GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 41

GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 41 (Gen 41:1) And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.

For the third time dreams played a part in Joseph’s rise to the throne.

The first was a promise that God would give him dominance over his people, the second was to help others know their way, and this third was ordained to get him to the throne.

This was after two full years, probably after the prisoner had received his answer.

Pharaoh stood by the river (Heb. Yero or yeh-ore, a channel or canal, a term used frequently for the Nile River.

How full are your years? Joseph had full years even in prison (Gen 41:2) And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.

The Nile was known as being the source of all life in Egypt. Their food and all sustenance came from its waters, thus it appeared to him that these cattle were coming from the very source of life itself. He very likely would associate these dreams to the work of his own idol gods since the circumstances fit their domain, thus it took an interpretation by Joseph to show that it was from the Living God. (Gen 41:3) And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.

Then the next seven came from the same source, but were thin and scrawny with their bones sticking out, showing their signs of malnutrition, because the source of life had dried up. These had no meadow to feed in so simply stood by the fat ones. This portrayed a harsh contrast with the ones healthy and fat, while the others were thin and haggard.

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(Gen 41:4) And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.

Pharaoh saw all that prosperity eaten up by the famine and yet could not quite discern what it all meant. Then he woke up but could not forget the dream. Every detail stuck out very vividly in his mind. This was quite opposite to the dream that God gave to Nebuchadnezzar. In that dream the king forgot even what his dream was.

(Gen 41:5) And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.

Then when he went to sleep again he saw the same scenario but using different objects. Before it was the animal world that gained weight and then lost it all. Now he saw the fruit of the field affected in the same way. Actually this dream was given to the king more for the sake of Joseph than for Pharaoh. God was working through one man to release another.

(Gen 41:6) And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.

Nothing could be worse to the farmers along the Nile in the hot desert than to begin to feel the blowing of the east wind. They knew it brought the fierce heat that would dry out the ears of corn and within a short time completely burn up the crop that they had spent so much time preparing for. Not only was it feared for destroying crops, it was also known for killing people.

(Gen 41:7) And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears.

And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.

I am sure it was obvious to Pharaoh that these dreams were significant, especially when there was such similarity between them.

Both came from the river, both went from extreme prosperity to extreme poverty. He could not figure out why, but he knew that there was too much in these dreams for it to be a coincidence. That was why he was so anxious to find an answer.

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(Gen 41:8) And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.

For one of these magicians or wise men to misinterpret a dream to the Pharaoh would mean certain death, so they would have to couch their words in a way that it was sure to come to pass. But after hearing these dreams it was obvious there was nothing that would sound feasible to the king even with all their wisdom in swaying the evidence, so they simply gave up.

(Gen 41:9) Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Now what Joseph could not get done, the Lord did. He reminded the butler of the dream he had in prison and how Joseph had interpreted it for him. He had promised to remember him before Pharaoh, but simply forgot. It was not time for the Lord to work out His plan to make Israel into a great nation.

The prisoner testified of Joseph that himself was at fault (implying that Joseph was innocent) Gen_41:9-12) even as the thief on the cross testified that himself was at fault but Jesus had done "nothing amiss." (Luk_23:41).

Joseph asked to be remembered ("think on me" ) (Gen_40:14) as Jesus asked to be remembered in the Lord's supper (1Co_11:24).

Joseph asked that kindness be shown him (Gen_40:14), but Jesus went beyond this and said if you had done kindness to His followers you had done it to Him (Mat_25:40) and those who "make mention of me" (Gen_40:14) will be mentioned "to my Father" (Mat_10:32).

But he was forgotten (Gen_40:23) as no one "remembered the same wise man" (Ecc_9:15).

(Gen 41:10) Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:

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Though he forgot the kindness he promised to show to Joseph, he could never forget the offense and the price he paid for it. The memory of the prison sentence was forever etched in his mind. But the promise to help and to do well was soon erased as though they had not happened. It took this special occasion of the dream of Pharaoh to remind him.

(Gen 41:11) And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

Both dreams were different, yet they had certain similarities. One was of a vine and grapes, while the other was of baskets of bread. Both had three days involved because it would be three days until they both were fulfilled on the same day. But one was a dream to bring forth life and the other to bring forth death. They who had the dreams had no idea what they meant, but an interpreter was found. This would now solve the king's problem.

(Gen 41:12) And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.

He now finally testified to Pharaoh about Joseph. It could not have been earlier, for had he done so, the best that could have happened would have been for Pharaoh to release him from prison and as a freeman instead of a slave he would have caught the first caravan to Canaan and gone home. But God was working out a salvation for His people and preparing to make Israel into a great nation, so the butler had to forget until another dream triggered his memory.

(Gen 41:13) And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.

When God has given dreams then He has the interpretation for those dreams and His interpretation will not vary one iota. God’s word is not a prediction; it is a prophecy. Everything He has promised will come to pass according to His word. Joseph was proven by this occasion to be a true prophet of Jehovah. God always has a time when a person's gift is to be ministered.

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(Gen 41:14) Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

Had you asked Joseph that morning, “How long do you think it would take you to become Prime Minister of Egypt? He very likely would have answered that first of all such a thing would be impossible for a slave like himself, but secondly it would take years to go through all that would be required. Yet suddenly he awakens one morning a prisoner and will go to bed tonight in royalty.

Joseph was brought "hastily out of the dungeon..." and came in unto Pharaoh, and from there to reign in Egypt (Gen_41:40), even as Jesus "out of the prison he cometh to reign" (Ecc_4:14).

His hasty release from prison is exemplified in Jesus coming from the grave before He would see corruption (Psa_16:10) His release was by the king (Psa_105:20) as God (The King of kings) "loosed the pain of death" for Jesus (Act_2:24).

He was taken in weakness and made strong (Gen_49:24) as the Lord "laid help upon one that is mighty" (Psa_89:19) [Amplified: "I have endowed one who is mighty (a hero, giving him the power to help—to be a champion for Israel]).

Rise to glory (Gen_41:14—Gen_50:26) Suddenly a blessing is on his head (Deu_33:16) alluded to "blessing upon the head of Joseph" (The Almighty blessed Joseph (Gen_49:2526) "With blessings of Heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings (of children) the blessings of thy father hath prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills; they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separated from his brothers."

And Jesus was (Psa_45:7) "anointed with the oil of gladness above thy fellows" (Heb_1:9).

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THE DAY OF GLORY CAME! Isa_60:1-6 "Arise, shine, for thy light has come...Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings...thy sons shall come from far..."

(Gen 41:15) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

Pharaoh naturally figured that it was with certain men to have this skill, and did not accredit this to God, so he expected Joseph to have the answer he sought since he had heard that he was this type of person.

It was wisely ordered that Joseph should be under no obligation to Pharaoh for his deliverance. It is for his own sake that Pharaoh sends for Joseph. The chief butler was suffered to forget his friend, the prophet of his deliverance, and was forced to remember him only by circumstances. To neither of them was Joseph indebted.

Thus it was God's design that the chosen family should be under obligations to none. Their calling was to impart blessings to mankind, and not to receive. (T. H. Leale) (Gen 41:16) And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Joseph had to set the king straight on the source of the answer to dreams. It was out of the hands of men. Men can make all kinds of speculations, but God knows the end from the beginning.

The rise was not of himself (Gen_41:16) Joseph assured Pharaoh it was not in him (Gen_41:16) but that it was God (Gen_41:25, Gen_41:39), even as Jesus taught "the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do; for whatsoever things He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

(Joh_5:19-20).

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There was a spirit in him that did the work (Gen_41:38), the same Spirit that "anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power" (Act_10:38).

(Gen 41:17) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: The River Nile was the source of life in Egypt, and standing upon its banks Pharaoh could see its entire works; could watch anything the river was accomplishing for the people. He was at a vantage point where the events of the dream could be displayed to him.

The true prophet has no fear of man. He speaks the word which God hath given him, regardless of consequences He is ready to reprove even kings -- to utter truths, however unwelcome. It required some courage to enter upon the perilous task of announcing to this Egyptian despot famine of seven years. But Joseph had all the boldness of a man who felt that he was inspired by God. (T. H. Leale) (Gen 41:18) And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow: From this vantage point on the banks of the river Pharaoh saw the river discharge these healthy cattle, and watched them go to a meadow where food was available to them. It was a sign of prosperity at its best.

It is well known that there is scarcely any rain in Egypt; and that the country depends for its fertility on the overflowing of the Nile; and that the fertility is in proportion to the duration and quantity of the overflow. We may therefore safely conclude that the seven years of plenty were owing to an extraordinary overflowing of the Nile; and that the seven years of dearth were occasioned by a very partial, or total want of this essentially necessary inundation. Thus then the two sorts of cattle, signifying years of plenty and want, might be said to come out of the same river, as the inundation was either complete, partial, or wholly restrained. See Clarke on Gen_41:31 (note). (Adam Clarke)

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(Gen 41:19) And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: Everything Pharaoh had told before in the dream remained the same until he reached this point and now he added that he had never seen such poor cattle in his life.

The cow being the emblem of fruitfulness, the different years of plenty and of famine were aptly represented by the different condition of those kine - the plenty, by the cattle feeding on the richest fodder; and the dearth, by the lean and famishing kine, which the pangs of hunger drove to act contrary to their nature.

(JFB) (Gen 41:20) And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: Then there was this peculiar part to the dream, where thin cows ate up fat cows, apparently like they were grass. The fat ones ate from the meadows but these ate from other cows. Through this impossible situation came a great lesson that God would make the empty years eat up the full years and remain empty when it was finished.

(Gen 41:21) And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

As he watched them eat up the fat cows he would naturally expect to see their bellies swell up with the increase of food, but it did not happen. It was something obvious to him, that they looked as poor as they did when they came up out of the river, yet they had eaten more than their own weight. It took the interpretation to explain such a strange phenomenon.

(Gen 41:22) And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: Then he noticed that the dream repeated itself, but with new objects.

Whereas the former was with animals, this one was with grain, the

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bread of life. As with the cows, the first was the very best of grain, as bountiful as could be expected and with the best irrigation. They had used all the agricultural help available. Egyptians were very skilled in using the Nile and its fertile soil to grow crops.

(Gen 41:23) And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: Like all of the previous objects, these were in sevens, the perfect number. But these were opposite of what he had just seen. Before the ears were that of a bountiful harvest, these were from as bad a harvest as could be found anywhere.

Here a new epithet of the bad ears is given, and expressed by a word nowhere else used, which Ben Melech interprets, small, little, according to the use of the word in the Misnah; Aben Ezra, void, empty, such as had no grains of corn in them, nothing but husk or chaff, and observes that some render it images; for the word is so used in the Arabic language, and may signify that these ears were only mere shadows or images of ears, which had no substance in them. (Gill) (Gen 41:24) And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

Then came a peculiar scene similar to that of the cows eating cows; only this time it was corn eating corn. The bad ones ate up the good ones, and it is assumed that they looked as bad after they had eaten as they did before. Pharaoh told it to his magicians, but God would not give them the answer because this was His intervention to get Joseph to the throne so He could prepare His people to become a nation in Egypt. When God gets ready to put someone in place He can use all kinds of natural means to do it. When He wanted Jesus born in Bethlehem, He caused the Caesar to tax the whole world, so that Mary and Joseph would have to go to Bethlehem.

(Gen 41:25) And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

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By repeating the dream to Pharaoh, God could let him know that the dream was emphatic and certain, and that it was not a mere coincidence. There is urgency in seeing the same thing twice, emphasizing that attention needs to be placed on this, like the blinking lights we have as warning signals in modern technology today.

(Gen 41:26) The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.

The reason there had to be an interpreter to this dream was because with the natural mind you could not figure out all the details. In the dreams of the servants of Pharaoh, the three branches were three days, but now the seven cattle are seven years. You could not know whether you were dealing with days or years unless you could determine the source of the dream and receive from that source the key to interpretation. Thus Joseph could tell Pharaoh that this would last seven years, and that both the cattle and ears of corn were emphasizing the same dream.

(Gen 41:27) And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

The great harvests would be first followed by a famine of equal length that would leave the world looking as though there had never been a time of plenty. Thus we find in studying about great civilizations of the past, and having learned so much of their splendor we go and visit their sites and cannot believe that here, on this desolate place once stood a prosperous empire.

Why was this famine sent upon the world at this time? To get Jacob and his family to Egypt. God works through nature or any other way He pleases. He had the entire world taxed to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem so the Messiah would be born there (Luk_2:1-5). God turns the heart of a king like riverbanks turn the waters of the river (Pro_21:1).

(Gen 41:28) This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

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Pharaoh was being privileged to see what few men have ever seen in their lives, an unfolding of the next fourteen years. Hezekiah was another who was able to be assured of the next fifteen years, but for the rest of us, we take our lives day at a time and though we may predict the future and prepare for the future, God has not told us what the next ten or twenty years is going to be like.

(Gen 41:29) Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: There would very likely be great plenty in other countries as well that surrounded Egypt, but the scene of God’s particular work was going on here so He was not interested in giving the particulars about what would happen in the rest of the world. By knowing ahead of time that there would be these two periods, they could plan to take advantage of the first to be prepared for the second. Had they not known they likely would have squandered these years of plenty and even considered that it would be like this forever. So God let them know what was to happen and they could now prepare.

(Gen 41:30) And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; Ordinarily the Nile overflowed its banks each year and gave promise of great harvest for the river irrigated the land to make productivity along the shores, but periodically the drought would come and the river would not overflow, or at least not so much as before. However it usually would flow again the next year. But this time there was going to be a famine for seven years. Year by year the hopes of the overflow would be dashed and the crops would not yield until it would look like there never would be harvest here again.

(Gen 41:31) And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.

By the fourteenth year they would have totally forgotten that there had been plenty in the past. As they had thought earlier that their bounty had started and surely would continue forever, now they

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would be thinking that they would never see plenty again because this drought had totally wiped out all previous signs of prosperity.

(Gen 41:32) And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

Notice the repetition was for two purposes, one was to let Pharaoh know that this was not a coincidence; that God was orchestrating the events of the next fourteen years in Egypt and secondly that this would begin next year. This was not for a future generation, but that Pharaoh himself should begin preparations immediately because next years crop would be the first in the series of seven years of plenty.

(Gen 41:33) Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

Pharaoh had not asked for counsel, he merely wanted to know the interpretation, but Joseph felt encouraged to tell him how to respond to his dream, for to Joseph there was only one solution, and that was to follow God’s direction. This was what he had done all of his life and he knew it would be wise counsel to the king. He was not apparently asking for the job, but was ready when given to him.

(Gen 41:34) Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.

The people might consider 20% as a high tax on their productivity now, but when the famine came they would be glad to get something to eat. There would have been total loss if it were not for this program. Joseph was willing to put up with the complaints now for he knew the day would come they would be happy they paid in that much.

(Gen 41:35) And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

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The wise man in the proverbs admonished such a system when he said, “Go to the ant thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise.”

There needs to always be a preparation for the future.

Another important practical lesson is suggested by the counsel of Joseph: the general lesson of providence for the future. This is a duty incumbent on all. It is virtuous prudence; the "prudence which forseeth the evil and hideth itself." The remark has a special bearing on the labouring classes of the community. This laying up for the time of scarcity bore a close resemblance to the principle of friendly societies and provident or savings banks. There is such perpetual alteration and exchange of conditions, that no man can say with certainty to-day what his own circumstances, or those of any other person, may be to-morrow. (R. Wardlaw, M. A.) (Gen 41:36) And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

It is wonderful that God provides for man and reveals to him that which is necessary for his survival (Isa_28:24-29).

No liberality to the poor ever deserved greater praise than Joseph's care to secure needful supplies both to the poor and rich. It was well ordered 'by the providence of God, for the safety of the people, that the years of famine were preceded by the years of plenty. If the seven years of famine had come before the years of plenty, few men would have been left to enjoy them. But from the years of plenty a sufficiency could be reserved to maintain life with comfort in the years of famine. (G. Lawson, D. D.) (Gen 41:37) And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

It is not often that leaders are willing to listen to those lower in stature than themselves. It is a wonderful thing to see men who are willing to take advice from anyone and not close their ears because of prejudices or pride.

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Notice Pharaoh as representing the man of the world discovering his need. Not one is there but sees that his resources are sure to vanish at some future day and leave him poverty-stricken and famine-pinched. What were the millions of Vanderbilt as he lay in the agonies of an apoplectic stroke? The day is coming when the man of largest wealth, of greatest intellect, of supremest power, shall be like a great steamer adrift in mid-ocean with its shaft broken, rolling in the trough of the sea and signalling for help. (A. P. Foster, D. D.) (Gen 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?

It is doubtful that Pharaoh knew just how “on target” he was when he said that Joseph was a man in whom the Spirit of God is.” God had worked with Joseph through all the periods of his life. Though Pharaoh would not likely have said the same thing about Joseph had he visited him in prison, he said it now. He would likely have considered that the Spirit of God was not in Joseph in prison otherwise he would not have such problems, but he did not know the ways of God. God was with Joseph in the pit, in Potiphar’s house and in the jail.

(Gen 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: He was not just recognizing some gift of Joseph, some ability to interpret dreams, but he recognized Joseph because God was at work in his life. His wisdom was not due to a college education, but to relying on the power of God. There were none so discreet and wise as he (Gen_41:39), as in Jesus were (Col_2:3) "treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

(Gen 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.

Shall all my people be ruled: H5401 ‫שק‬ ׁ‫נ‬ nashaq ̂ naw-shak' GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 41—PAGE 14

A primitive root (identical with H5400, through the idea of fastening up; compare H2388 and H2836); to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons: armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched.

Literally he says, “according to your word shall all my people kiss,” because it was customary for subjects to kiss anything that came from the superior to show respect. Thus he simply says, “All my people will show you the most profound respect.

Put over his house (Gen_41:40) even as Jesus was "put over His house, whose house are we" (Heb_3:6).

He was made lord (Gen_41:40)of his house and ruler of his substance (Psa_105:21), as Jesus was "made both Lord and Christ" (Act_2:36).

He ruled according to his own word (Gen_41:40) as Jesus will do (Isa_9:67).

(Gen 41:41) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

The symbols of this office were: (1) The signet-ring used when signing a document.

(2) The dress of honor worn by all high ranking officials.

(3) The golden necklace that indicated his rank.

(4) The state carriage in which he rode in second place (5) The bowing of the knee of everyone he met.

(Gen 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; Ring from his hand: H2885 ‫בעת‬ ּ‫ט‬ ṭabba‛ath tab-bah'-ath From H2883; properly a seal (as sunk into the wax), that is, signet (for sealing); hence (generically) a ring of any kind: - ring.

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Literally ring is “sunk” indicating the idea of sinking it into wax to leave an impression. It was the most valuable object a man could carry in the kingdom, for he could sign any document making it official, he could sign for any provisions, so was never in need.

(Gen 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.

A herald would always go alongside Joseph’s chariot and proclaim 'abrêk ab-rake' which is literally “father of the king.” The ab is father and “reck” is king in the Syriac language. This was a statement of great honor for the father was highly honored. A son who was king would still be of the greatest rank but to speak of his father would be to speak of the highest honored person by the king. When Israel came into Egypt, Joseph told them he had been made “father to Pharaoh” (Gen_45:8) and this is what he was referring to.

The long awaited and anticipated day of obeisance finally arrived (Gen_41:43) as men are commanded to bow before Him (Phi_2:10).

Now these who hated and sold him would come bowing (Gen_43:26) as he had dreamed (Gen_37:9). See Isa_60:14.. Of Jesus it is said, "The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet...whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations," They will know I am the "mighty One of Jacob" (verse Isa_60:16—greatest of his children).

Now those who dipped his vesture in blood (Gen_37:31) came to recognize him as the king. Even as those who slew Jesus shall see Him (Rev_1:7) and see Heavens open and a "white horse, and he that sat upon it is called Faithful and True...on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written.. and he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood and His name is called the Word of God...and he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev_19:13-16).

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(Gen 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.

We work with our hands and go places with our feet, so Pharaoh said that all the work and ways of the people would be under the administration of Joseph.

The Targum of Jonathan is, "without thy word (or order) a man shall not lift up his hand to gird on armor, or his foot to mount a horse; ''signifying thereby, that all things relating to war and peace should be altogether under his direction.

(Gen 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.

Nothing could be done without him (Gen_41:44) as Jesus said of Himself (Joh_15:5).

But in order that Joseph might be perfectly naturalized, the king gave him an Egyptian name, Zaphnath-Paaneah, and married him to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, the priest at On. The name Zaphnath-Paaneah (a form adapted to the Hebrew, for Bsonthomfanee'ch LXX; according to a Greek scholium, sootee'r (NT:4990) ko'smou (NT:2889), "salvator mundi" (Jerome), answers to the Coptic P-sote-m-ph-eneh-P the article, sote salvation, m the sign of the genitive, ph the article, and eneh the world (lit., aetas, seculum); or perhaps more correctly, according to Rosellini and more recent Egyptologists, to the Coptic P-soont-em-ph-anh, i.e., sustentator vitae, support or sustainer of life, with reference to the call entrusted to him by God. (Keil & Delitzsch Commentary) He became the Savior (Gen_41:45) His name was Zaph-nathpaaneah which means (according to Jerome) "Savior of the world" Mat_1:21 "Call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins"

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Act_4:12 "For there is no other name under heaven , given among men where we must be saved."

JE - Short of Jehovah SUS - Short of (is) Salvation All to be done in His name (Gen_41:44-45).

Col_3:17 "Whatsoever you do in word or deed (is to be) in the name of the Lord Jesus (Act_4:12).

Gentile Bride (Gen_41:45) Asenath was —daughter of Potipherah (Priest of On)—the place; Priest of Ra (Sun god) Ra—king of the gods.

She was and Egyptian—type of the world Her name means "She belongs to X" X could be "Father, mother, Naith, or you. Naith was a goddess, or all of these combined.

If it was— Father: we belong to a Heavenly Father Naith: We belong to Naith (gods of this world (Eph_2:2) all but have been saved form the prince of the power of the air.

The god of this world set her aside for himself and his priesthood, but she is taken away from him and given to Joseph the "Savior of the world.'

You—Ordinarily she would belong to a priest in Egypt—but at birth she received that strange name that marked her to belong to some unknown —to one that would come whose name was undisclosed to her.

They thought it would be for a god, but GOD MEANT HER FOR JOSEPH. They had in mind a priest, a representation of an idol—sun god, but GOD MEANT HER FOR JOSEPH. They had in mind a priest, a representation of an idol—sun god—Instead, she married Joseph, a type of the Son of God.

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Her name appears to be given to her as though she is mean to him, belonged to him already, at her birth. This would correspond to the church which was chosen "before the world" (Ephesians 1:4, named a long time before we ever knew He existed.

So she is taken away from the false gods and given to the true.

Where the captive bride speaks of taking a bride from the world of sin, Asenath speaks of God taking a bride away form the god of this world.

So Jesus came to conquer the Prince of this world (Eph_2:2) and has taken a bride away from him.

Her belonging to the world's priesthood reminds us of our lives. We too have been taken away from the priesthood of idolatry into the “royal priesthood, (made) a holy nation..." (1Pe_2:9-10).

Joseph came into Egypt to "bring a people out" (Gen_45:5-6) as Jesus came to take a people for His name sake (Act_15:14).

He had been dead (in the pit and the dungeon) and was alive again.

She is married to him that was dead (Rom_7:4).

He is in the chair of a king (Psa_45:10-11) This bride was— Taken out "with great deliverance" (Gen_45:7) Provided for through the famine (Savior) Preservation of life (Gen_45:5) He took her during the time his own had rejected him, and right after his reign started, Results of their marriage: Two children Manasseh: "Forgotten" Isa_65:17 New heaven and new earth where old things will be forgotten Rev_21:4 "Tears wiped away"

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Ephraim: "Fruitful" which speaks of continual (everlasting) life "Life more abundantly" Resurrection and life—never die" (Gen 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.

Joseph was seventeen when brought into Egypt (Gen_37:2), so he probably spent three years in prison, and thirteen in the service of Potiphar.

His ministry began about the age of 30 (Gen_41:46), as Jesus did His (Luk_3:23) Many scholars hold that the Pharaoh at this particular time in history was one of the Hyksos kings. The Hyksos were not native Egyptians but were Bedouins from the Arabian Desert. They were a nomadic group, and for a period they came in and took over the throne of Egypt. If this is true (and I think it is), Pharaoh was actually closer in nationality to Joseph than to the Egyptians, and this gave him confidence in Joseph. Actually, these Hyksos kings found it a little difficult to find someone in Egypt who would be loyal and faithful to them. Faithfulness was certainly characteristic of Joseph. His confidence that God was moving in his life produced in him a faithfulness to whomever he was attached. He was faithful to his task because he knew that God was in it. A racial bond with Pharaoh may well be a reason that Joseph found such a ready reception with him at this time, and he certainly proved to be faithful to him, as we shall see.

By the way, the Hyksos kings were later expelled from Egypt, which I believe to be the reason that in Exo_1:8 we read: "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." The Pharaoh of the oppression certainly had no fellow-feeling with the Hebrews!

(McGee)

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(Gen 41:47) And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

There was such plenty that the loss of 20% would be hardly noticed at this time. Yet when it was needed seven years later it would seem a precious commodity.

The word handfuls, is literally “grasp” for the reapers grasped the grain in their hands when they harvested it. Thus there were many handfuls produced.

[The earth brought forth by handfuls] This probably refers principally to rice, as it grows in tufts, a great number of stalks proceeding from the same seed. In those years the Nile probably rose sixteen cubits. (Adam Clarke).

(Gen 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.

That is; he gathered all the 20% levied by the government and stored it, leaving more than enough for all the inhabitants to live off of.

There must have been huge granaries built to house all this abundance.

It was threshed out by oxen, the peasants who superintended them relieving their toil by singing songs, one of which Champollion found in a tomb at Eilethya, written in hieroglyphics, to the following effect: "Thresh for yourselves, Thresh for yourselves; O oxen, thresh for yourselves, O oxen, thresh for yourselves; Measure for yourselves, Measure for your masters."

The granaries are likewise frequently represented on the monuments. They appear to have been public buildings, usually of vast extent, and divided into vaults, some of which had arched roofs.

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Immediately at the entrance was a room in which the corn was deposited when brought from the threshing floor, a flight of Steps led to the vault, whither it was carried, in baskets, on men's shoulders. (Thornley Smith.)

(Gen 41:49) And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

It finally reached the point that there was no way to keep up with the record of it. They probably numbered all that was kept in the granaries, then the surplus began to be put in anyplace they could find and in these places there was no record kept, for it was the surplus and without a record. Those who knew nothing of the famine coming would think this could be wasted, but Joseph had interpreted the dream and he knew as did Pharaoh.

(Gen 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.

There is a possibility that these sons were twins because the word for born [yâlad yaw-lad'] is singular. In fact there were possibly several twins in the Bible that we do not ordinarily consider twins. Cain and Abel were possibly twins (Gen_4:1). Gen_30:21 Jewish writers say Zebulun and Dinah were twins. Of course Jacob and Esau were twins as were Pharez and Zarah (Gen_38:27). Thomas was a twin (Joh_21:2).

(Gen 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.

He forgot both the work in Potiphar’s house, the prison and the treatment of his brothers, in the sense that it was no longer a burden to him, or a problem. It did not weigh on his mind and cause him any more misery. He did not forget any of that in a literal and final sense, but it bothered him no more. The robes he now wore made him forget the coat of divers colors that he wore in his father's house.

(Gen 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.

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He called his second-born Ephraim, or “Double fruit,” because God had blessed him in all spiritual blessing, but also in material goods.

The birth of this child would really be a new tie to the land from which he had been stolen. For, however ready men are to spend their own life in foreign service, you see them wishing that their children should spend their days among the scenes with which their own childhood was familiar. (M. Dods, D. D.) (Gen 41:53) And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

If they were not prepared for famine those would be words of desolation, maybe even panic, but if they had prepared it was of no great consequence. Thus it is with the soul. When we see these things come to pass in the last days, we could be disturbed if we have not made eternal reservations, but if we are prepared, then nothing will disturb our peace in Christ.

(Gen 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.

It was very likely obvious to the inhabitants of Egypt that the first year after these years of plenty that the Nile was not cooperating this year. And for seven years in a row there was not enough water to grow the crops. The famine was not limited to Egypt, nor upper Africa, but apparently covered all the surrounding area through Canaan. But there was plenty where men had listened to the voice of God and prepared. Those who listen to His voice will always find sustenance.

Joseph said the famine would come and gave the solution and it came to pass "according as Joseph had said" (Gen_41:54) as when Jesus spoke of things to come that were realized after He arose (Joh_2:22).

As Pharaoh said, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." And Mary said this of Jesus (Joh_2:5) and this is the best policy because His words bring eternal life, whereas Joseph only had words of this life (Joh_6:68). Choose (as Mary did) the good part.

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Joseph did not bring the famine and it was not his will that men perish in it so he did what he could just as Jesus did not bring the condition of the world and is doing what He can to bring men out of it because He is "not willing that any should perish...." (2Pe_3:9).

So Joseph became the provider. He gathered until it was beyond measuring (Gen_41:49), as Jesus gives us of "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph_3:8).

(Gen 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.

These were the exact words used by Mary when the guests at the wedding needed wine. She said to them, “Whatever he saith to you, do it.” He was the one who had the key to the winery, and Jacob was the one who had the key to the granary.

The king was approached through him (Gen_41:55) reminding us of Jesus words, "no man cometh to the Father but by me." (Joh_14:6).

He is to be obeyed (Gen_41:55) as the king would be. Joseph's word is the king's word, as Joseph judges what is to be done so will it be.

This reminds us of Jesus, for the "Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father..." (Joh_5:22-23).

Pharaoh said, "go to Joseph" (Gen_41:55). He had words that gave life as Peter admitted of Jesus (Joh_6:68) "Thou hast the words of eternal life."

Only Joseph could open the storehouses (Gen_41:55) as only Jesus can open for us because "all things are given "into His hands" (Joh_3:35).

(Gen 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.

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The character of Chnumhotep (a near relative and favorite of Osirtasen I., and his immediate successor), and the recorded events of his government, as described in the Beni-hassan monuments, also remind one of Joseph: - "he (i.e. Chnumhotep) injured no little child; he oppressed no widow; he detained for his own purpose no fisherman; took from his work no shepherd; no overseer's men were taken. There was no beggar in his days; no one starved in his time.

When years of famine occurred he ploughed all the lands of the district, producing abundant food; no one starved in it; he treated the widow as a woman with a husband to protect her" (vide 'Speaker's Commentary,' vol. 1. p. 450).

(Pulpit Commentary) Famine was everywhere (Gen_41:56-57) as the famine that caught the prodigal (Luk_15:14). That was a famine for bread, but the famine Jesus is to sustain us in is a famine of the Word (Amo_8:11).

Joseph did open them (Gen_41:56) as the Lord has opened the "windows of heaven that I may pour out...more than you can receive" (Mal_3:10) He opened the storehouse of Scripture to His disciples (Luk_24:27, Luk_24:32).

(Gen 41:57) And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

One thing is certain, that he was an eminent type of Christ in all this, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation: as Joseph was wrongly charged by his mistress, so was Christ falsely accused by the Jews; as he was cast into prison and bound there, so Christ was taken and bound as a prisoner; as Joseph was raised to great honor and glory in Pharaoh's court, so Christ was exalted by his Father, and crowned with glory and honor; and if the new name given him, "Zaphnathpaaneah", signified the Savior of the world, as some interpret it, it agrees well with Christ, who was sent into the world for that purpose; and indeed, if it means a revealer of secrets, it suits with him, who hath declared his Father's mind and will, and revealed the mysteries of his grace to the sons of men: and as Joseph had all the stores of corn under his care, and the needy were bid to go to him for

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it, so Christ has all the treasures of grace in his hand, and all that are sensible of their need of it are directed to go to him for it; and it is from him that men of all nations and countries receive grace for grace, and have all their supplies, and spiritual sustenance and nourishment. (Gill) He had boundless treasure (Gen_41:57), so that all countries came there, as Jesus salvation is promised to be unto "the ends of the earth" (Isa_49:6). He even named his son Ephraim (Gen_41:52) "Fruitful."

Jesus promised that those who abide in Him would bring forth "much fruit" (Joh_12:24). He opened storehouses supplying to his needy brethren, telling us of the "fullness of Him in whom all fullness dwells" (Col_2:9; Col_1:19).

He filled their sacks (Gen_42:25). Joh_1:16 "of His fullness" Restored their money (Gen_42:25).

(Isa_55:1 "Buy without money") Gave ample provision (Gen_42:25) (Phi_4:19 "supply all your needs" Eph_3:20 "Exceeding, abundantly" Joh_10:10 "Life more abundantly All they could carry (Gen_44:1) Joh_5:11 "Carry your bed" Luk_6:38 "Good measure, pressed down" Nourished them (Gen_45:11; Gen_47:12) (Joh_6:35) "He that come to me shall never hunger.")

He could because he was a "fruitful vine" (Gen_49:22) as Jesus is the Vine (Joh_15:5) and we are the branches.

Psa_23:1 "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, he makes me feed in green pastures.

Psa_1:1-4 Nourished and productive Joseph told his family to forget all the things that they had from the old land of the past and come to him. He promised to take good care of them (Gen_45:20).

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Paul says we forget "those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark" (Phi_3:13-14).

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