Genesis 41

If we look at our circumstances only from the earthly or human perspective we will tend to be angry, frustrated or discouraged by those that do not fit our likes.  But if we seek, by God’s grace, to view them from His perspective, we will know that God is always working through them for our benefit and His glory.  The seeming “delay” in Joseph’s life was used by God for the amazing exaltation to power that finally comes in this chapter.  Let us review the story.

·        v1-8: Pharaoh’s dreams have a decided Egyptian setting, with reference to the Nile River and its annual flooding, the cows and corn which were agricultural staples in Egypt, and the scribes and wise men who were part of Pharaoh’s “administration”.

·        v9-14: Joseph’s rise to power is quite sudden, though this is not unusual considering the despotic power of the Pharaoh in Egypt.  Other aspects of the story fit Egypt in the era these events occurred, such as fascination with dreams and the occult sciences.

·        v15-32: Joseph interprets the dreams giving God glory as usual.  References to God are critical given the belief in Egypt that Pharaoh himself was “god”.

·        v33-57: Joseph is exalted to the right hand of majesty.  Pharaoh recognizes the power of Joseph’s God since he alone could interpret the dreams (v38).  Joseph is given a new name, the meaning of which is somewhat in doubt (“supporter, sustainer, savior of life” are good possibilities).  And he is given an Egyptian wife.

·        v46-57: God blesses Joseph.  He had been in Egypt 13 years before his exaltation.  There will be another 7 years plus before his brothers come to Egypt.  Joseph’s 2 sons are a comfort to him, indicating that indeed the years of slavery and prison were certainly difficult.  All of that is no longer an issue for Joseph; God has made him forget.

With this chapter the first “phase” of Joseph’s life involving “humiliation and exaltation” has been completed.  This chapter has powerful reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ: there is no man like Him (v38); in Him are riches of wisdom and knowledge (v39); He is over God’s house (v40), His authority is from the Sovereign (v42); all will bow the knee to Him (v43); He is Lord over all (v44); His name is above all (v45); and His bride is from the Gentiles (v45). As we have noted before, Phil. 2:5-11 clearly presents the necessary connection between the humiliation and exaltation of Christ.

The Bible always sees in Christ the summation of every good thing from God.  As amazing as is the exaltation of Joseph, that of Christ far exceeds it.  Hear the words of 1 Cor. 1:30-31 and ask, Is this the Christ I know and worship?  Have I and am I bowing the knee to this One.

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”