Parshat Mikketz begins with the following four words: "After two years time" (Gen. 41:1). On the surface, these words seem to function simply as a link between two episodes; however, they point to a deeper problem. Joseph, the protagonist, has been locked away in jail for two years, and he is almost unknown in Egypt with the exception of one irresponsible attendant to Pharaoh. The fact that, not one, but two years have elapsed indicates that trends are solidifying and they do not include Joseph. Egypt and the world are sailing along just fine without him.
"After two years time," God intervenes in Egyptian history, since there is no other way to liberate Joseph. God sends Pharaoh a dream, in which seven healthy cows leap out of the Nile and graze along its banks. Seven skinny cows follow and devour the fat ones. At this moment, "Pharaoh awoke. He fell asleep" (Gen. 41: 4-5). God's attempt to kick-start history fails; the dream he sent produces almost no effect on the complacent, self-satisfied Pharaoh. God rolls up his sleeves, as it were, and sends a second disturbing dream, which finally rouses Pharaoh from his bovine contentment. Presumably, God would have sent as many dreams as necessary to move the story of Joseph, and the history of Israel, forward.
Pharaoh's anxiety provides the tension that is needed for the story to progress. The standard story shows Pharaoh seeking someone who can tell him the meaning of his dreams. Through a series of circumstances, Joseph is called before Pharaoh, he interprets the dreams, and he becomes Pharaoh's second in command.
While the story of Joseph's ascent in Egypt is the primary result of the dream, the story of Pharaoh's suffering might be a more interesting story for a modern audience. Consider what happens to Pharaoh after the second dream: "Next morning, his spirit was agitated, and he sent for all the magicians of Egypt, and all its wise men; and Pharaoh told them his dreams, but none could interpret them for Pharaoh" (Gen. 41:8). The dream has raised a few problems for Pharaoh. First, the complacent and self-confident Pharaoh no longer feels comfortable in his own, exalted skin. He cannot sleep and he is forced to reach out to others for the help. Furthermore, none of the men on whom he calls, his wise men and magicians, can explain his dreams or offer him the least bit of solace. As with Humpty-Dumpty, "All the Pharaoh's magicians and all the Pharaoh's men couldn't put Pharaoh together again."
Put another way, Pharaoh is half a prophet: he has a vision, but he cannot understand it. The vision absorbs his attention, hints at a profound and consequential meaning, but eludes his understanding. Pharaoh desperately seeks someone to put his mind at rest by translating the opaque, inscrutable images that mystify and torment him. Not prepared for Divine revelations, he needs someone to alleviate his awesome burden. Joseph fills this need. He gives form and meaning to the inscrutable and haunting images that had taken over Pharaoh's mind. If Pharaoh is half a prophet, Joseph is the articulate second half, who completes him.
Pharaoh's gratitude gushes forth directly after Joseph interprets his dreams. Pharaoh says, " 'Could we find another like him, a man in whom is the spirit of God? . . . See, I put you in charge of all the land of Egypt.' And removing his signet ring from his hand, Pharaoh put it on Joseph's hand; and he had him dressed in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.'" (Gen. 41:41-43). After his great distress, Pharaoh rapidly promotes Joseph, not merely for interpreting the dream, but for comforting him when no one else could. Joseph is not just a savvy, well-connected advisor; he saves Pharaoh from loneliness and a possible breakdown.
I can understand Pharaoh's gratefulness to Joseph, the one person in all of Egypt - in all the world - who gives voice to Pharaoh's dreams and who comprehends and shares the most intimate and confusing corners of his mind. Pharaoh declares, without hesitation, that he is willing to share all that is his with Joseph. Nava also has given voice to the confusing feelings in my heart, freeing me from loneliness. She is my other half. She interprets me to myself. She comforts and completes me. For that I am grateful and look forward to sharing all that is mine with her.
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