41:37-45
Pharaoh was taken with the idea, and then had to decide who would be the prime minister. He wanted someone who had “the Spirit of God”, and Joseph is the man! One wonders if Joseph was deliberately writing his own job description in 41:33-36! So Joseph was set over all the land of Egypt, with only Pharaoh being higher. He was in effect the Prime Minister. Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring as proof of his authority, and clothed him in fine garments and a gold chain. Egypt then had to bow the knee to Joseph. Joseph was also given a new name, much like Nebuchadnezzar gave Daniel and his three friends new names. Joseph was also given a wife, who was the daughter of a priest of On. This latter part may raise warning bells, as Joseph may be getting rather too integrated into Egyptian culture, but the Bible makes no comment on that here. In Daniel’s case he achieved high office but without any compromise.
41:46-49
So Joseph, at the age of 30, became Prime Minister of Egypt. The seven years of plenty duly came. Joseph ensured that the excess food was collected and stored in the cities. So massive amounts of grain were in storage.
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