Joseph Goes from Prison to Palace

Joseph had been in prison for two whole years. Even though he had helped the king's butler by explaining his dream, the butler forgot all about Joseph. But God didn't forget! One night, the king of Egypt, called Pharaoh, had two very strange dreams. In the first dream, seven fat, healthy cows came up from the river. Then seven skinny, ugly cows came and ate up the fat cows! In the second dream, seven full ears of corn grew on one stalk. Then seven thin, dried-up ears of corn ate the good ones. Pharaoh woke up worried. He called all the wise men in Egypt, but nobody could tell him what the dreams meant. That's when the butler remembered Joseph! He told Pharaoh about the young Hebrew man in prison who could explain dreams. Pharaoh sent for Joseph right away. Joseph cleaned up, shaved, and put on fresh clothes. When he stood before Pharaoh, he said something very important: 'I can't interpret dreams, but God can!' Joseph explained that both dreams meant the same thing. Egypt would have seven years of really good harvests with lots of food. But then seven years of terrible famine would come with no food at all. Joseph told Pharaoh to find a wise man to save up food during the good years so people wouldn't starve during the bad years. Pharaoh was so impressed that he said, 'You're the wisest man for the job!' He put his own ring on Joseph's finger, dressed him in fancy clothes, and made him the second most important person in all Egypt. Joseph went from prisoner to prince in one day! Just like God promised, everything happened exactly as Joseph said it would.