MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
Last weeks study of Joseph in the Old Testament left him standing before Pharaoh, wearing new garments, and conveying Gods word about two troubling dreams. From the pit where his brothers had thrown him, to slavery and imprisonment, Joseph had remained consistent and faithful. He had learned lessons in patience and generosity, as well as practical skills of leadership and administration. May each of us seek to be so available when summoned.
In Genesis 41:16, Joseph said to Pharaoh about his ability to foretell dreams, It has nothing to do with me; God will give Pharaoh an answer for his own good. He was confident in his abilities, but also realized total dependence on the One with true wisdom. Stuart Briscoe said, Joseph was undoubtedly gifted and highly intelligent but it was his spiritual capabilities which were of importance at this moment and all who heard could not help but recognize it.
Pharaoh recounted the disturbing dreams in detail, and even went so far as to add, Then I told it to the soothsayer priests, but there was no one who could explain it to me (Genesis 41:17-24). Joseph told him that though different, the two dreams had the same meaning and were repeated for emphasis. He recounted what God was trying to say to Pharaoh through his dreams, and ended, So now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and appoint him over the land of Egypt (Genesis 41:33).
One remarkable thing about all this: here stood a foreign-born young man, released that day from prison, speaking assuredly and plainly to Pharaoh and his court. Everyone in the palace had been aware of the kings dreams, and had seen the inability of the priests, brought from around the land, to interpret. (Read in the first book of the Bible about Pharaohs dreams, Gods interpretation, and Josephs plan of action, Genesis 41:17-37).
More astonishing events occurred that day. Then Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find a man like this, in whom there is a divine spirit? So Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people shall be obedient to you; only regarding the throne will I be greater than you. Pharaoh also said to Joseph, See, I have placed you over all the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Josephs hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen, and put the gold necklace around his neck (Genesis 41:38-42).
Though the dreams Joseph had as a young man (Genesis 37:5-11) caused his brothers to hate him, they were also coming true that day. Preparations for a famine would not be easy; responsibilities given to Joseph would bring him tremendous power for good, to provide for people during their coming time of need.
For the next seven years, Josephs new position took him throughout the land of Egypt, gathering food into storehouses. Most of us during times of plenty would be reluctant to give up one-fifth of our income each year. But Walter Brueggemann wrote, The narrative reflects the firm authority of Joseph. He is clearly in charge. None may resist or question As the story develops, there is a ruthlessness which makes survival possible. There is also remarkable technical know-how put at the service of imperial well-being.
Pharaoh gave Joseph a new name with suggested meanings God speaks, he lives or abundance of life. Egypts leader may not have become an instant believer, but the name he chose indicated that Pharaoh grasped the wisdom Joseph brought from God to their situation.
Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian wife, and the two sons born to the couple were included as true sons of Jacob. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh [making to forget], For, he said, God has made me forget all my trouble and all my fathers household. He named the second Ephraim [fruitfulness], For, he said, God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction (Genesis 41:51-52).
The babies names indicated their fathers awareness that it was God who set him free and made him fruitful in Egypt. Taken against his will to a place totally outside his element, he was enabled by God to be faithful in a two-world scenario, where his life impact was monumental. When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere (Genesis 41:56-57).
Next week, well see Josephs brothers travel from their homes to buy food, and the tests he would have for them.
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