Miketz
Genesis 41:1 – 44:17
Two years after the butler's release, Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams that none of his wise men can interpret. The butler finally remembers Joseph, who is brought from prison and interprets the dreams as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as viceroy over all Egypt. When the famine strikes, Joseph's brothers come to buy grain, and Joseph recognizes them but conceals his identity, testing them by accusing them of espionage and demanding they bring Benjamin. The parasha ends with Joseph's silver goblet planted in Benjamin's sack.
Key figures
- Joseph — Interprets Pharaoh's dreams, appointed viceroy, tests his brothers
- Pharaoh — King of Egypt whose dreams foretell famine, elevates Joseph to power
- Benjamin — Youngest brother whom Joseph demands to see
- Judah — Pledges himself as surety for Benjamin's safety
- Simeon — Held hostage by Joseph as a guarantee the brothers will return
- Jacob — Reluctant father who eventually sends Benjamin to Egypt
Famous verses
- 41:16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying: "It is not in me; God will provide Pharaoh with a favorable answer."
- 41:40 You shall be over my house, and according to your word shall all my people be ruled; only in the throne will I be greater than you."
- 42:21 And they said one to another: "We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us."
Haftarah: {'ref': 'I Kings 3:15-4:1', 'connection': "Solomon's God-given wisdom and dream parallel Joseph's divinely inspired dream-interpretation and wise governance over Egypt."}
Total gematria: 530,358.