Joseph’s dreams are found in Genesis 37 and are foundational to the unfolding of God’s providence in his life and the preservation of Israel. As a young man, Joseph had two prophetic dreams. In the first, he and his brothers were binding sheaves in the field, and his sheaf stood upright while theirs bowed down to it (Genesis 37:6-7). In the second, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him (Genesis 37:9).
These dreams clearly pointed to Joseph’s future exaltation, but they stirred envy and hatred in his brothers. Even Jacob rebuked him, yet kept the matter in mind. These dreams, though simple in imagery, were from God and declared His sovereign plan to elevate Joseph and use him as a deliverer.
Though the fulfillment of the dreams took years, through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, God brought it to pass. Joseph rose to power in Egypt and eventually his brothers came and bowed before him, just as the dreams foretold (Genesis 42:6).
Joseph later told them, “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). His dreams were not about personal greatness but about God’s purpose in saving many lives.
These dreams remind us that God speaks, His purposes stand, and His word does not return void. What He reveals, He fulfills, in His way and in His time.
