Genesis 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Genesis 41:40 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.

Genesis 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

Genesis 41:42 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;

Genesis 41:43 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.

Genesis 41:44 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.

Genesis 41:45 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.

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Pharaoh of Egypt, by the testimony of Joseph, perceived in Joseph the spirit of the living God. He saw in him such wisdom and goodness; such attitude and character that he appointed him “…Lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance. To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.” (Psalm 105:21-22) The royal ring, the seal of the kingdom, was put on Josephs’ finger. He was to ride in the chariot behind Pharaoh and able men to go before him and cry for all to bow the knee. (Genesis 41:42) To show his trust, his love, and his purpose of glory in Joseph the great king gave him a name above every name; Zaphnaphpaaneah (Zaf – nath – pa – a – ne – ah) There is no definition given anywhere which can fully expound this name. It is a name describing his character, his office, his authority, and his power. “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.” (Genesis 41:40)

Joseph is a wonderful type of Christ in whom the Father trusted all things. (Ephesians 1:12) “He is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.” (Colossians 1:17-19)

When the day of trouble came “the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: And Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; and what he saith to you, do.” (Genesis 41:55) In much the same way our Lord said in John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me hsall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

“Here is the will of the Father that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40) May God be pleased to teach us what Pharaoh learned in his heart, “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63)

All of those who know the Lord Jesus Christ have only one message for hungry, perishing sinners: Look to Christ…“Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45:22)

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D. Pruitt