Genesis Part 064

The name given to Joseph from Pharaoh in Genesis 41:45 is not well understood: “And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah.” Jamieson-Fausset-Brown gives a succinct commentary: “variously interpreted, ‘revealer of secrets;’ ‘savior of the land;’ and from the hieroglyphics, ‘a wise man fleeing from pollution’ that is, adultery.” Jewish historian Josephus states, “who called him Psothom Phanech, out of regard to his prodigious degree of wisdom; for that name denotes the revealer of secrets” (Antiquities-Jews, Book 2, Chapter 6). 

When we began Joseph’s story, he was 17 years old (Genesis 37:2), but by verse 46 (Genesis 41) he is 30 years old. A lot has happened to him in the 13 years since he was sold into slavery by his brothers. In verse 51, Joseph has two sons born to him. His firstborn is named Manasseh, meaning “causing to forget.” His second son is named Ephraim, meaning “I shall be doubly fruitful.” 

Historical confirmation of this time of abundance succeeded by a long period of great food shortage is believed to exist. The following is from a book titled The Signature of God by Grant Jeffrey, 1996, pages 42–43: 

“A fascinating inscription confirming the Bible’s account of the ‘seven years of great plenty’ followed by the ‘seven years of famine’ (Genesis 41:29–30) was discovered during the nineteenth century in southern Saudi Arabia. This inscription was found on a marble tablet in a ruined fortress on the seashore of Hadramaut in present-day Democratic Yemen. An examination of the writing suggests that it was written [in the patriarchal age]...This inscription was rendered in Arabic by Professor Schultens and was later translated into English by Rev. Charles Forster. This is his translation of this ancient inscription: 

We dwelt at ease in this castle a long tract of time. 

nor had we a desire but for the region-lord of the vineyard. 

Hundreds of camels returned to us each day at evening, 

their eye pleasant to behold in their resting-places. 

And twice the number of our camels were our sheep, 

in comeliness like white does, and also the slow-moving kin. 

We dwelt in this castle seven years of good life 

—how difficult for memory its description! 

Then came years barren and burnt up: 

when one evil year had passed away, 

then came another to succeed it. 

And we became as though we had never seen a glimpse of good. 

They died and neither foot nor hoof remained. 

Thus, fares it with him who renders not thanks to God: 

His footsteps fail not to be blotted out from his dwelling.” 

While remarkable, this should not surprise us too much. After all, the Bible is the Word of God—and it is true despite the arguments of skeptics. The following is also taken from The Signature of God, pages 44–45: “Explorers during the last century discovered a number of other fascinating ancient inscriptions in the Middle East that provided confirmation of facts recorded in the sacred Scriptures. The greatest treasure of all was a fascinating engraved stone tablet [found in the tomb of a rich Yemenite noblewoman of the patriarchal age] bearing her final inscription which confirmed the biblical account of Joseph’s careful management of the remaining food reserves during the seven years of famine in Egypt. 

A Yemenite Inscription About a Famine During the Time of Joseph 

In thy name O God, the God of Hamyar, 

I Tajah, the daughter of Dzu Shefar, sent my steward to Joseph, 

And he delayed returning to me, I sent my hand maid 

With a measure of silver, to bring me back a measure of flour: 

And not being able to procure it, I sent her with a measure of gold: 

And not being able to procure it, I sent her with a measure of pearls: 

And not being able to procure it, I commanded them to be ground: 

And finding no profit in them, I am shut up here. 

Whosoever may hear of it, let him commiserate me; 

And should any woman adorn herself with an ornament 

From my ornaments, may she die with no other than my death 

(reported in Niebuhr’s Voyage en Arabie, PL. LIX. 

Translation by Rev. Charles Forster). 

It should be noted here that the above translation appears quite credible, since Frieslander Carsten Niebuhr was a respected pioneer in archaeological exploration of the Middle East and in translating inscriptions found there, having accurately translated many from ancient Persepolis.” 

The more we learn and discern history, the more proof we have that the biblical account cannot be discredited. Not only are fascinating and incredible stories revealed through the pages of the Bible, but we also see that God inspires them, and they are true. Since history supports the veracity of the Bible, we can have faith that the events that are yet to occur will happen as they are foretold. 

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.