It has been taken for a Hebraised Egyptian word, meaning 'Cast thyself down'; and this interpretation was deemed the most probable, until Assyrian discovery brought to light 'that abarakku is the Assyrian name of the grand vizier' (Fr. Sayce proposes another explanation, also from the cuneiform tablets: 'There was a word abrik in the Sumerian language, which signified a seer, and was borrowed by the Semitic Babylonians under the varying forms of abrikku and abarakku. declares the Lord GOD of hosts. He and his servants had come to believe that 'God' spoke through this man, that 'the Spirit of God' was in him. 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.' cv.19) whether his faith would stand apparent disappointment and weary delay. Was Jesus an outspoken rabbi or was he God? The story begins in Egypt, in the marketplace of Avaris where Joseph is sold as a slave to Potiphar, the Pharaoh's Chief Steward. His name in Hebrew is a shortened version of Potiphera, which means "he whom Ra gave.". Linking the story to Christ enhances that beauty. After each, Pharaoh was awakened (41:4,7). So he gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the food in the cities. What are all the persons concerned in the narrative but unconscious instruments of His? In this fast-paced, caller-driven program, Janet evaluates newsworthy topics with guests and listeners using the Bible as a framework for discussion. Plainly, too, does the story read the lesson of quiet doing of the work and accepting the circumstances of the moment. (Psalm 50:10), If you have material needs, God is only a prayer away. Genesis 39:1-20. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. Now, I dont know about the economic situation in Egypt at the time, but this sounds like a double-taxation. 37Josephs suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials. It was better to be the Joseph who deserved his high place, than to have the place. And such a character is always the reward of such patience, faith, and self-control, whether chains and chariots are added or not. The greatest blessing His people could ever have is God Himself. I encourage you to read all about him in (Genesis 37 50) to discover other lessons we can learn from this great man of God. First stands out, clear and full, the witness it bears to God's faithfulness, and to His sovereign sway over all events. Prophets Throughout Josephs time in slavery and prison he maintained his purity and integrity and as a result, despite his negative circumstances, three times we read in (Genesis 39) that the Lord was with him. 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 Canaan. We cannot afford to lose one of our sorrows or trials. Was there any point in the history of Israel, down to an impossibly late date, except the time of Moses, at which Jewish writers were so familiar with Egypt as to have been capable of producing so true a picture? 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. For less than $5/mo. So well, in fact, does he do his duties that soon he becomes an . If one of Joseph's misfortunes had been omitted, his good fortune would never have come. This portion has one of the most dramatic scenes in the whole Bible. God did. Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. The Whole Bible Malachi & Joel await the Day of the LORD, 48. 41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt." 42 Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph's finger. 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? Egypt foils theft of 10-ton ancient Ramses II statue. In v 28 he told Pharaoh, "God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Or eternal life in God's kingdom? Minor Prophets The Egyptian obelisk commonly called Cleopatras Needle on the Embankment in London, and its twin in Central Park, New York, have nothing to do with Cleopatra. The Old Testament Joseph was in prison in Egypt, and the Pharaohs cup bearer and the baker were in prison with him, Joseph interpreted their dreams, one was hanged and the other was freed. 57 The sight of cows cooling themselves in the river and feeding on the lush marsh grass was typically Egyptian. This promotion made Joseph a very powerful and wealthy man in Egypt. Such an alliance placed him at once in the very innermost circle of Egyptian aristocracy. He had absolute control over who would receive any grain that was stored up in Egypt. He was ubiquitous, personally overseeing everything for seven long years. There was a common ground of recognition of a divine Being on which they met. 45. And as he sought to trust and obey God during that terribly lonely, desolate time, things went from bad to worse. Joseph became the overseer of a vast amount of grain that would deliver Egypt and many other people from a future famine. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. We cannot afford to lose one of our sorrows or trials. And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.' Major Prophets How long his prison life lasted is uncertain; but it was long enough for the promises contained in his early dreams to 'try him' (Psalm 105:19) whether his faith would stand apparent disappointment and weary delay. 7 There will be bare places by the Nile, on the brink of the Nile, He had lived a long and successful life as a vizier of Egypt appointed by Pharaoh. 2. Basically, Pharaoh gives Joseph everything a man could ask for. Johannine Writings But should not Joseph's religion have barred such a marriage? Pharaoh provides Joseph with his own signet ring, a wife, clothes, and transportation. In Egypt, he was made Pharaoh's Prime Minister at the tender age of 30 years. First - Inscriptions. The Pharaoh is the fountain head, not only of honour, but of property as well. Potiphar and His Wife. His name was changed, in token that he had completely become a subject of Pharaoh's. How to get right with God: By water or the Spirit? The Sages explain this two-year delay was a punishment to Joseph for asking the . You might say what a circuitous route Joseph took going from slave to second in command in Egypt and you would be absolutely correct. Joseph In Egypt. Notice that Joseph sold some of the grain to the surrounding countries. But after the convulsion caused by the Hyksos conquest and the war of independence, this older system of land tenure was completely changed. Poetical Books Through our dreams, for our future and family, God will often bring trials our way, not to defeat the fulfilment of our desires, but to teach us lessons that we could not learn in any other way. The lessons of this incident are plain. The Tel el-Amarna tablets show that the knowledge of cuneiform writing was common in Egypt (Sayce, Higher Criticism and the Monuments, p.214). Joseph was an important biblical figure in the history of the Jewish people. 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. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. And Joseph, by not being an Egyptian born, would be all the fitter an instrument for carrying out the policy which he had suggested. John's Revelation to the 7 Churches of Asia, John's Letter to the 7 Churches of Asia Minor, The messages to the believers on the coastal plain, The messages to the believers living inland, 21. There is much we can learn from reading Josephs story. Such an alliance placed him at once in the very innermost circle of Egyptian aristocracy. The Israelites journey from Egypt to Mt Sinai, 26. Poetical Books The signet ring, as the emblem of full authority; the chain, as a mark of dignity; the robe of 'fine linen' (or rather of cotton), which was a priestly dress -- all are illustrated by the monuments. Historical Books NLT Large-Print Premium Value Thinline Bible, Filament Enabled Edition--soft leather-look, teal, NLT Premium Gift Bible Imitation Leather, purple petals, NLT Life Application Large-Print Study Bible, Third Edition--soft leather-look, brown, mahogan, red letter (indexed), NLT Large-Print Premium Value Thinline Bible, Filament Enabled Edition--soft leather-look, pink, NLT Premium Gift Bible--soft leather-look, teal. Gen 41:41-52 Joseph is appointed Vizier (Prime Minister) to the Pharaoh - probably Amenemhat III (c.1678-1635BC) the most successful pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom - and becomes one of the most powerful people in Pharaohs court. Joseph's administration opens up questions as to Egyptian land tenure, and the like, which cannot be dealt with here. 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. Near the Faiyum oasis 30 miles / 50 km south of Giza, visitors can explore the pyramid complex of Amenemhat III at Hawarah, built to house the mortal remains of the pharoah who probably appointed Joseph to the top administrative post in Egypt (see Map 42). Most Christians are familiar with the story of Joseph that we read about in the book of Genesis. The narrator gives no judgment on the fact, and we have to form our own estimate. Genesis 39. Little need be said about the other points of the story. He then emerged as Pharaoh's Prime Minister and was able to welcome his father and brothers (and more) into Egypt and into his kingdom. But the ground on which Pharaoh put it goes far to explain it. The brothers are horrified and beg Joseph to forgive them. After Joseph's brothers sell him to the Midianites, they take him down to Egypt. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 30:6 | View whole chapter | See verse in context His name was changed, in token that he had completely become a subject of Pharaoh's. 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. Zephaniah & Habakkuk foretell Judah's fall, Zephaniah warns of the punishment of Judah, Habakkuk asks why the cruel Babylonians succeed, 44. Observe that Pharaoh and Joseph both speak in this chapter of 'God.' Prophets There is a bud or a fruit for every snowflake, and a bird's song for every howl of the storm. Joseph is a "type" of Christ, a character in the Bible with godly qualities who foreshadows the Messiah, savior of his people. Like all the Scripture narratives, this history of Joseph has little to say about feelings, and prefers facts. After all, God helps those who help themselves, right? If being a slave was not bad enough, Joseph was then falsely accused of rape by Potiphars wife, and thrown into prison. 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. Joseph, Benjamin's brother was sold into slavery by his other brothers. Minor Prophets The people ceased to have any rights of their own' (Sayce, ut supra, p. 216). Luke-Acts Heal said it is one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible. Joseph later became prime minister of Egypt, and when Joseph's brothers refused to abandon Benjamin, after Joseph put them to a test, Joseph realized his brothers had a change of heart and were willing to risk their lives for their youngest brother. This man, once despised and rejected, was enthroned as the ruler over the most powerful nation at the time. And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. He had recommended the appointment of 'a wise and discreet man,' with supreme authority over the land. Paul's Letters to Ephesus, Colossae & Philippi, 17. 5 And the waters of the sea will be dried up, and the river will be dry and parched, 6 and its canals will become foul, and the branches of Egypt's Nile will diminish and dry up, reeds and rushes will rot away. Jacob and the other eleven brothers are also suffering from famine in Canaan. Joseph was 11th of 12 sons of a wealthy nomad Jacob and his second wife Rachel. First, the people are taxed 20% and then they have to buy back what they were taxed. Elaine. Paul's Letters to Galatia & Thessalonica, The risen Lord Jesus appears to his followers, Christ's Victory Parade & the New Covenant, 15. Pharaoh provides Joseph with his own signet ring, a wife, clothes, and transportation. Mary & Joseph go to Bethlehem The birth of Jesus Shepherds visit the infant Jewish religious rituals Wise men visit Jerusalem The holy family flee to Egypt The holy family return to Nazareth Jesus grows up 4. Joseph believed it with all his heart, because God had revealed it. The story of Joseph is one of the great dramas of the Bible. Young men thrown into city life far away from their homes, and whispered to by many seducing voices, have often to suffer for keeping themselves unspotted; but they are being strengthened by rough discipline, and will get such promotion, in due time, as is good for them. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? The first, he calls Manasseh, which means "he who causes to forget." And Joseph said, "For God hath made me to forget all my toil and all my father's house." He 'went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.' Joseph was being prepared for the administration of a kingdom by his oversight of Potiphar's house and of the prison. Wisdom Literature We know Jacob's age when he went to Egypt because in Genesis 47:9 he tells Pharaoh that he was 130 years old. Then for the next seven years, Joseph sells the grain back to the people of Egypt. In last nights Sunday Night Bible Study on Mark 8, we talked about Jesus miraculous feeding of well over nine thousand people (including the story from Mark 6) from just a few loaves of bread and a few fish. Historical Books Genesis 41:41-49. Historical Books During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. He had recommended the appointment of 'a wise and discreet man,' with supreme authority over the land. Was there any point in the history of Israel, down to an impossibly late date, except the time of Moses, at which Jewish writers were so familiar with Egypt as to have been capable of producing so true a picture? 2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed He was given and Egyptian name, family, and position. 43 He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and people shouted before him, "Make way!" This daily program addresses relevant issues important to Christians, with an engaging mix of listener interaction and commentary from highly respected guests. He would have collected taxes from Egypts farmers, and ensured a continuous revenue from the royal gold mines upstream in, Successful harvests in The Black Land of the, The prosperity of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom depended on the successful management of the, During the reign of Amenemhat III, exceptionally high water levels were recorded in situ on the rocks at the, Joseph recognises his half-brothers, but they dont realise who he is. The Letter to the Jewish believers in Antioch, The General Letters: James, Jude, Peter & John, The Letter of James to the Jewish believers, The Letter of Jude to the Jewish believers, The 1st Letter of Peter to the Jewish believers, The 2nd Letter of Peter to the Jewish believers, 19. For we read: Joseph said to them,Do not be afraid,foramI in the place of God? In this article: JosephThe Beloved Son Sold by His Brothers The proclamation made before him as he rode in the second chariot has been very variously interpreted. As Vizier, Joseph would have overseen the maintenance of the extensive system of irrigation channels which ensured that the waters of the annual Nile flood watered the fields of barley and emmer, the cereals grown to produce Egypts two great staples bread and beer. Poetical Books Joseph - From Slave To Prime Minister. Joseph's main position was that of a prime minister and Imhotep appears to be the first who could boast of such a broad range of authority in ancient Egypt. 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. The World of the Old Testament Journeys, 23.The Journeys of Adam, Enoch, Noah & Abraham, Cain is sent on a journey to the east of Eden, 24. Joseph's story is found in Genesis 3750. by | May 21, 2022 | alyssa salerno net worth | jacqui irwin chief of staff | May 21, 2022 | alyssa salerno net worth | jacqui irwin chief of staff But should not Joseph's religion have barred such a marriage? Joseph's story is one of the most compelling dramas in the Old Testament. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures . Joseph grew in humility and continued to love God, even though he was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of rape, and forgotten in prison. A young man is favored by his father and is consequently hated by his brothers. Today, only one obelisk - one of a pair erected by Pharaoh Senusert I (c.1971 1928BC) remains at the site. Gen 41:1-40 Two years later, Pharaoh has a series of dreams. Like all the Scripture narratives, this history of Joseph has little to say about feelings, and prefers facts. Nearly a thousand years earlier, during the fourth dynasty in c.2500BC, the three great pyramids at, As Vizier, Joseph would have overseen the maintenance of the extensive system of irrigation channels which ensured that the waters of the annual Nile flood watered the fields of barley and emmer, the cereals grown to produce Egypts two great staples bread and beer. Joseph settled his father and brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses. The prime minister of Egypt (Arabic: ) is the head of the Egyptian government.A direct translation of the Arabic-language title is "Minister-President of Egypt" and "President of the Government". Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. Luke-Acts Bible Apologetics A DAILY DEVOTIONAL, Why We Believe the Bible is our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Of all the sons, Joseph was preferred by his father, who gave him a "long coat of many colors ". He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck. If one of Joseph's misfortunes had been omitted, his good fortune would never have come. This promotion made Joseph a very powerful and wealthy man in Egypt. 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. 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The naturalising was completed by his marriage to Asenath (supposed to mean 'One belonging to the goddess Neith'), a daughter of a high officer of state, Poti-phera (meaning, like its shortened form, Potiphar, 'The gift of Ra' the sun-god). 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.' God calls His children to be good stewards of His riches. They are astonished when without being asked - they are seated in the exact order of their ages. 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. And if we understand what life here means, we shall be more covetous of spheres of diligent service than of places of shining dignity. Jonah goes to Nineveh & Nahum condemns it, Jonah is thrown overboard to appease the gods, 42. 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. Pentateuch Thank you for registering. 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. Baskets (both small and large baskets) of leftovers were collected. The meaning of the formidable-looking polysyllable, which Egyptian lips found easier than 'Joseph,' is uncertain. And such a character is always the reward of such patience, faith, and self- control, whether chains and chariots are added or not. The prosperity of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom depended on the successful management of the Nile floods by the Pharaoh and his Vizier. The road we need to travel on, like Joseph, however, may not be what we had in mind. The Jewish World of the Old Testament, Sources of the History of Israel and Judah. This title has an exact Egyptian counterpart, which is normally translated into English as 'Chief Steward of the King.' The main job of the Chief Steward was the detailed supervision of the King's personal agricultural estates, the number of which would have been vast. 43 Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. His ceremonial investiture with the insignia of office is true to Egyptian manners. It may have been a bitter pill for the priest to swallow, to give his daughter to a man of yesterday, and an alien; but, just as probably, he too looked to Joseph with some kind of awe, and was not unwilling to wed Asenath to the first man in the empire, wherever he had started up from. So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt. ( Matt. 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 was written in Egyptian Djed-pa-netjer-iuf-ankh, meaning, "The god speaks that he . His character was matured by his trials, as iron is consolidated by heavy hammers. Ten of the brothers come to Egypt to buy corn, but the youngest Rachels son Benjamin stays at home with his father Jacob. General Epistles The naturalising was completed by his marriage to Asenath (supposed to mean 'One belonging to the goddess Neith'), a daughter of a high officer of state, Poti-phera (meaning, like its shortened form, Potiphar, 'The gift of Ra' the sun-god). 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. Observe that Pharaoh and Joseph both speak in this chapter of 'God.' 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 circumstances -- or, to speak more devoutly, God -- intends for us. He was Rachel's firstborn and Jacob's eleventh son. The answer is found in Joseph's theology. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. And if we understand what life here means, we shall be more covetous of spheres of diligent service than of places of shining dignity. After Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh, the king elevated him to the highest office under the crown. Pauline Epistles Third, the social justice reason: Joseph, as prime minister of Egypt, collects the extra grain produced during the "seven years of plenty" (Gen 41:34) to serve as the emergency supply for the . Minor Prophets He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. Genesis 45:8, by calling Joseph 'Ruler of all Egypt,' seems to suggest that he became the Vizier of Egypt. Whether the venture ended well or ill, we know not. 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.'. We read today that Joseph becomes Egypts Prime Minister. Israel becomes a kingdom under Saul and David, Jonathan demolishes the Philistine pillar at Geba, Saul is killed by the Philistines at Mt Gilboa, The Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem, David's victories over Israel's neighbours, Absalom's flight & his rebellion against David, 31. General Epistles Not one thread in the tapestry could have been withdrawn without spoiling the pattern. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said to him, "I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without your approval." 45 Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah. Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. The prosperity and absolute power of the pharaohs was reflected in the amazing building works carried out by thousands of poorly paid labourers, slaves and skilled craftsmen. leeduigon August 11, 2019. Sayce proposes another explanation, also from the cuneiform tablets: 'There was a word abrik in the Sumerian language, which signified a seer, and was borrowed by the Semitic Babylonians under the varying forms of abrikku and abarakku.