Joseph Interprets the Dreams of Pharaoh’s Servants: Joseph is now about twenty-eight years old (Sarna, Genesis, p. 276). While he has been in Egypt for at least eleven years, the number of years he has spent in prison is uncertain. God nevertheless continues to direct events from behind the scenes. Two things happen in prison that will prove to be crucial for Joseph’s future rise to power. He makes contact with Pharaoh’s personal servants, and he displays his skill at interpreting dreams.

During his time in prison Joseph meets Pharaoh’s servants (vv. 1–4), Joseph interprets their dreams (vv. 5–19), and the dreams are fulfilled (vv. 20–23). At the center stands Joseph’s plea for someone to ask Pharaoh to release him from prison (vv. 14–15). The dramatic action makes a play on the phrase “lif…