01-96 The Exaltation of Joseph, Part 2

Genesis 41:38-57

Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations Character—necessary

CHARACTER—necessary

Ruth 3:11; John 1:47

The Essential Factor in Personality

Character and giftedness are two entirely different things. John Lord eloquently described Lord Byron’s genius, for which he has been justly famous. Lord added, however, that regardless how great a person’s genius, his character would throw either shadow or light on it. Byron, an undisciplined misanthrope in the throes of vicious self-destructive behavior, was no exception.

As Dwight Moody and G. Campbell Morgan drove along the roads at Northfield, Moody asked his friend to define character. After giving his reply Morgan asked Moody, “Well, what do you think it is?” “Character is what a man is in the dark,” Moody replied. Indeed. May our private thoughts always be as impressive as our public lives; and whatever our giftedness, may it be excelled by a more excellent character.

Gen 41 chronicles the exaltation of Joseph who is brought in a moment of time from being in a dungeon to being the 2nd in command of the world’s mightiest nation. This exaltation to great power is due to the character of Joseph. Donald Gray Barnhouse once said “The secret of power is character, but the secret of character is God.” As we’ve looked at the life of Joseph from the time he was just a child— (and maybe only 1 exception being a prideful telling of his dreams to his brothers—even that is debated could be simply naiveté) otherwise Joseph is seen having strong character that others notice (Potiphar, the chief jailer, and now Pharaoh). Of course, his character becomes such a powerful attribute b/c YHWH is with him. The secret of character is God and nowhere is that more clear than with Joseph.

Last time we saw the beginnings of his exaltation in the 2 dreams that distressed Pharaoh that he sought an interpretation of them from his magicians and wise men. No one in the land of Egypt could help but the cupbearer, with whom Pharaoh was furious, had been put in jail when he had a dream (and the baker with him) which was correctly interpret by Joseph. Immediately steps were taken to bring Joseph before the king of Egypt where he acknowledged that the interpretation was not in him but God would give the favorable answer. So Joseph interprets the dreams (2 but with same meaning). There would 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of severe famine. Joseph counseled Pharaoh:

Genesis 41:33 NASB95

33 “Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

With great wisdom Joseph formulated a plan that would help Egypt come thru the 7 years of severe famine: 20% over the next 7 years—it will be a storehouse during the famine.

vs 37.

How a man handles authority will demonstrate his underlying character. I want to show you 4 ways Joseph’s character is revealed in his exaltation.

1. Joseph’s Promotion

38-45

The first thing we note is what Pharaoh saw in Joseph. Joseph wisely suggested that Pharaoh look for someone wise and discerning, one who would be trustworthy and capable of the task of saving the kingdom. He asks his servants “can we find…divine spirit” (Spirit of God)? Pharaoh immediately knew that Joseph had something that he did not have and that it came from God. Now, what did Pharaoh know? His polytheistic understanding probably colored his perception but God was revealing Himself to Pharaoh thru Joseph at this point and Pharaoh would praise God even if it was in ignorance.

The last time we saw the “Spirit of God” He was hovering over the waters before creation (Gen 1:2). Now, we’re beginning to see a little more of what the Spirit of God does in Scripture. Throughout the OT, God’s Spirit is seen empowering individuals for specific tasks. He equips workmen (Exod 31:3; 35:31), warriors (Judg 6:34; 14:6), and rulers (1 Sam 16:13). One of the gifts of the Spirit is wisdom (see Isa 11:2) and this is likely what Pharaoh is talking about with his assessment that Joseph is “discerning and wise” (Gen 41:39).

vs 39-41

Joseph is made #2 in authority over all Egypt and at his command people will “do homage.” That term is lit to kiss and has the idea that all the people of Egypt would bow in honor to the power and authority that has been conferred on Joseph. To show that authority (which includes entire sphere of Pharaoh’s realm): vs 41-42

Signet ring bore the name of Pharaoh in its cartouche (an oval surrounding his hieroglyphics). The ring was used to press Pharaoh’s seal upon official documents, therefore delegating to Joseph the ability to operate with Pharaoh-like authority

Royal garments: these were worn by court officials and carried the air of prominence by the wearer. Joseph lost the coat from his father, his clothing ripped off when he fled Potiphar’s wife, but was given greater garments that underscored real authority.

Gold Chain: symbol of highest distinction. Because the gold was of great value, it served as Pharaoh’s reward for the interpretation as well as a symbol of honor.

The final visible sign of authority was the 2nd chariot to his own. It would have been preceded by runners who would call out “bow the knee” and everyone would have to bow down as Joseph’s chariot passed by.

The extent of this authority is set by Pharaoh’s order: vv 44 raise his hand described what a person would do; to raise the foot describing where people would go…without Joseph’s word no one would do anything or go anywhere.

In a final act of promotion, Pharaoh gives Joseph a new name, and Egyptian name…Zaphenath-paneah (god speaks, let him live). Again, this is in the context of Egyptian polytheism (where Joseph is deified) but becomes a testimony of Joseph’s God who is living and speaking. Now Pharaoh also gave Joseph an Egyptian wife: Asenath (daughter of Potiphera—priest of On—city of Hieropolis which was the “city of the sun” and the earliest temple dedicated to the god Re). So Asenath’s father is a priest to Re, her name means “she who belongs to Neith” (goddess of creation, wisdom, weaving, and war, in addition to being worshipped as a funerary goddess. Neith was said to be there at the creation of the world, and some even called her the mother of Ra, the sun god who went on to create everything else.)

Here’s what Joseph is in for…promoted to high authority (with every token of that authority), given an Egyptian name, and Egyptian wife who comes from a family of sun-worshipers…everything points to trouble for Joseph. Will he be influenced by this heathen nation or will he be the influencer of this nation? A novel written in the first century a.d. entitled Joseph and Asenath portrays Asenath as being converted to the worship of Yahweh. Whether this is true or not, young Joseph began his married life listening to hymns sung to Re at the morning sunrise—in his own home.

Psalm 75:6–7 NASB95

6 For not from the east, nor from the west, Nor from the desert comes exaltation; 7 But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.

Pharaoh did not promote Joseph, but as is always the case—with the One who raises up kings and the One who removes kings, it is God who exalts/promotes. The same is true for each of us. Whatever promotions you have attained, it is God who raises up and who brings down. Joesph’s character will be front and center in his new position.

2. Joseph’s Persistence

46-49

“30 years old” when he is elevated to 2nd in command over Egypt. Joseph wastes no time in starting the work that the whole world would be depending on. He has just 7 years to gather enough grain to withstand 7 years of famine. Joseph shows great persistence in the midst of his work. 46 “he went out thru all the land” gathering the 20% and storing that in every city from the fields around it. Now, this is very important. Joseph understands human nature. If he were to establish one central location and brought all the grain from all over Egypt to that 1 location, then it would be very tempting to let others do all the work and all you had to do was reap the benefit later. We kind of see that mindset today in all the programs of our own government that discourages people from finding employment and instead just giving a handout. This is a problem with socialism—it discourages work. By gathering by local cities, each person was responsible to his own neighbors for helping to secure the storehouse for the years of famine.

And his persistence paid off—vs 49.

Genesis—Beginning and Blessing Joseph’s Faithfulness (vv. 46–49)

The agriculture of the Nile is not based on rain that falls in Egypt because very little rain ever falls in the Nile Valley. Rather, the growing cycle is based on spring floods that come from rains faraway in the Upper Nile Basin. So Joseph quickly went out and surveyed the agricultural scene and the storage facilities (no doubt constructing new ones as needed) and then annually, for seven consecutive years, presided over storing 20 percent of the crops. The result was an immeasurable cache of grain in every strategic city. Joseph’s work ethic was apparent to all

Where did his character (work ethic) come from? A deep faith/trust in the God’s Word. Three things I could mention about Joseph’s work ethic. 1) He worked immediately, 2) He worked actively, 3) He worked thoroughly (job was completed). Joseph was persistent and his faithfulness was a great blessing to Egypt and would prove to be a blessing to the whole earth as well.

3. Joseph’s Procreation

50-52

Joseph may have personally been a blessing to so many people during those 7 years but we learn that he himself was also blessed thru procreation: 2 sons born to him and his wife. Moses tells us that they were born before the year of the famine (during the 7 years of abundance). Joseph has been given an Egyptian name, he marries an Egyptian woman, but when his sons are born he gives both of them Hebrew names. He never did abandon his heritage or the God of his fathers.

So, the firstborn is Manasseh which means “forgetful.” How would you like to be named that? But its not at all as bad as it seems. Joseph gives the reason/explanation for why he calls him Manasseh. “for”… “God has made me forget…” He is clearly referring to the mistreatment while he was still living at home. Those first 17 years of life were filled with trouble—a term that means sorrow and pain. While obviously he hadn’t lit. forgotten about his family…it helps us begin to formulate a biblical response to past hurtful events that clearly have shaped us to be who we are today. That was true for Joseph. The mistreatment while he was at home by his brothers hurt him. But the circumstances were used by God to shape Joseph into the man he became—this man of godly character.

Paul, after listing all the things he thought were advantageous to him before he was saved, and then recognizing after his salvation that they were as valuable as dung (rubbish)…

Philippians 3:12–14 NASB95

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The past, all your accomplishments, all your sorrows, they’re part of what you have become today, but to truly lay hold of that for which you were laid hold of by Christ (the prize oft he upward call—the call to come upward) to lay hold of that, you need to learn how to forget the past. Not that it is completely lost to memory (though somethings are easier to forget than others), but that it no longer holds a swaying influence over you as though you respond to things or people in a certain way b/c of those things. This is a biblical response to sorrow and Joseph (oddly enough) names his 1st born after that blessing of forgetfulness. And how did he forget? Thru the blessings of the present.

His 2nd born is named Ephraim (fruitfulness). Again, he gives the explanation “for” why he named him so. “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” This is Joseph’s testimony that the God he serves (the true God) is able to turn buffeting into blessing. His place of affliction has become fruitful. He’s not only referring to the birth of 2 sons, but it also includes the opportunity God has put before him to be the vehicle of the survival of Egypt.

4. Joseph’s Productivity

53-57

The emphasis in the final vv of ch 41 are on the developing famine. The word famine (famished) used 6x in these vv. 2x it is noted that the famine was “severe”. Also, the famine was not isolated to Egypt alone. vs 54 “there was famine in all the lands”, vs 56 “famine spread over all the face of the earth”, vs 57 “all the earth came to Egypt to buy…severe in all the earth.” The word “all” is used 2x in each of these last vv (54-57). I mention this b/c there are basically 2 schools of thought in what the “all” means. Some say it is hyperbole—an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. Those who hold this would say the famine was severe in Egypt and the surrounding land but not worldwide.

I have difficulty with that b/c of how often “all” is repeated. And the famine may have started in Egypt but “spread” (vs 56). The word “severe” in vs 56, 57 is a term that means to be strong, grow firm, to prevail over. The famine got worse and Moses seems to indicate (just a simple reading) that it was indeed worldwide, which caused the whole world to come to Egypt b/c there was bread in that country.

And we know why there was bread…for Joseph had been faithful and the result of his wise, discerning work—productivity. When the people grew hungry, Pharaoh told them “go to Joseph” (not his Egyptian name). And Joseph was benevolent. He opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, and soon the world too would come to Egypt (including his own family) to buy grain.

Joseph is a man of character, one in whom godliness is instilled and thru whom the world will benefit greatly. There is a great temptation to make Joseph a “type” of Christ. A Type is a person, place, object, time, action in the OT that points forward and finds the fuller fulfillment in the NT (in LJC). Many have taken Joseph to be such a type—prefiguring JC. Arthur Pink (Gleanings in Genesis gets a little carried away in this) he suggests lit. 101 ways Joseph is a type of Jesus (dispensing bread to the world—Jesus gives the true bread).

FB Meyer is a bit more reserved and says there are “parallels” b/t Joseph and Jesus. In his work on Joseph published in 1900,

Joseph was rejected by his brethren; Jesus by the Jews, his brethren according to the flesh. Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites; Jesus was sold by the treachery of Judas for thirty pieces, and then handed over to the Gentiles. Joseph was cast into prison: Jesus abode in the grave. Joseph in prison was able to preach the gospel of deliverance to the butler; Jesus went and preached the gospel to the spirits in the prison. The two malefactors of the cross find their counterpart in Joseph's two fellow-prisoners. Joseph, though a Jew by birth and rejected by his own brethren, nevertheless was raised to supreme power in a Gentile state, and saved myriads of them from death; Jesus, of Jewish birth and yet disowned by Jews, has nevertheless been exalted to the supreme seat of power, and is now enthroned in the hearts of myriads of Gentiles, to whom He has brought salvation from death, and spiritual bread for their hunger. The very name that Pharaoh gave to Joseph meant "Saviour of the world "--our Saviour's title. Yes, and we must carry the parallel still farther. After Joseph had been for some time ruling and blessing Egypt, his very brethren came to him for forgiveness and help; so in days not far away we shall see the Jews retracing their steps and exclaiming--as thousands are now doing in Eastern Russia--" Jesus is our Brother." So all Israel shall be saved!

We have now, therefore, to think of Jesus as seated on his throne, Prime Minister of the universe, the Interpreter of his Father's will, the Organ and Executor of the Divine decrees. On his head are many crowns; on his finger is the ring of sovereignty; on his loins the girdle of power. Glistering robes of light envelop Him. And this is the cry which precedes Him, "Bow the kneel" Have you ever bowed the knee at his feet? It is of no avail to oppose Him. The tongue of malice and envy may traduce Him, and refuse to let Him reign. But nothing can upset the Father's decree and plan. "Yet have I set my Son upon my holy hill." "In his name every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord." Agree with Him quickly. Ground your arms at his feet. "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry."

I’ll close by tying the parallels together—b/c as the world came to Joseph who would save them, the only hope for the world today (and always) is to come to Jesus.

Are you hungry for truth & spiritual things? Jesus said

John 6:35 (NASB95)

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger

Are you thirsty? Jesus said:

John 7:37 NASB95

37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.

Jesus is the fulness of God (Col 1:19) and He invites you to come to Him:

Matthew 11:28 NASB95

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

And He promises

John 6:37 (NASB95)

the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

Jesus is calling you to come:

Isaiah 55:1 NASB95

1 “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost.

If you recognize that you have been in a spiritual famine all these years—the answer is JC. Confess you sins, repent and put your trust in Him, receiving Him as your Savior.