Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Pharaoh's dream of seven ears of corn mean in Genesis 41:5?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish interpretation, the seven plump ears of corn symbolize seven years of abundance that would come to Egypt. This dream, along with the dream of the seven thin cows (Genesis 41:1-4), was a divine message about future events that Yosef (Joseph) would later interpret for Pharaoh.
Q: Why did Pharaoh dream about ears of corn specifically?
A: The Midrash explains that corn (grain) was chosen as a symbol because it represents sustenance and livelihood. In agrarian societies like ancient Egypt, grain was a primary food source, making it an effective symbol for years of plenty or famine. The plump ears specifically indicated healthy, abundant harvests.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's dreams in Genesis 41?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 55b) teaches that dreams often contain important messages, but they require proper interpretation by wise individuals (like Yosef). This teaches us the value of seeking wisdom to understand divine signs and prepare for the future, whether times of abundance or challenge.
Q: Why are there two similar dreams in Genesis 41 (cows and corn)?
A: Rashi explains that the repetition of the message through two different dreams (seven cows and seven ears of corn) signifies that the matter was firmly established by Hashem and would happen soon. This follows the Torah principle that when a dream is repeated, it indicates certainty and immediacy (based on Genesis 41:32).
Q: How does the concept of 'seven years' in Pharaoh's dream apply today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Ta'anios 1:1-3) derives from this episode that we should pay attention to signs in nature and prepare accordingly. While we don't interpret dreams like Yosef did, the story teaches the Jewish values of foresight, preparing during good times for potential challenges, and recognizing that all sustenance comes from Hashem.
Interpretation of the Second Dream
The verse describes Pharaoh's second dream, in which he sees seven ears of grain growing on a single stalk, all of them "plump and good" (בְּרִיאוֹת וְטֹבוֹת). This follows his first dream of seven lean cows devouring seven fat cows (Bereishit 41:1-4). According to Rashi, the repetition of the number seven in both dreams signifies that these events are divinely ordained and will occur with certainty, as the Torah states elsewhere (Bereishit 41:32): "The matter is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass."
Symbolism of the Seven Ears of Grain
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 89:6) explains that the seven ears represent seven years of abundance, as grain is a primary sustenance for human life. The fact that they grow on a single stalk (בְּקָנֶה אֶחָד) suggests that these years will follow one another in rapid succession, unlike sporadic periods of plenty. The description of the ears as "plump and good" (בְּרִיאוֹת וְטֹבוֹת) indicates that the abundance will be of the highest quality, as noted by Ramban, who emphasizes that this was an extraordinary vision of prosperity.
Contrast with the First Dream
While the first dream (the cows) was interpreted by Yosef as representing years of plenty followed by famine (Bereishit 41:26-27), the second dream reinforces the same message through agricultural imagery. Ibn Ezra points out that the doubling of the dream serves to confirm its truth, as seen in Yosef’s explanation to Pharaoh (Bereishit 41:25). The Malbim adds that the two dreams together symbolize two aspects of sustenance: livestock (representing wealth and secondary needs) and grain (representing primary sustenance).
Spiritual Lessons