Take Two: Genesis 41, Proverbs 1

Chapter 41 is lengthy, but it details the turning point of the Joseph narrative and shows a glimpse of why Joseph has endured as he has. For one who can comprehend the "Sovereignty of God," this is a great testimony of how God is always at work "in time" to bring about an ultimate conclusion that glorifies Him.

Gen 41:1 begins by detailing Pharoah's dream. The dream (actually two dreams) revealed the coming seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Gen 41:29-30). The dream was troubling to Pharoah because he did not comprehend the meaning. None of his magicians of sorcerors could interpret it either. Then the "chief cupbearer" came to Pharoah and revealed to him the details of his dream in prison (Gen 41:9-13). [ Don't gloss over this element of the story. The cupbearer "probably" experienced great anxiety in even bringing up the matter since it would remind Pharoah of the past...which was not very favorable to the cupbearer]

Pharoah sent for Joseph who told him that only "God" could reveal the interpretation and "God will give Pharoah a favorable answer" (Gen 41:15-16). [I hope you can hear the confidence in God that is embedded in this statement.]

Gen 41:38-45 details the installation of Joseph to the new office of second in command. Do you think that Joseph considered when he awoke that morning in jail...that he would go to bed that night in a palace with authority in all of Egypt second only to Pharoah?

Gen 41:46 tells us that Joseph was 30 when he was installed in office. {Meaning he was 28 when he first met the cupbearer (who called him a Hebrew youth, Gen 41:12) }. Joseph marries the wife that Pharoah gives him who is the daughter of Potiphara "priest of Heliopolis/On" (Gen 41:45). His name is also changed to "God speaks/He lives". These deatail reflect the "Egyptianizing" of Joseph...which makes him fit for the task before him in Egypt.

A POINT TO CONSIDER: Joseph would rule in Egypt for 80 years or so. How is it that God could/would bless him with such long life and success when he marries an Egyptian...much less the daughter of a prominent priest from the outskirts of Cairo? For those who hold to God's Sovereign protection and provision of Joseph in bringing about the conclusion of Joseph's prison sentence...does this create tension to think that God would have Joseph marry a non-Hebrew woman and bear children with her who become prominent in Hebrew history? (I have more questions than answers).

The setup for the next shift in Genesis is found at the end of this chapter (Gen 41:56-57) when the famine is upon, not only Egypt, but also the rest of the world.

Proverbs 1:7 is the takeaway today. As I read this today, I thought that the world is full of people who desire to gain wisdom. They want to know many things. Some pursue education and amass great knowledge...but never seem to be able to find peace in their lives. This is because Peace comes in direct proportion to knowledge of God. Wisdom comes in the "fear of the Lord"...or said another way: Wisdom is displayed as we align our lives with the Word of God, doing the will of God. All of the knowledge in the world...without a commitment to subjugate ourselves under the hand of God, results only in arrogance. Humility before God is the key to discovering wisdom and acting wisely.