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Joseph Becomes Ruler of Egypt

Illustration of Joseph Becomes Ruler of Egypt
Era
Patriarchs
Date
c. 1885 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Genesis 41:37-57

In the book of Genesis, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's troubling dreams as a prediction of seven years of abundant harvests followed by seven years of severe famine. Recognizing Joseph's divine insight and wisdom, Pharaoh elevates him from prison to the position of second-in-command over all Egypt, granting him authority to manage the nation's grain stores during the coming crisis. This event is significant because it allows Joseph to implement a plan that saves Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation, ultimately leading to the reunion with his family and the migration of the Israelites to Egypt. It underscores God's providential care in preserving His chosen people and fulfilling His covenant promises.

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Did You Know?

1

Recognizing Joseph's divine insight and wisdom, Pharaoh elevates him from prison to the position of second-in-command over all Egypt, granting him authority to manage the nation's grain stores during the coming crisis.

2

This event is significant because it allows Joseph to implement a plan that saves Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation, ultimately leading to the reunion with his family and the migration of the Israelites to Egypt.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. 1885 BC in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Egypt.

Key Passage

Joseph Becomes Ruler of Egypt

Genesis 41:37-57

A37nd the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 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. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Josephโ€™s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. 45 And Pharaoh called Josephโ€™s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. 48 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. 49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number. 50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. 51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my fatherโ€™s house. 52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. 53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. 54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do. 56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. 57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

Read full chapter: Genesis 41 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Egypt's Old Kingdom builds the pyramids (c. 2600-2100 BC). Mesopotamia is dominated by Akkad and then Ur III. The Indus Valley civilization flourishes. Stonehenge is being constructed in Britain. This is the era of the great ziggurats and the first law codes (Ur-Nammu).

When: c. 2100 - 1800 BC

Key Civilizations: Ur III (Sumer), Old Kingdom Egypt

Biblical Parallels: Genesis 12-50