*Genesis 41:37-57
Elevated to ruler by Pharaoh due to his dream interpretation, Joseph oversees the collection of grain during the plentiful years and distributes it during the famine, saving Egypt and surrounding lands.
- Joseph’s Rise to Power:
- Pharaoh recognizes Joseph’s discernment and appoints him as overseer of Egypt.
- Joseph is granted authority over all the land of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself.
- Pharaoh bestows upon Joseph a signet ring, fine garments, and a gold chain, symbolizing his high status.
- Preparing for Famine:
- Joseph initiates a comprehensive plan to prepare for the impending famine, storing surplus grain during the years of plenty.
- He establishes granaries in every city and stores vast quantities of grain as a strategic reserve.
- Fulfillment of Pharaoh’s Dream:
- The seven years of abundance come to an end, and the predicted famine begins to afflict the land.
- People from surrounding regions come to Egypt seeking food, as the famine spreads far and wide.
- Joseph’s Administration:
- Joseph manages the distribution of grain with precision, ensuring that the people have enough to sustain them through the famine.
- Despite the severity of the famine, Egypt remains well-supplied due to Joseph’s foresight and efficient administration.
- International Recognition:
- Even distant lands, including Canaan, feel the impact of the famine and journey to Egypt to buy grain.
- Conclusion:
- Through Joseph’s wisdom and obedience to God, Egypt not only survives the famine but thrives, solidifying his position as a trusted leader.
41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 41:40 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.
41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 41:43 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.
41:44 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.
41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’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.
41:46 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.
41:47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
41:48 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.
41:49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
41:50 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.
41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.
41:52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
41:53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
41:54 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.
41:55 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.
41:56 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.
41:57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.