As we saw last week, patterns are super important in biblical narrative. In our text this week we see another pattern repeating—two dreams leading to major changes in the plot line of Joseph's story. If you remember back in chapter 37 it was Joseph's two dreams of his family bowing down to him that set this whole sequence of events into motion (Gen. 37:5-11). Here in chapters 40 and 41 we see two occurrences of double dreams that significantly move the story forward and as Joseph says to Pharaoh, "And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. (Genesis 41:32)
First in the prison, both the cupbearer and the baker have a dream that carry significant meanings (Gen. 40:9-23) Although each reveals very different outcomes the format of the dreams are very similar. Each is to be fulfilled in three days, each resembled the occupation of the dreamer, and of course, each came true exactly how Joseph said they would.
Interpreting these dreams correctly and watching them come to pass would have certainly been an encouragement for Joseph, obviously despite the sadness of hearing the baker was executed. It is likely at this point he is beginning to doubt the validity of the dreams he had in the beginning of our story. Correctly interpreting these would have given him much needed confidence that his original dreams may still come true, in spite of his present circumstances which made it seem impossible.
This confidence he received from correctly interpreting the previous 2 dreams would have prepared him for Pharaoh's dreams (Gen. 41:9-32). Just as Joseph's two dreams in the beginning were essentially the same thing with different images (sheaves of wheat and stars respectively), Pharaoh's two dreams of the cows and the grain pointed to the same interpretation. Both of the dreams indicated seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph is absolutely confident that God will give him the interpretation of these dreams. This we will discuss tomorrow.
The key to see here is that these couplets of dreams lead to major changes in the events of the narrative. The first sets in motion Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery. The correct interpretation of the cupbearer's dreams leads to Pharaoh eventually becoming aware of Joseph's gift. Finally, the correct interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams leads to Joseph being given incredible authority in Egypt as the second in command. All of these lead the reader to take notice of the divine action—God working through these events to bring about his purposes and plans.