Pharaoh first consulted 'his servants,' and, with their consent, possibly not very hearty, appointed the proposer of the plan as its carrier-out, quoting to him his own words, 'wise and discreet.'. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. declares the Lord GOD of hosts. Joseph was an important Egyptian official who was given the responsibility of storing and distributing food to people who were in need. At age seventeen, after Joseph shared two dreams portraying that he would rule over his siblings and even his parents, his jealous brothers decided to sell him into slavery. Pauline Epistles But we can read between the lines, and be tolerably sure that the thirteen years of trial were well endured, and that the inward life had grown so as to fit him for his advancement. How long his prison life lasted is uncertain; but it was long enough for the promises contained in his early dreams to 'try him' (Ps. Joseph's sudden promotion is made the more intelligible by the probability which the study of Egyptian history has given, that the Pharaoh who made him his second in command was one of the Hyksos conquerors who dominated Egypt for a long period. The New Testament Jacob and the other eleven brothers are also suffering from famine in Canaan. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. Known as "the righteous one," he was favored by his father (who gave him a special colored coat) and sold by his brothers to Egypt, where he ultimately became ruler of the land, second only to King Pharaoh. Gen 41:53 - 42:38 After seven years of plenty, famine arrives in Egypt. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours., 41Pharaoh said to Joseph, I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt. 42Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Josephs finger. There is a bud or a fruit for every snowflake, and a bird's song for every howl of the storm. Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. Alexander MacLaren :: Joseph, The Prime Minister (Genesis 41:38-48) Joseph, The Prime Minister 'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. And since that time the 7 plentiful years (Genesis 41:47-49) and 2 years of famine had passed (Genesis 45:6). Malachi & Joel await the Day of the LORD, 48. Paul's Journey to Cyprus, Pamphylia & Galatia, Paul & Barnabas return to Antioch in Syria, Paul & Barnabas attend the Council of Jerusalem, Paul & Barnabas take the decision to Antioch, 10. And, I believe, it is because of Josephs integrity and love of God that no matter how dire the circumstances looked, God always found a way to bless and use him. This portion has one of the most dramatic scenes in the whole Bible. 'In the earlier days of the monarchy the country was in the hands of great feudal lords; the land belonged to them absolutely. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. In prison Joseph interprets the dreams of two of Pharaohs servants, who found their way there because they displeased the king. He had recommended the appointment of 'a wise and discreet man,' with supreme authority over the land. First stands out, clear and full, the witness it bears to God's faithfulness, and to His sovereign sway over all events. He had absolute control over who would receive any grain that was stored up in Egypt. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck. Potiphar is only mentioned in 2 chapters in Genesis. Joseph had considerable freedom within the land of Egypt, but he seems to have exchanged his Hebrew identity with an Egyptian one. Joseph gives them supplies of grain, keeps Reuben (who saved Josephs life some fourteen years earlier) as surety, and sends the other nine brothers back to, He demands that they return with Benjamin (Josephs only true brother), but Jacob will not allow Rachels son Benjamin now his favourite son - to travel to, 1. Although He doesnt promise material blessings to His people in exchange for their obedience, we know that God loves His people. We see this displayed wonderfully when Josephs brothers asked for forgiveness for the evil they did to him. The Journey continues from Sinai to Moab, The Israelites defeat King Sihon and King Og, The Israelites defeat the kings of Midian, Canaan is divided among the twelve tribes, 28. And, as you might have guessed, its one of my favorites in the entire Bible. And such a character is always the reward of such patience, faith, and self- control, whether chains and chariots are added or not. Joseph had been 30 years old at the time of his appointment to office (Genesis 41:46). But hindrances are helps. makes him appear to be at least two fries short of a Happy Meal. But the ground on which Pharaoh put it goes far to explain it. In Josephs day, the centre of sun worship in Lower Egypt was the temple of Atum at On. Minor Prophets For the man who later would become the second most powerful man in all of Egypt, advisor to Pharaoh himself, and praised for his astounding wisdom, Joseph's informing his brothers of God's plan to elevate him in authority over them (even over their father!) GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point After Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh, the king elevated him to the highest office under the crown. And dont be surprised if He does! Joseph was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, a son of Jacob and his wife Rachel. We have here a full-length portrait of the prime minister, or vizier, which brings out three pointshis elevation, his naturalisation, and his administration. Baskets (both small and large baskets) of leftovers were collected. How to get right with God: By water or the Spirit? This man, once despised and rejected, was enthroned as the ruler over the most powerful nation at the time. Potiphar was pleased with him and put him in charge of his house and everything he owed. After the cupbearer to Pharaoh had a favorable interpretation and was released, Joseph remained in prison two more years. One final lesson, I would like to touch upon, is how forgiveness was a key in keeping Joseph grounded in the Lord. But outward success is not God's best gift. Joseph was an important biblical figure in the history of the Jewish people. But after the convulsion caused by the Hyksos conquest and the war of independence, this older system of land tenure was completely changed. We may note Joseph's immediate entrance upon office and his characteristic energy in it. The meaning of the formidable-looking polysyllable, which Egyptian lips found easier than 'Joseph,' is uncertain. When Jesus performs a miracle, He does it abundantly! Joseph entertains the brothers to a meal at his private residence. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Historical Books The Philosopher, the Lover & the Mourner, Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets, Amos denounces social injustice in Israel, Hosea laments the unfaithfulness of Israel, Micah decries social injustice in Israel and Judah, 39. And such a character is always the reward of such patience, faith, and self-control, whether chains and chariots are added or not. The answer is found in Joseph's theology. 43 Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. The character which he had grown into was more than the trappings which Pharaoh put on him. We must make ourselves, by God's help, ready, in obscurity, and especially in youth, for whatever may be laid on us in after days. Now, I dont know about the economic situation in Egypt at the time, but this sounds like a double-taxation. The basic question is whether Joseph ever became Vizier, or Prime Minister, of Egypt. The Gospels The local colour of the story indicates a period before the fuller revelation, which drew so broad a line of demarcation between Israel and the other nations. 40You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Unfortunately, in the short term, it may seem like God isnt blessing you, but in the long run we will accrue many blessings if we only hang on. What are all the persons concerned in the narrative but unconscious instruments of His? Mahmoud Fawzi . This daily program addresses relevant issues important to Christians, with an engaging mix of listener interaction and commentary from highly respected guests. We know Jacob's age when he went to Egypt because in Genesis 47:9 he tells Pharaoh that he was 130 years old. It is abrikku which we have in Genesis, and the title applied by the people to the "seer" Joseph proves to be the one we should most naturally expect.' Men execute God's purposes, even when unconscious or rebellious, but are responsible, and often punished, for the acts which He uses to effect His designs. He demands that they return with Benjamin (Josephs only true brother), but Jacob will not allow Rachels son Benjamin now his favourite son - to travel to Egypt (see7 on Map 42). When did the israelites leave canaan and settle in Egypt? cv.19) whether his faith would stand apparent disappointment and weary delay. And if we understand what life here means, we shall be more covetous of spheres of diligent service than of places of shining dignity. How old was Joseph when he became prime minister? Joseph's thirteen years of trial, crowned with sudden prosperity, may read all of us, and especially young men and women, a lesson of patience. Notice that Joseph sold some of the grain to the surrounding countries. Curt Blattman May 19, 2022. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt." (Gen 41:46) When Joseph met his brothers it was two years into the famine following the seven years of plenty: Joseph had not only interpreted Pharaoh's dream, but had suggested a policy in preparation for the coming famine. Joseph's story is found in Genesis 3750. Or eternal life in God's kingdom? Info and episodes Listen to us Online! He went through major trials because God wanted to teach him valuable lessons. Wasteful consumption of the abundant crops had to be restrained, storehouses to be built, careful records of the contents to be made, after Egyptian fashion. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. This story of Joseph is a remarkable one! Joseph's administration opens up questions as to Egyptian land tenure, and the like, which cannot be dealt with here. Whatever our task, let us do it, as Joseph did his, with strenuous concentration, knowing, as he did, that the years in which it is possible are but few at the longest. First, the people are taxed 20% and then they have to buy back what they were taxed. 42. Many of us have to fight our way through analogous difficulties at the outset of our career; and we are apt to lose heart and get restive when success seems slow to come, and . God wants to teach us patience, perseverance, and the need to be dependent on Him for everything in life. We cannot afford to lose one of our sorrows or trials. This verse refers to the end of Joseph's life, but at the same time sums up what had been for Joseph a long life in which the principle of faith had persisted. He had lived a long and successful life as a vizier of Egypt appointed by Pharaoh. An Egyptian official bought the young Hebrew boy and made him overseer over his house, but when the . No grass grew under this man's feet. To resist temptation, to do modestly and sedulously whatever work comes to our hands, to be content to look after a jail even though we have dreamed of sun and moon bowing down to us, is the best apprenticeship for whatever elevation circumstancesor, to speak more devoutly, Godintends for us. Most Christians are familiar with the story of Joseph that we read about in the book of Genesis. (Deuteronomy 15:6) And right after God says this, He tells His people to be generous in lending and not be greedy in charging interest to the borrower, especially when lending to another member of Gods family. In fact, these two obelisks were originally erected at On (Heliopolis) by Pharaoh Tuthmosis III (c.1504 1450BC). He had come 'out of prison to reign,' and, as we all find, if we are God's servants, to reign means to serve, and the higher the place the harder the task. His ceremonial investiture with the insignia of office is true to Egyptian manners. Seven years of good inundations (marked by high water levels) would have produced seven years of plentiful crops; but seven years of even higher catastrophic flood levels (similar to those recorded at Semna and Kumma) would have swept away the irrigation bunds and destoyed the crops producing years of famine. Of all the sons, Joseph was preferred by his father, who gave him a "long coat of many colors ". Ezekiel warns of the conquest of Jerusalem, Ezekiel's vision of idolatry in the Temple, Ezekiel speaks through prophesies and parables, Further prophecies & the fall of Jerusalem, Hope for the future - New life for Israel, 45. Joseph is carried by the Ishmaelites into Egypt and is purchased in the slave market by Potiphar, a captain of the guard. Apparently they don't let you be a Bible Scholar unless you show them that you don't believe a word of it. 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