Genesis 41:6

And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.

And, behold, seven {H7651} thin {H1851} ears {H7641} and blasted {H7710} with the east wind {H6921} sprung up {H6779} after them {H310}.

After them, seven ears, thin and blasted by the east wind, sprang up.

After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted, thin and scorched by the east wind.

And, behold, seven ears, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them.

Commentary

Genesis 41:6 (KJV) describes a crucial element of Pharaoh's second prophetic dream, detailing the emergence of seven unhealthy ears of grain. This vision, following the earlier depiction of seven robust ears, sets the stage for a dramatic contrast that Joseph would later interpret, revealing God's plan for Egypt's future.

Context

This verse is part of Pharaoh's two dreams, which he experiences in a single night. The first dream involved seven fat kine followed by seven lean kine, and the second, presented here, involves ears of corn. Genesis 41:5 previously describes "seven good ears and full". Verse 6 introduces the stark contrast: "seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind." This juxtaposition of abundance and desolation is central to the divine message being conveyed. The inability of Pharaoh's wise men and magicians to interpret these dreams leads to Joseph being brought out of prison, fulfilling God's intricate plan for his life and the nation of Egypt (see Genesis 41:14).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Warning: The dream serves as a clear, divinely inspired warning of impending hardship. God often reveals future events to prepare His people or to demonstrate His sovereignty.
  • Contrast and Scarcity: The "thin ears" vividly symbolize a period of severe lack and famine, directly opposing the "good ears" that represent abundance. This highlights the cyclical nature of prosperity and adversity.
  • The Destructive "East Wind": The phrase "blasted with the east wind" is highly symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern agriculture, the east wind was notoriously hot and dry, capable of scorching crops and bringing blight. It represents a powerful, destructive force that would devastate the land's produce. This imagery reinforces the severity of the coming famine, not just as a natural occurrence but as a divinely orchestrated event for a specific purpose.
  • God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, these dreams demonstrate God's absolute control over natural phenomena, the course of history, and the destinies of nations and individuals, even a powerful ruler like Pharaoh.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "blasted with the east wind" (qadim) evokes a vivid image of desiccation and destruction. The qadim, or east wind, was well-known in the region for its parching effects, often bringing drought and destroying vegetation. It appears elsewhere in Scripture associated with divine judgment or devastating natural phenomena, such as the wind that brought the locusts in Exodus 10:13 or the drying up of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21. This specific detail emphasizes the severity and the supernatural origin of the impending famine.

Practical Application

Genesis 41:6, within the broader narrative, teaches us about God's foresight and the importance of heeding warnings. Just as God prepared Egypt for a famine through Joseph's interpretation (see Genesis 41:32), we are called to be discerning and to prepare wisely for future challenges, whether personal or societal. The contrast between abundance and scarcity also reminds us to manage resources responsibly during times of plenty and to trust in God's provision during lean times. It underscores that even seemingly negative events, like a devastating famine, can be part of God's larger redemptive plan, ultimately leading to preservation and blessing for His people, as seen in the preservation of Jacob's family (see Genesis 45:7).

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 17:10 (3 votes)

    Yea, behold, [being] planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

  • Hosea 13:15 (3 votes)

    Though he be fruitful among [his] brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.

  • Ezekiel 19:12 (3 votes)

    But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.