In this scene, Joseph is called upon to interpret the troubling dreams of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The song dramatically narrates Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, which he understands as a divine forewarning of seven years of agricultural abundance in Egypt, to be followed by seven years of devastating famine. He explains that the dreams are a cautionary message, urging immediate action to prepare for the forthcoming extremes of plenty and scarcity.
Joseph’s interpretation leads to a strategic fiscal policy, which he himself is charged with implementing. The policy involves the collection and storage of a portion of the grain during the years of abundance. This grain tax, meticulously gathered and managed, is designed to create a reserve that would sustain the Egyptian population during the seven years of famine.
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