In this week’s parsha the Torah relates that Pharaoh had two fascinating dreams. First he dreamt that seven skinny cows swallowed seven fat, well fed cows leaving no trace of them. Then he dreamt that seven thin, weak sheaves of grain swallowed up seven fat and healthy sheaves. Confused and unsure of the meaning of his dreams he asked his best advisers what they thought. Each of them came up with different theories, such as that Pharaoh would have seven daughters who would all die. Pharaoh discarded them all, becoming angry at the very idea.
As he became more and more agitated, the Sar haMashkim realized that he did not have much choice. He informed Pharaoh that he had met a young, imprisoned man who was competent at dream interpretation - perhaps he could help. Yosef was duly brought to Pharaoh, and, after some conversation, he offered his interpretation: There would be seven years of abundance, followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh loved this interpretation, so much so that he instantly made Yosef Mishnah laMelech, tasking him with saving the future of Mitzrayim.
Why Was Yosefs interpretation Better?
The obvious question is: why did Pharaoh dismiss the interpretations of his cleverest advisers but pay heed to that of a foreign inmate, even making Yosef the viceroy?! Clearly Pharaoh understood that this was no simple dream; it was meant to teach him something. All his advisors gave him interpretations that made sense and could be the dream’s meaning, however, they did not come with a solution; there was nothing he could do to prevent the suffering that was portended. Pharaoh was certain that he would not have been given a message from shamayim if there was nothing that he could do about it. Yosef did not merely offer an interpretation; he also offered a solution. This is why Pharaoh accepted it.
