Two years came to pass, it had been awhilePharaoh dreamed he was standing by the NileOut of the river came seven cows, sleek and fatThey grazed among the reeds where they were atThen seven more joined them on the riverbankBut these were thin and gaunt, they stankThe healthy cows were eaten by those that were uglyPharaoh fitfully woke, no longer tucked in snuglyWhen he fell back asleep, he dreamed againThis time there were seven healthy, full heads of grainNext, there sprouted seven moreThin and weak just like the cows beforeThe withered grain ate the full in similar fashionPharaoh woke up, had a troubled reactionHe sent for all Egypt's magicians and wise menYet none could interpret his dreams for himThe cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my fault!Your old baker and I dreamed while locked in the prison vault.There was a young man with us...that's right...a Hebrew!He discerned our dreams' meaning, and what he said came true!”Pharaoh quickly sent for Joseph, made his request“I’ve heard you interpret dreams, I’m told you’re the best?”Joseph replied, “I alone cannot do what you inquire,But God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”So the king told Joseph about the cows and the grainThat not a single one of his magicians could explainJoseph said, “Pharaoh’s dreams are one,God has revealed what shall be done.The seven cows, the heads of grain are seven yearsSeven years of plenty, followed by famine, quite severeFor seven prosperous years the harvest will be greatBut this abundance will be forgotten when famine desolatesGod has shown Pharaoh what He is about to doHe has firmly decided, hence why not one dream, but twoNow let Pharaoh appoint a man, discerning and wiseAnd commissioners in charge of storing food suppliesFor seven years they’ll store a fifth of all the cropsPreparing Egypt for when at last the harvest stopsPharaoh and his officials liked Joseph's planPharaoh asked “Can we find anyone like this man?One in whom is the spirit of God?”He looked at Joseph, gave him a nod“Since God has given you alone this revelation,I will raise you up to the highest station.To rule as my equal, in charge of the entire nationOnly my throne acting as our separation.”Pharaoh gave Joseph his ring, clothed him in linenAlso a gold chain the Hebrew was givenJoseph rode in the chariot, dressed handsomelyWhile the people cried out, “Bow the knee!”Before the people Joseph wentPharaoh spoke, “None may lift a hand or foot without your consent.”He changed Joseph’s name to Zaphnath-Paaneah(What it means, we have no idea)Then Joseph was given Asenath as his wifeThis took place in the thirty-first year of his life
