Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Pharaoh have a dream after two years?
A: Rashi explains that the two-year period corresponds to the time Yosef (Joseph) had been in prison after interpreting the dreams of the butler and baker. This shows that Hashem's plan was precise—Yosef was released at the exact moment Pharaoh needed his dream interpreted, leading to Yosef's rise to power in Egypt.
Q: What is the significance of Pharaoh standing by the river in his dream?
A: The river (the Nile) was the lifeblood of Egypt, symbolizing sustenance and prosperity. The Midrash teaches that Pharaoh's dream by the river hinted at future events—years of plenty and famine—that would affect Egypt's food supply. This setting emphasized the dream's importance for the nation's survival.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Pharaoh 'dreamed' instead of just saying he had a dream?
A: The wording ('וְהִנֵּה חֹלֵם'—'and behold, he was dreaming') emphasizes that Pharaoh was actively experiencing the dream, making it vivid and significant. The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams from Hashem contain prophetic messages, and Pharaoh's dream was a divine communication about future events.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's dream in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that dreams can sometimes carry divine messages, but they require proper interpretation (like Yosef provided). This verse reminds us that Hashem guides history, even through unlikely means like a king's dream, and that wisdom—rooted in Torah—is needed to understand His signs.
Q: How does this verse connect to Yosef's story?
A: This verse marks the turning point in Yosef's life. After two years of waiting in prison (as Rashi notes), Pharaoh's dream led to Yosef's release and rise to leadership. The Sforno explains that this shows how Hashem's plan unfolds in His perfect timing, using events to fulfill His promises (like Yosef’s earlier dreams of leadership).
The Timing of Pharaoh's Dream
The verse states that Pharaoh's dream occurred "at the end of two years" (מִקֵּץ שְׁנָתַיִם יָמִים). Rashi explains that this refers to two full years after Yosef (Joseph) interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and baker while in prison (Bereishit 40:1-23). The butler had been restored to his position but forgot about Yosef until this moment. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:2) emphasizes that Hashem orchestrated events so that Yosef would be remembered precisely when needed, demonstrating divine providence (hashgacha pratit).
Pharaoh's Dream by the River
The verse describes Pharaoh standing "by the River" (עַל־הַיְאֹר), referring to the Nile. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the Nile was central to Egyptian life, as it provided water and fertility to the land. Pharaoh's dream occurring there signifies its importance to Egypt's sustenance. The Talmud (Chullin 92a) also suggests that rivers often symbolize divine judgment or revelation, indicating that Pharaoh's dream carried prophetic significance.
Symbolism of the Two Years
Pharaoh's Dream as a Turning Point
The dream marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to Yosef's ascent and the eventual descent of Yaakov's family to Egypt. The Sforno comments that Pharaoh's distress over the dream (וְהִנֵּה עֹמֵד—"behold, he stood") reflects his subconscious recognition of impending crisis, which only Yosef, through divine wisdom, could resolve. This sets the stage for the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham about exile and redemption (Bereishit 15:13-14).