(b) In what three ways did the interpretation of the dreams affect Joseph and his people? [6 marks
Explanation
2.(a)Genesis 41:1 - 33: (i) Pharaoh dreamed of seven sleek and fat cows coming out of the Nile. (ii) He saw seven other slim and thin cows. (iii) The thin and slim cows swallowed the fat cows. (iv) He dreamed again of seven plump and good ears of corn growing in one stalk. (v) Another seven thin and blighted ears came up also. (vi) Again, the seven thin and blighted ears of corn ate up the good and plump ones. (vii) When he woke up, he was troubled and afraid. (viii) But his magicians and wise men could not interpret the dreams. (ix) Then the chief butler remembered how Joseph had effectively interpreted his dreams in prison. (x) The chief butler recommended Joseph to Pharaoh. (xi) Pharaoh narrated his dreams to Joseph. (xii) Joseph emphasized that it is only God who gives favourable answer and interpretation. (xiii) Joseph gave good and acceptable interpretations to Pharaoh's dream.
(b)Ways in which the dreams affected Joseph and his people: (i) Joseph interpreted the dreams to the admiration of Pharaoh and his people. (ii) Pharaoh made Joseph the leader of his household and people. (iii) Joseph was appointed next in rank to Pharaoh. (iv) Joseph was honoured with a royal marriage. (v) He used his position to prepare adequately for famine. (vi) He used his position to save his people during the period of famine. (vii) He used his. position to settle his family in Egypt during the period of famine. (viii) The episode brought reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers.