Why Pharaoh's Spirit Was Troubled Once but Nebuchadnezzar's Twice

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Miketz 4:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"And his spirit was troubled" (Genesis 41:8) — for it was beating against him like this bell. Another interpretation of "and his spirit was troubled": Concerning Nebuchadnezzar it is written, "and his spirit was deeply troubled" (Daniel 2:1), while concerning Pharaoh it is written, "and his spirit was troubled." Why? Pharaoh knew the dream but did not know its interpretation; therefore he was distressed with the distress of his spirit. Why? Pharaoh knew the dream but did not know its interpretation; therefore he was distressed with a single distress. But Nebuchadnezzar knew neither the dream nor its interpretation; therefore, two distresses, as it is said, "Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams" (Daniel 2:1). Rabbi Hiyya said: He dreamed one dream. And why does it say "dreams"? Because he forgot the dream. Rabbi Yannai says: He dreamed two dreams — one of a statue and one of a tree.

Themes

DreamsDanielSupernaturalSpiritsMoses

Biblical References

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