And see the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments.
The produce of the earth is sometimes more, and sometimes less yet, take one with another, he that gathers much, has nothing over and he that gathers little, has no lack, ( Exodus 16:18 ). Mark the goodness of God in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made. We must learn how to want, as well as how to abound. We cannot be sure that to-morrow shall be as this day, or next year as this. See to what changes the comforts of this life are subject.
See how many ways Providence has of dispensing its gifts yet our dependence is still the same upon the First Cause, who makes every creature what it is to us, be it rain or river. Egypt has no rain, but the plenty of the year depends upon the overflowing of the river Nile. Pharaoh had dreamed that he stood upon the bank of the river Nile, and saw the kine, both the fat ones, and the lean ones, come out of the river. Joseph, when introduced to Pharaoh, gives honour to God. Then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family, as afterwards he proved.
If the chief butler had got Joseph to be released from prison, it is probable he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews. Verses 9-32 God's time for the enlargement of his people is the fittest time. But these dreams showed that they were sent of God when he awoke, Pharaoh's spirit was troubled. The telling of foolish dreams can make no better than foolish talk. Now that God no longer speaks to us in that way, it is no matter how little we either heed dreams, or tell them. Verses 1-8 The means of Joseph's being freed from prison were Pharaoh's dreams, as here related. (33-45) Joseph's children, The beginning of the famine.
(9-32) Joseph's counsel, He is highly advanced. (1-8) Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams.
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