Page:The Story of Joseph and His Brethren.djvu/20

Rh understood the meaning of the dream, for they said—"Shalt thou, indeed, reign over us? or shalt thou, indeed, have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams and for his words." His telling his dream to his brothers shows the unsuspecting innocence and sincerity of Joseph's heart, and even his affection for them; whether he saw its meaning as quickly and clearly as they did we are not told; but had he been as willing to rule as they were unwilling to be ruled, he would probably have kept his dream a secret, lest its being known might prevent its fulfilment. We know how literally this dream, as interpreted by his brethren, was fulfilled, and as we shall have to note, when we come to see these now haughty and envious brethren bowing in profound humiliation before him.

We may now remark that this and the other dreams of Joseph, being prophetic, foreshadowing events that took place many years afterwards, must have been inspired by the Lord, who alone knows, because He alone disposes, all future events. We find many instances besides these of God revealing His will and