Genesis Part 063

In Genesis 41, two full years after interpreting the baker and the chief cupbearer's dreams, Pharoah has a dream. This must have been quite thought-provoking and disturbing, as seven gaunt cows eat seven fat cows. Pharaoh wakes up and then goes back to sleep and has a second dream where seven thin grain stalks engulf seven good stalks of grain. 

In Genesis 41:9, the chief butler states, “I remember my faults this day.” The Hebrew word translated as “faults” is almost always translated as “sins” elsewhere in the Bible. He remembered that he had not kept his word; he had left Joseph in prison another two years, without bringing him up to Pharaoh. 

Joseph is brought quickly from the dungeon, where he shaves and changes into appropriate clothes to appear before Pharaoh in verse 14. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown states “The Egyptians were the only Oriental nation that liked a smooth chin. All slaves and foreigners who were reduced to that condition, were obliged, on their arrival in that country, to conform to the cleanly habits of the natives, by shaving their beards and heads, the latter of which were covered with a close cap.”  

When Pharaoh inquired of Joseph’s ability to interpret the dream, Joseph deferred to God (verse 16) and indicated that He would be the source of interpretation. A true servant of God is careful not to take God’s credit/glory upon oneself. Joseph shows us this as he makes it clear to give God the glory for what is about to be made known to Pharaoh.  

God inspired Pharaoh’s dream, and He inspired Joseph’s interpretation of the dream. Once the Pharaoh understood what was coming, he wondered how to address the needs of his nation and whom he should seek as an administrator to govern during the upcoming years.   

In verse 33, Joseph advises Pharaoh that he should look for a man who contains two qualities: discernment and wisdom. “Discerning” comes from the Hebrew meaning “to separate mentally (or distinguish). It is the quality of being able to consider and separate out what is important, how something should be overseen, etc. ‘Wise’ means ‘wise, intelligent, or skillful.’” 

We can infer that Joseph is not using his own wisdom to tell Pharaoh how to manage this desperate situation but instead was supplied by God. In verse 16 Joseph told Pharaoh that “God would give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”  Peace comes in understanding that all things work together for good and that God is in control and has a plan (Romans 8:28). 

Joseph tells Pharaoh in verses 33–36 what the plan of action should be. Pharaoh understands that there is no one who has the two qualities of discernment and wisdom more than Joseph himself. 

Verse 40 reads “all my people shall be ruled according to your word.” The literal Hebrew words mean: “At thy mouth do all my people kiss.” This pertains to the culture that those under authority would kiss anything that comes from a superior, to show submission and respect to that position and person. Pharaoh is saying that anything Joseph says would be “kissed,” implying that he would be shown the utmost respect and submission by the Egyptians. 

Pharaoh’s signet ring, given to Joseph in verse 42, gave the recipient delegated power of the sovereign and installed him as prime minister. Joseph was also given “vestures of fine linen.” Egypt was celebrated for its flax and for the fineness of its textiles. The priests were arrayed in official robes of linen, and no man was allowed to enter a temple in a woolen garment (Herodotus ii. 37, 81). The “gold chain about his neck” was a badge of office worn in Egypt by the judge and the prime minister. 

In verse 43 we read that Pharoah had Joseph “ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, ‘Bow the knee!’ So, he set him over all the land of Egypt.”  

Pharaoh continues heaping on honor for Joseph in verse 44 as he states, 

“I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”  

God was faithful to Joseph and ultimately worked out the circumstances necessary to accomplish His will. Joseph was patient and waited on God to work out events in His timing. Joseph felt blessed as he states in verse 51, 

“God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house,” and he named his sons ‘forget’ and ‘fruitful.’   

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.