy," conveying a strong sense of robust vitality and fullness. Tovot simply means "good" or "excellent." Together, these terms paint a vivid picture of extraordinary fertility and prosperity, emphasizing the sheer abundance that was to come before the years of famine.

Practical Application

The account of Pharaoh's dreams, including this verse, offers several enduring lessons:

  • Heeding Divine Warnings: Just as Pharaoh was compelled to seek understanding and act on his dreams, we are called to be attentive to spiritual insights and warnings, whether through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel.
  • Stewardship in Seasons of Plenty: The dream implicitly calls for wise management and prudent preparation during times of abundance to mitigate potential future challenges. It highlights the importance of foresight and resourcefulness.
  • God's Sovereignty and Providence: The narrative reminds us that God is sovereign over natural cycles and human affairs, often revealing His plans to those He chooses, such as Joseph, to bring about His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:14 (2 votes)

    Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.