The answer is: Seven

Gen 41:27; Gen 45:6

When we dive into the story of Joseph in Egypt, we actually uncover a fascinating tapestry of foresight, resilience, and divine providence. Joseph, gifted with the ability to interpret dreams, found himself catapulted from slavery to second in command of Egypt due to his interpretation of Pharaoh's troubling dream—a dream that foreshadowed not just any hardship, but seven consecutive years of famine that followed seven years of plenty.

This scenario doesn’t just signify a great test for Egypt; it also spotlights Joseph's character. In the midst of looming disaster, Joseph exhibited remarkable leadership and striking wisdom. He set in motion an elaborate plan to collect surplus grain during the abundant years, ensuring that the nation would be prepared to face the harsh famine that would inevitably come. Isn’t it truly inspiring how a single interpretation could make such a profound difference?

Interestingly, breadths of ancient texts echo similar themes—crops failing after a season of plenty were not exclusive to Egypt. Different cultures grappling with climate change reflect the precariousness of agricultural prosperity, urging later generations to plan ahead. These historical narratives challenge us to think about our world today. Just like Joseph helped an entire nation find stability, how crucial is it that we prepare and nurture compassion for each other amidst our modern trials? The themes of foresight and community care resonate all throughout human experience, woven into the dusty scrolls of history.