Whatever you might say about the Pharaoh who first met Joseph (all-powerful despot, cruel tyrant, etc.), the man recognized and recruited talented people. We saw this with Joseph, of course, after the dream interpretation and his subsequent placement as manager of all Egypt.

Pharaoh later invited Joseph’s relatives to move to Egypt. They gladly packed up and headed south, knowing that the devastating famine still had five years to run. Upon arrival, Pharaoh hosted a reception for the families. After hearing of their occupation (shepherds), Pharaoh quickly replied to Joseph, if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.

Talent rarely emerges in a vacuum. After seeing the stellar work of Joseph, Pharaoh hoped that others in Joseph’s family might hold a gift he could use for his own benefit.

To work for Pharaoh carried perils along with status. Remember the cupbearer and baker imprisoned with Joseph? Upset with their service, Pharaoh threw them both into prison. After restoring the cupbearer to his post, Pharaoh impaled the baker. What could a baker possibly do worthy of death? Burn the pies? Serve stale rolls at a state dinner? Pharaoh was tough on the help.

Later Pharaohs also proved tough on the help, as the descendants of Joseph’s family discovered. But at this point in time, God turned the selfish intentions of one man into the long-term good of a people. It’s nice to remember that God still works in the same way today.

Genesis 47 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Alexander Mils