Pharaoh Promotes Joseph

By Mary Vee
Genesis 41: 37-45

Pharaoh stared closely into the eyes of the slave standing before him. His interpretation of the dream makes sense. He does seem rather bold. Imagine giving advice to me. Him, a mere slave. Yet, his advice rings true. Pharaoh rock his head back and forth to loosen his stiff neck.

"Well, you wise men and magicians, what do you think of Joseph's words?"

Everyone looked first at someone else then back at Pharaoh. They nodded their approval.

Pharaoh took a deep breath and released the air. "I see you are in agreement." He folded his arms. "Where can we find such a wise man to set over the land to protect us from this famine destined to come? Is there one in whom is the Spirit of God?"

The wise men and magicians looked toward Joseph and conferred softly with each other. Pharaoh held up his hands to stop their discussions.

He turned toward Joseph. "Inasmuch as God has shown you all that will happen to Egypt in the next 14 years, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house."

Pharaoh looked at his wise men while speaking to Joseph. "All my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you."

He faced Joseph once again. "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Pharaoh pulled his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand.

Joseph's eyes grew wide. How God has blessed! Only this morning I was in prison, and now God has chosen me to help Egypt.

Potifer turned to a steward. "Take Joseph to living quarters suiting to his rank. Dress him in fine linen clothes and put a gold chain around his neck."

An hour later Joseph appeared in Potifer's throne room dressed as a high ranking official. Potifer nodded his approval.

He signaled Joseph to approach then turned to the steward. "By my word, Joseph is to ride in the second finest chariot I own. Take him about the city that all may see him. Cry out, 'Bow your knee!' to all you see. Let them know that Joseph is second only to me."

Pharaoh turned to Joseph and smiled. "I am Pharaoh. Without your consent, no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. I have spoken. You shall be given an Egyptian name suitable to your rank. You shall now be called Zaphnath-Paanea."

Joseph spent the late afternoon touring the city of Egypt. They bowed their knee as commanded by the one crying out instructions in front of his chariot. After the tour, the servants brought Joseph back to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh clapped his hands together. "Bring me Asenath, daughter of Poti-Pherah." Two servants left the room. Pharaoh turned to Joseph. "I am giving you Asenath to be your wife."

Joseph bowed. "Thank you Pharaoh. I will do my best to protect Egypt from starving during the great famine God has warned us about."

Pharaoh dismissed Joseph and his new wife. He sat back on his throne and signed. This day started with so many problems. But now, with Joseph and God's help--I know everything is going to be fine. He closed his eyes and took a peaceful nap.

Joseph has led quite an adventurous life since he left that one day to help his brothers. Let's see, his brothers threw him in a deep pit, sold him to traders who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potifer, Potifer's wife accused him of hurting her, and he was thrown in prison. How did today's story show God had a plan for Joseph?

But his story isn't over yet. Will he be able to help Egypt? Will his plan work? Will the people of Egypt follow his instructions when they find out he isn't an Egyptian? How is he going to find enough food for all those people. How will it last for seven years? So many questions to answer. Come back on Saturday to see what happens next.