What did Joseph do for Pharaoh that got him promoted to second in command over Egypt?

Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt is quite a tale of resilience and divine timing! Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he ended up in prison where he interpreted the dreams of fellow prisoners— an act that would soon change his fortune. The head baker and the cupbearer, whose dreams led to his big break, became instrumental in reconnecting Joseph with Pharaoh after the king had a troubling dream about seven thin cows devouring seven fat cows. Can you imagine?

In ancient Egypt, dreams were considered pivotal, often viewed as messages from the gods. Pharaoh’s distress paved the way for Joseph’s exceptional talent to shine. His advice provided a crucial strategy during times of abundance followed by severe famine, which shows the wisdom ingrained within him—a wisdom that helped save not just Egypt but also the surrounding nations.

By the time Pharaoh promotes Joseph to second-in-command, it’s a noteworthy hierarchical shift. Joseph wore the gold chain of authority, a sign not just of power but of his relationship with the Egyptian Pharaoh. Fun fact: Walks in princely attire, but his early life consists of rugged encounters that built his character. What a contrast! The story of Joseph shimmers brightly in the larger biblical narrative of redemption and foresight, illustrating that the wheel of fortune can dramatically turn and even the seemingly abandoned can rise to greatness in service to others.