January 15: Genesis 40:1–23; Genesis 35:28–29; Genesis 41:1–57

Joseph Interprets Two Prisoners' Dreams – Genesis 40

• The cupbearer and baker (two important officers in the royal court) commit an offense against Pharaoh, who has them placed in prison. The captain of the guard appoints Joseph to be with them.
• One night, the cupbearer and baker both dream, and when Joseph greets them in the morning, he sees that they are troubled. He asks why, and they tell him about the dreams. 
• Joseph asks that they explain the dreams, and he interprets them both. He tells the cupbearer that in three days he will be returned to his position, and tells the chief baker that in three days he will be hanged. Both come to pass, but the cupbearer does not remember Joseph to Pharaoh as Joseph had asked him to.

The Death of Isaac – Genesis 35:28–29

• Isaac dies as the age of 180 years, and Jacob and Esau bury him.

Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams – Genesis 41

• Two years later, Pharaoh dreams that he is standing by the Nile River, and out of it comes seven well-fed cows that feed in the reed grass. Soon after, seven thin cows come out of the Nile and eat the healthy cows. Pharaoh then awakens.
• Pharaoh dreams again when he falls asleep, and seven healthy ears of grain are growing on a stalk. After them sprout seven blighted ears. The thin ears then swallow up the healthy ears, and Pharaoh awakens.
• In the morning, Pharaoh sends for all of Egypt's magicians and wise men. He tells them his dreams, but none are able to interpret them. 
• The chief cupbearer tells Pharaoh about the Hebrew who was a servant of the captain of the guard, and how he interpreted his dream, and Pharaoh sends for Joseph.
• Pharaoh tells Joseph about his dreams, and Joseph tells him that God has revealed to Pharaoh what He's about to do—that there will be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
• Pharaoh appoints overseers over the land, and tells them to store up grain during the next seven years of plenty so there will be grain when the famine comes.

Joseph Rises to Power

• Pharaoh is pleased with Joseph and determines that there is no other who is as discerning and wise as Joseph. He puts Joseph in charge of his household, making him second-in-command only to Pharaoh. He gives Joseph his signet ring and fine clothing and puts a gold chain around his neck. The Egyptians are instructed to bow to Joseph, and Pharaoh gives him Asenath, a daughter of a priest, for a wife.
• Joseph is thirty years old when he begins his service to Pharaoh. He goes throughout Egypt, ensuring that grain is gathered and stored in all the cities. The grain is plentiful beyond measure.
• Two sons are born to Joseph and Asenath: Manassah and Ephraim.
• The seven years of plenty end, and seven years of famine begin. Joseph opens the storehouses of grain, and the famine is so severe that people from all over come to Egypt in search of grain.