Story 13 · Ages 6–12
Joseph in Egypt - From Prison to Palace
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and becomes second-in-command of Egypt.
Joseph was sold as a slave in Egypt to a man named Potiphar, who was one of Pharaoh's important officials. Even though Joseph was a slave, God was with him! Joseph worked so hard and was so honest that Potiphar put him in charge of his entire household!
The story
Everything went well until Potiphar's wife lied about Joseph. She got Joseph in trouble, and Potiphar threw Joseph in prison!
But even in prison, God was with Joseph! The prison warden saw that Joseph was trustworthy and put him in charge of the other prisoners!
One day, two of Pharaoh's servants were put in prison - the cupbearer and the baker. They each had strange dreams. Joseph said, "Tell me your dreams. God can help me understand them!"
Joseph explained their dreams. Everything happened exactly as Joseph predicted! Joseph asked the cupbearer, "When you get out, please remember me and tell Pharaoh about me!"
But when the cupbearer was freed, he forgot about Joseph. Two whole years passed. Joseph stayed in prison.
Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had two troubling dreams! In one dream, seven fat cows were eaten by seven skinny cows. In another dream, seven good heads of grain were swallowed by seven thin ones.
No one could explain the dreams! Finally, the cupbearer remembered Joseph! "There's a Hebrew man in prison who interprets dreams!"
Pharaoh sent for Joseph immediately! Joseph cleaned up and went to stand before the powerful king.
Pharaoh said, "I had dreams that no one can interpret. But I heard you can explain dreams!"
Joseph replied, "I cannot, but God will give Pharaoh the answer."
Pharaoh told his dreams. Joseph said, "God is showing you what will happen! Seven years of great harvests are coming - the fat cows and good grain. But then seven years of terrible famine will follow - the skinny cows and thin grain. You must prepare NOW! Find a wise man to store up food during the good years, so there will be enough during the famine."
Pharaoh was amazed! "Can we find anyone like this man, who has the spirit of God in him?" Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has shown you all this, you are the wisest man! YOU will be in charge of my palace and all of Egypt! Only I will be greater than you!"
Just like that, Joseph went from prisoner to prime minister! He was thirty years old. Pharaoh gave him a special ring, fine clothes, and a gold chain. Everyone in Egypt had to bow to Joseph!
Joseph traveled throughout Egypt, storing up huge amounts of grain during the seven good years. Then, just as Joseph predicted, the famine came. People from many countries came to Egypt to buy grain - and they all bowed down to Joseph!
Remember this
“The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.”
What did we learn?
God had been with Joseph through slavery, false accusations, and prison. All along, God was preparing Joseph for this special job. Joseph's dreams from long ago were coming true! The lesson? Trust God even in hard times. He's working out His perfect plan!
Big idea: God is always with us and loves us very much!