Parashat Miketz

Revision as of 20:12, 18 December 2014

Parshas Miketz is the 10th parsha in the Book of Berashis. It contains 146 pesukim. For the Haftora, the section of Milachim describing the first trial of King Shlomo involving two woman arguing over the mothership of a surviving baby, is read.

Pharaoh's Dream

Two years following the incident of the Royal Baker and Cupbearer, Pharaoh had two consecutive dreams. In the first he witnessed seven fat cows emerge from the Nile river that were soon devoured by seven skinny cows that followed them.

First Dream

In his dream Pharaoh was standing by the Nile river and saw seven handsome, plump cows emerging from the water, continuing to pasture in the marshland of reed grass. Pharaoh then witnessed seven ugly, thin cows emerging after them from the Nile. They stood beside the seven fat cows on the Nile bank and proceeded to devour them. Pharaoh then awoke.

Second Dream

Pharaoh fell back asleep and had a similar second dream where he observed seven ears of healthy, good grain growing on one stalk. He then saw seven ears of grain growing after them that looked thin and beaten by the east wind. These thin ears of grain proceeded to swallow up the seven healthy, full ears of grain. Pharaoh awoke, realizing it was a dream with a hidden message that would require serious interpretation.

Troubled Spirit

In the morning Pharaoh awoke with his spirit troubled. He summoned all the sorcerers and sages of Egypt, relating his dreams to them but no one could interpreted them.

Interpretation

The cows of handsome appearance symbolized the days of plenty, when creatures appear handsome to one another, for no one envies his fellow.