WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2021 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

(a) Joseph's encounter with Pharaoh (Genesis 41:1-45): Joseph was imprisoned by Potiphar after being falsely accused of rape by Potiphar's wife. Pharaoh had a dream that he stood by the River Nile and saw seven fat cows and seven lean cows come from the river, and the lean cows swallowed the fat ones. In a second dream, he saw seven plump ears of corn and seven thin ears growing on one stalk, and the thin ears swallowed the plump ones. When Pharaoh woke, he summoned his magicians and wise men to interpret the dreams but they could not. At this juncture, Pharaoh's chief butler remembered how Joseph had interpreted his dream in prison two years before. Upon the butler's recommendation, Pharaoh sent for Joseph from prison to interpret his dreams. Joseph told Pharaoh that the two dreams were the same, meaning seven years of abundant harvest would be followed by seven years of famine in Egypt. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise man to oversee storage of one-fifth of the harvest during the years of plenty. Pharaoh, seeing Joseph's wisdom, appointed him to be in charge of the storage, gave him his signet ring as a symbol of authority, a royal chariot, and an Egyptian name and wife. (b) Lessons leaders can learn from Joseph: i. He was a visionary. ii. He was humble. iii. He was patient. (Also: he had administrative qualities, was faithful and God-fearing, respected authority, was willing to help others and the community.)