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January 8 • BIBLE STUDY GUIDE 6
Joseph Finds Favor
Bible Background • GENESIS 41:1-52
Printed Text • GENESIS 41:37-45, 50-52 | Devotional Reading • GENESIS 49:22-26
Aim for Change
By the end of the lesson, we will: STUDY how Joseph’s faithfulness is rewarded; EXPLORE
how superior performance can lead to honor; and COMMIT to responsible actions and superior
performance.
In Focus
“My counting mail days are over!” Jeff said, as he sat in the swivel chair in his new office.
For quite some time, Jeff took night classes while working in the mailroom. He studied hard to
pass the bar exam. On his first attempt, he passed the test and landed a position in a prestigious
law firm. Jeff never complained about working in the mailroom. He was diligent, working hard
in the mailroom and studying regularly for class. He knew it was only God’s favor that landed
him this new position!
The favor of God requires commitment to faithful and responsible service at our jobs, in school,
church, and in our relationships with others. In this lesson, we will see how Joseph’s faith in
God opened doors of opportunity and provided great rewards for his superior performance.
Keep in Mind
“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit
of God is?” (Genesis 41:38).
Focal Verses
KJV
Genesis 41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his
servants.
38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the
Spirit of God is?
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so
discreet and wise as thou art:
40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only
in the throne will I be greater than thou.
41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I
have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him
in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow
the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand
or foot in all the land of Egypt.
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the
daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
41:50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the
daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bare unto him.
51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget
all my toil, and all my father’s house.
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the
land of my affliction.
NLT
Genesis 41:37 Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his advisers.
38 As they discussed who should be appointed for the job, Pharaoh said, “Who could do it better
than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the spirit of God.”
39 Turning to Joseph, Pharaoh said, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you,
you are the wisest man in the land!
40 I hereby appoint you to direct this project. You will manage my household and organize all
my people. Only I will have a rank higher than yours.”
41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.”
42 Then Pharaoh placed his own signet ring on Joseph’s finger as a symbol of his authority. He
dressed him in beautiful clothing and placed the royal gold chain about his neck.
43 Pharaoh also gave Joseph the chariot of his second-in-command, and wherever he went the
command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Joseph was put in charge of all Egypt.
44 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am the king, but no one will move a hand or a foot in the
entire land of Egypt without your approval.”
45 Pharaoh renamed him Zaphenath-paneah and gave him a wife—a young woman named
Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of Heliopolis. So Joseph took charge of the entire land
of Egypt.
41:50 During this time, before the arrival of the first of the famine years, two sons were born to
Joseph and his wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of Heliopolis.
51 Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles
and the family of my father.”
52 Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of
my suffering.”
The People, Places, and Times
Zaphenath-Paaneah. The name given to Joseph by Pharaoh when Joseph assumed his
governmental responsibilities in Egypt (Genesis 41:45). The name most likely means “says the
god, he will live.”
Potipherah. Priest of On whose daughter, Asenath, was given to Joseph as his wife by Pharaoh
(Genesis 41:45, 50). Potipherah is believed to be the high-ranking priest of a sun-god cult in On
(or Heliopolis). His name, which means, “he whom Re [the sun god] has given,” does not appear
in Egyptian records until the tenth century B.C.
Background
While Joseph languishes in prison, Pharaoh of Egypt has two disturbing dreams. In the first
dream, the setting is the Nile, Egypt’s lifeline. The first dream depicts seven lean and fat cows
that come out to the Nile and begin to graze. After that, seven hideous and scrawny cows appear
and eat the fat ones. In the second dream, seven plump and choice ears of grain grow on one
stalk; then seven ears of grain, skinny and parched by the hot desert wind, blossom on that stalk
and consume the hearty grain. The dreams imitate each other, and Pharaoh is extremely troubled
by these imaginings. The strange makeup of the dreams appears to point to a very gloomy future,
a disturbance that Pharaoh cannot control or change. Pharaoh beckons experts to give meaning to
the dreams, but none of them provide a suitable analysis.
Eventually, these events activate the cupbearer’s memory. The cupbearer, a former inmate of
Joseph, recalls how Joseph interpreted his and the baker’s dreams with meticulousness and
accuracy. Pharaoh wastes no time bringing Joseph out of the dungeon. Joseph is cleaned up,
shaven, bathed, given fresh clothes, and brought to Phraoah. Joseph is pulled out of a dark, dingy
dungeon to stand at the feet of a great ruler! Before Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, he
announces that it is not he that provides the interpretation but God. Pharaoh retells the dreams to
Joseph with a slight variation and assumes the explanation will be negative. Joseph points out
that the dreams contain both literal and figurative elements. The number seven symbolizes the
number of years, the healthy cows and grain represent the years of plenty, and the unhealthy
cows and grain represent the years of severe food shortage. Joseph’s interpretation demonstrates
that God speaks through chosen vessels (Joseph), and what is said should not be taken lightly.
Joseph does more than interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. He gives Pharaoh instructions on what he
should do to avoid catastrophic damage to the country. He urges Pharaoh to implement a plan to
address these events. Pharoah has to make a wise decision and select a man who is judicious and
intelligent, someone who can strategically develop a plan of action that enables Egypt to tackle
the food crisis in a way that brings the maximum possible safety to all. No doubt, shrewd
administrators should also be selected for the job. However, Joseph is confident that God has
prepared him for any responsibility that will unfold. Joseph proposes a plan that requires enough
food (20 percent of the crop) each year to be stored during the years of prosperity in order to
provide a reserve for the years of food crisis. The plan would be implemented by Joseph, yet
would be under the authority of Pharaoh.
Little did Joseph know that his ability to interpret dreams would alter his life forever. Joseph, a
man once sold into slavery and sentenced to prison, is now catapulted to Pharaoh’s palace.
Joseph, a man once overconfident in his own human frailties, now stands at the feet of an
Egyptian Pharaoh. He is a man now humbled by life circumstances and is on the brink of
becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt.
At-A-Glance
1. The Favor of God (Genesis 41:37-45)
2. The Fruitfulness of God (vv. 50-52)
In Depth
1. The Favor of God (Genesis 41:37-45)
Pharaoh concludes that Joseph’s ability to interpret his dreams serves as evidence that the hand
of God rested upon him. There is no way mere human understanding could accomplish this feat;
only a divinely inspired revelation could provide such an analysis. Pharaoh decides to make
Joseph the prime minister in charge of the palace and the country (v. 40). He is second in
command only to Pharaoh, with full range of authority (vv. 41, 43). No one has authority to rebel
or lift a hand against Joseph. With such authority given to him, Joseph is marked as a wise and
discerning man. Pharaoh’s position is elevated as well, for it takes an astute leader to recognize
wisdom in someone else (v. 44).
Verses 41 through 44 illustrate an act of installation. Joseph is promoted and formally given
symbols that designate his new status. Pharaoh gives Joseph his signet ring, gold chain, and
garments of royalty. These items signify his prominent new role. Joseph rides in a royal chariot
throughout the city while the Egyptians cry out to him, bending their knees in honor of him and
acknowledging his role as ruler of Egypt. Pharaoh renames Joseph and calls him Zaphenathpaaneah, which means “God speaks and lives.” Pharaoh also gives Joseph a wife from a noble
family. Joseph is now established as a man of great esteem, status, and success.
It is important to recognize that Joseph did not run after fame. He did not bribe his way to the top
or manipulate his circumstances. He relied on God and remained obedient to the Lord. Even after
experiencing hardship, Joseph endured and waited on the Lord. When it came time for him to
stand before Pharaoh, Joseph performed honorably. He did not blame the cupbearer or anyone
else for his time in prison. He spoke with confidence and wisdom. He won the heart and favor of
Pharaoh, an Egyptian ruler, who neither knew nor served his God. We should see from this study
that the Lord has the supernatural ability to work in the lives of those inside and outside the faith
community. When we are faithful to our Lord, God can elevate us to positions where we have
favor even with those who do not know Jesus. In the positions God calls us to serve, we have the
ability to make enormous contributions that will impact our society for the good. In order for
God to use us, however, we must commit to acting responsibly.
This story reminds us of how God works through a humbled heart. Joseph was pulled up from
the lowest rungs to lead a people from the highest levels of authority. God worked through the
lives of an Egyptian Pharaoh and Hebrew servant. Joseph had no idea that he would be crowned
prime minister of Egypt. It is amazing what God can do through our lives when we commit to
serving Him faithfully.
2. The Fruitfulness of God (vv. 50-52)
Thirty years old and 13 years after his enslavement, Joseph is carrying out the economic program
in Egypt. The fruitfulness of the land mirrors Joseph and Asenath’s life together. They have two
sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph names them in recognition of God’s involvement in his
life: Manasseh, because God has enabled Joseph’s slavery in Canaan and Egypt to be forgotten;
and Ephraim, because God has brought Joseph prosperity in the very land in which he has
experienced so much misfortune. These names reveal Joseph’s life experience of seeing God’s
preserving and prospering activity in the midst of great personal hardship.
Search the Scriptures
1. What items did Pharaoh give Joseph to signify his new status in Egypt (Genesis 41:42)?
2. What names did Joseph give his children and why (vv. 51-52)?
Discuss the Meaning
Why do you think God allows us to endure trials, tribulation, and hardship prior to elevating us
to positions of status and authority?
Lesson in Our Society
Some Christians want quick esteem and instant stardom. We have heard stories of risen and
fallen stars, individuals who have plummeted from the height of their success because they
lacked the ability to handle the pressure and responsibility. We have also heard stories where
God’s supposed “favor” has been used to manipulate others for deceitful gain. The church must
teach that the favor of God involves commitment and faithfulness to Jesus, and compels superior
performance and responsible moral and work ethics.
Make It Happen
Ask God to reveal to you where His favor reigns in your life. Pray and ask God if you are
honoring Him with your actions in this area. Listen closely to what He says and commit to
changing whatever He tells you to modify.
Follow the Spirit
What God wants me to do:
Remember Your Thoughts
Special insights I have learned:
More Light on the Text
Genesis 41:37-45, 50-52
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all of his servants. 38
And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the
Spirit of God is?
The Pharaoh of Egypt had two dreams that disturbed him for two reasons: (1) the dreams were
strange; and (2) there was no one among his wise men to interpret either one. John MacArthur
states that oneiromancy, the science of interpreting dreams, often flourished in the ancient Near
East because dreams were thought to determine the future (MacArthur Study Bible, 74). In both
Egypt and Babylon, professional dream interpreters were part of the false religious system that
was prevalent in both nations. In the meantime, Joseph spent more than two years in prison for a
crime that he did not commit. But once again, we see the providential hand of God that was with
him. No one was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams or clarify the visions—until Joseph was
allowed access to Pharaoh.
While in prison, Joseph met two of Pharaoh’s closest aides, the chief baker and the chief butler,
who were also in prison. Each had a dream they did not understand, but God gave Joseph
spiritual insight to communicate to both men. The butler’s dream was that Pharaoh would restore
him to a position of honor, while he would hang the chief baker (see Genesis 40).
Pharaoh’s full counselors and advisors had no idea how to interpret his dreams. Suddenly, the
chief cupbearer had an epiphany. He remembered, “A Hebrew youth was there with us, a servant
of the chief steward; and when we told him our dreams, he interpreted them for us, telling each
of the meaning. . . . And as he interpreted for us, so it came to pass: I was restored to my post”
(Genesis 41:12-13, JSB). Pharaoh immediately called for Joseph to come out of prison, and he
had his hair cut and clothing changed, to resemble an Egyptian, rather than a Hebrew. Egyptians
were clean-shaven. Adele Berlin and Marc Brettler suggest that Joseph’s clothes were “changed .
. . as a sign of elevation to the next level of his faith journey with the Lord” (Jewish Study Bible,
81).
As he stood before the Pharaoh, the first admonition that Joseph gave him before sharing the
dreams’ interpretations was that the answer to Pharaoh’s dreams was not “in [him]; God will
give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16, NKJV). Pharaoh shared the dreams, and the
basic interpretation involved a famine that would overtake Egypt for 14 years. Joseph not only
enumerated the interpretation to Pharaoh, but also the means to survive it. Brettler and Berlin
state that Joseph gave Pharaoh foresight and prudence to survive the catastrophe (ibid.).
MacArthur says that Joseph appended to the interpretation a long-term strategy for establishing
reserved food to meet the needs of the people, and gave Pharaoh the qualifications of the person
who could help them survive the famine (MacArthur Study Bible, 75). Coincidentally, famines
had ravaged Egypt before, but this time a divine dream given to Pharaoh by God, and interpreted
by Joseph, helped provide serious and sustained advanced planning in Egypt (see Genesis 41:1636).
Pharaoh was given the strategic plan and vision that would save his land and people, and he was
impressed with Joseph. In fact, Moses used the word “good” to affirm Pharaoh’s appreciation (v.
37). The Hebrew word for “good” is yatab (yaw-TAB), and it means to be pleasing, cheerful,
and glad. Bruce says that Pharaoh was immediately convinced, and readily perceived, that
Joseph was the man to get the job done, and worked out the good plan that was given to him (5052). MacArthur says the reason Pharaoh was impressed with Joseph was that the young Hebrew
spoke God-given revelation and insight, with his focus on the Lord as the Conveyer of the
dreams, and the One through whom the plan would be fulfilled (MacArthur Study Bible, 75).
Pharaoh declared to his royal court that indeed Joseph must be the one because he had the “Spirit
of God” (Genesis 41:38). Truly, Egyptian culture affirmed that they had no knowledge of the
Holy Spirit, nor the work of the Third Person of the Trinity. Pharaoh only declared that God was
in control of the plans.
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is
none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto
thy word shall all my people be ruled; only in the throne will I be greater than thou. 41
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
Once Joseph had interpreted the dreams and divine plans to Pharaoh, Pharaoh immediately
honored the young man with favor. Pharaoh recognized that Joseph’s wisdom and understanding
came from God (v. 39). Therefore, he avowed that the young Hebrew would be rewarded
handsomely for his discernment and wisdom.
The word “favor” comes from the Hebrew word ratsown (raw-TSONE) and the idea is
pleasurable, delightful, to be pleased with, or be favorable toward something or someone.
Joseph’s was a unique “rags to riches” story. In a short period of his life, he went from the pit to
the palace, from obscurity to influence, all because of the favor and blessings of God. We must
keep in mind that we needn’t try to selfishly promote ourselves. God is the One who gives us
favor with our superiors, relatives, and others. If we are faithful and committed to the Lord, He
will bless us as well (see Psalm 75:6-7). The first area where Joseph would have tremendous
influence would be in the house of Pharaoh. The word “house” carries the idea of palace or royal
court. Just as he was influential over Potiphar’s house (see Genesis 39:4), so, too, would Joseph
reign over Pharaoh’s palace (Genesis 41:40). In fact, Pharaoh declared that Joseph’s reign and
responsibility would be so vast that the only person with greater responsibility and power than
Joseph would be Pharaoh himself. All of Pharaoh’s people would submit to Joseph’s authority
and commands. Thus, Joseph becomes the prime minister of Egypt.
42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and
arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made
him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee:
and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am
Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
Pharaoh gave Joseph various symbols of authority that came along with his new responsibility.
First, Pharaoh took off his own signet ring that indicated the royal seal of the kingdom. Joseph
now had the right to transact all affairs of state on behalf of Pharaoh. Next, Pharaoh dressed
Joseph in “vestures of fine linen” (v. 42). The word “vestures” is beged (BEHG-ed) in Hebrew
and it means a wardrobe that is fit for royalty. Joseph looked the part of an Egyptian ruler as
Pharaoh gave him some of the most expensive silk clothing in the land. Berlin and Brettler say
this was Joseph’s fifth and final change of clothing and acknowledged him as regal in the eyes of
the people (Jewish Study Bible, 82). Third, Pharaoh put a gold chain around Joseph’s neck as
another symbol of royal power and authority. Finally, Joseph was given royal transportation in
the “chariot of his second-in-command” (v. 43, JSB), the official chariot that affirmed, with
Pharoah’s blessing, he governed the whole kingdom. To complete Joseph’s transformation from
the young Hebrew in prison to the new Egyptian prime minister, the people cried out as he rode
by, “Bow the knee” (v. 43). The Hebrew translation for this phrase 'abrek (ab-RAKE), or as
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible indicates, “tender father,” suggests that the people would
make way for him as the man in charge.
Pharaoh addressed the kingdom and made it known to all of his court and people that no one
would be able to do anything in all of Egypt without first consulting with Joseph. In the same
manner, Pharaoh also made it clear to Joseph that he was still accountable to him (v. 44).
Bruce suggests that the various symbols of office indicated in the story attest to the genuine
Egyptian background of Joseph’s story (50-52). Zodhiates says that Joseph’s service in the house
of Potiphar and his prison term were divinely ordained preparations that gave him the wisdom to
direct the most populous nation in the ancient Near East (62-63). John MacArthur affirms that
the dreams revealed by God, which manifested themselves in Joseph being established as a royal
leader in Egypt, were proof that God would preserve His own people in the midst of the famine
(MacArthur Study Bible, 75).
Joseph might never have imagined he would go from the prison to the palace and be recognized
as one of the most powerful men in the world. But the favor of God was aptly bestowed upon
him because he was faithful to the Lord, even while he languished in prison.
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife
Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of
Egypt. 50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of the famine came, which
Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. 51 And Joseph called the
name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all
my father’s house. 52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: for God hath caused
me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
Pharaoh completed the transformation of his new prime minister. He altered his Hebrew name,
from Joseph to Zaphnath- Paaneah. The Coptic language states that the name may mean “a
revealer of secrets,” or “a man in whom secrets are revealed.” MacArthur states that Joseph’s
new name probably meant “the Nourisher of the Two Lands, the Living One,” or “for God
speaks, and He lives.”
Then Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian wife named Asenath. Her name meant “one who belongs
to the goddess Neith.” Moses affirms that she was the daughter of “Potiphera, a priest of On” (v.
45). The name Potiphera in Egyptian means “he whom Ra has given.” Potiphera was probably a
very important figure in an Egyptian cult. On was one of the four great Egyptian cities called
Heliopolis and was the place where they worshiped the sun god Ra. The priests of On often
engaged in widely varied commercial, political, and cultic responsibilities. Thus, Joseph was
enveloped in Egyptian culture, but never lost his faith and commitment to Jehovah God.
Jewish tradition came to interpret Asenath as a prototype of Judaism conversion. Her powerful
story is told at length in an important Hellenistic novella Joseph and Asenath. Joseph was now
an “Egyptian” ruler and the prime minister of Pharaoh’s entire kingdom. He settled in Egypt and
began a family before the famine engulfed the land. He had two sons, born to Asenath. The first
was named Manasseh (Menashsheh, men-ash-SHEH), and the English translation of the
Hebrew means “cause to forget” or “forgetful.” The second son was called Ephraim, and from
the Hebrew, the English word would be “double fruit” or “fruitful.” Joseph’s experience was
tragic, from the time he left his father’s home, until his ascendancy to prime minister. From a
human perspective, the young man did not want to remember all he endured. His son Manasseh
would affirm that Joseph had “turned the corner” on his oppression and difficulties (“toil,” v.
51), because he had put his trust in the Lord.
Consequently, his son Ephraim would always remind Joseph, that only through God’s grace and
favor, Joseph had been promoted in Egypt and received increase (was “fruitful”) and influence as
a result of his faithfulness to the Lord. Even in “the land of [his] affliction,” Joseph recognized
the centrality of God’s compassion and grace. Separation from his father and all that he held dear
had not diminished Joseph’s perspective that he was still in the hands of God.
Sources:
Achtemeir, Paul J. et al., eds. The Harper Collins Bible Dictionary. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996. 82,
544-45, 868.
Berlin, Adele, and Marc Brettler, eds. The Jewish Study Bible. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2004. 81-83.
Bruce, F. F. et al., eds. Zondervan Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 2008. 50-52.
Elwell, Walter A., and Philip W. Comfort. Tyndale Bible Dictionary.
Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001. 736-37. “Genesis 41.” John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible. Bible Study
Tools.com. http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-41-43.html (accessed
December 12, 2010).
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997. 74-76.
The New Interpreters Bible, Vol. I. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002. 617-24.
The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990.
Zodhiates, Spiros. The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, KJV. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1991. 62-63.
Say It Correctly
Asenath. AS-uh-nath.
Ephraim. EE-fray-im.
Manasseh. Muh-NAS-uh.
Pharaoh. FAIR-oh.
Vestures. VES-chers.