Joseph Interprets Dreams
Genesis 39-40
Story by Shery Ma Belle Arrieta & Illustrations by Zara Augustine Arrieta

Contrary to what Jacob thought, Joseph was very alive.

When he was sold by his brothers to merchants going to Egypt, these merchants sold him too. They sold Joseph to an Egyptian named Potiphar.

Potiphar was an officer of Pharaoh. He was also the captain of the guard.

God loved and favored Joseph and He was with Joseph all the time.

Joseph lived in Potiphar's house and served Potiphar and his family.

But Potiphar's wife was wicked and she tried to convince Joseph to lie with her and commit adultery.

Joseph was a good man so he refused her attempts. But one day, she grabbed Joseph's garment and asked him to sin again. Joseph ran and his garment was left with Potiphar's wife.

She used the garment to destroy Joseph. When Potiphar came home later that night, she showed him Joseph's garment and lied that Joseph had tried to force her but she screamed.

Potiphar believed his wife and threw Joseph in jail. But still, God didn't abandon Joseph.

A short time later, the king of Egypt had his chief butler and chief baker thrown to prison too.

One night, both of them had a dream and Joseph interpreted their dreams.

"There was a vine with three branches," began the butler. "The branches had ripe grapes. Then I saw that I was holding Pharaoh's cup. So I took the grapes and pressed them to the cup, and afterwards, I placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand."

"The three branches are three days," said Joseph. "In three days, the Pharaoh will put you back in your place. You'll become the chief butler again."

The butler nodded and Joseph continued.

"Remember me when you are back in the Pharaoh's house," Joseph requested. "Let the Pharaoh know about me. I want to get out of this place. I was stolen and I have not done any crime."

Then the chief baker told Joseph his dream too.

"I dreamed that three white baskets were on my head," began the baker. "The basket on top had all kinds of baked goods for the Pharaoh, but the birds ate them all."

"The three baskets are three days," said Joseph. "In three days the Pharaoh will have you hanged on a tree, and birds will eat your flesh."

On the third day was the Pharaoh's birthday and he made a feast for all his servants.

Joseph's interpretation of the two dreams came true - the chief butler was made chief butler again, and the chief baker was hanged.

The sad news for Joseph is that that the chief butler forgot all about Joseph.

So Joseph stayed in prison for two full years more.

But God was still with him...

Copyright © 2001-2003 Shery Ma Belle Arrieta and Zara Augustine Arrieta