GRACEFULL DREAMING

As I wrap up more than a decade of studying Genesis, I’ve found myself drawn deeply into the story of my husband’s favorite biblical character: Joseph. And honestly, is there a more dramatic story in the Bible? Joseph’s life is a tapestry of reversals and revelations: from beloved son to motherless son, from despised little brother to trusted family leader, from the comfort of his father’s tents to slavery in a foreign land, from honored servant to falsely accused prisoner, and finally, from the depths of prison to the heights of power as Egypt’s second-in-command.

Through all the highs and lows of Joseph’s life, one thread stands out unmistakably: the favor of the Lord resting upon him. Some who witnessed this favor (like his brothers) responded with jealousy and hatred. Others, like Potiphar and Pharaoh, recognized it and elevated Joseph to the highest positions within their power. Again and again, Genesis tells us that God was with Joseph, blessing everything he put his hand to (Genesis 39). God's favor brought prosperity to Potiphar’s household, set Joseph apart in prison even after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and gave him supernatural insight to interpret the dreams of the royal cupbearer, baker, and Pharaoh himself. In each case, God’s favor wasn’t just for Joseph’s benefit—it ultimately positioned him to preserve millions of lives during a potentially devastating famine.

The first recorded encounter Joseph had with the favor of the Lord was through his dreams. His father already favored him, but God demonstrated his favor on Joseph by giving him a glimpse of his future. When the brothers' sheaves bow down to his sheaf of wheat, the interpretation is pretty clear: Joseph will one day be elevated over his brothers. The Bible tells us in Genesis 37:8b that "they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words." The Hebrew word "חֲלֹמֹתָ֖יו" or ḥă·lō·mō·ṯāw means "multiple dreams/visions" and "דְּבָרָֽיו׃" or də·ḇā·rāw means "the full case or explanations."

Before Joseph’s first recorded dream, Scripture tells us that tension already existed between him and his brothers. The primary reason given is that Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons. This favoritism was publicly displayed when Jacob gave Joseph a richly ornamented robe, setting him apart. The Bible notes that from that point on, his brothers "could not speak peaceably to him."

Joseph was not oblivious to their resentment. He may have added fuel to the fire himself. For example, we’re told he brought a negative report about the sons of Zilpah and Bilhah to their father—behavior that suggests he may have been seen as a tattletale. Then comes a dream—divinely given—that ignites what was already smoldering.

We know the dream and its interpretation came from God for several reasons:

1. God’s favor rested upon Joseph, making it unlikely that he would be misled by idols, evil spirits, or delusions (see Zechariah 10:2, 1 John 4:1, and Jeremiah 23:25-27, 23:32).

2. God's Spirit is known to give dreams (Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28).

3. Dreams are one of the ways God reveals Himself, especially to prophets (Numbers 12:6-8; Hosea 12:10).

4. Only God gives the true interpretation of dreams (Genesis 40:8).

5. Dreams are a means through which God speaks to mankind, often to warn, guide, or humble us.

As Job 33:14-17 says:

“For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds, he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride.”

Then Joseph dreams again. This time, he sees the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. His brothers are consumed with jealousy. Joseph, seemingly unaware of the weight his words carry, eagerly shares both the dream and its interpretation with his family.

His father, Jacob, rebukes him and questions the dream's implications, yet he doesn’t dismiss it entirely. Scripture says he "kept the matter in mind," which might more precisely be translated as “he riddled the matter”—pondering it, turning it over in his mind as he tried to discern its meaning.

Years later, both his brothers and Jacob witness the fulfillment of these dreams. The brothers bow before Joseph, not recognizing him as the powerful leader of Egypt. Eventually, at Joseph’s invitation, the brothers return with their father to settle in Egypt under the rulership of Joseph.

Through it all, God's word is fulfilled—not only the dreams given to Joseph, but also the prophecy spoken to Abraham: that his descendants would live as foreigners and be enslaved in a land not their own for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). What once appeared to be the arrogant imagination of a favored son was, in truth, a divine preview of God’s unfolding plan—a vision meant to anchor a young man through betrayal, injustice, and years of waiting.

Centuries later, another Joseph would dream. This time, it wasn’t a teenager sharing visions with his brothers, but a righteous man wrestling with an unthinkable situation—his betrothed is pregnant before their union. Yet in dreams, God assured him that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and instructed him to take her as his wife. Through further dreams, God guided this Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect the Christ child from a murderous king, and later, to return—but not all the way home just yet. Once again, God used dreams to direct his chosen, to fulfill prophecy, and to preserve life—this time, the very life of the Savior.