◄ Genesis 41:43 ►
He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, "Bow the knee!" So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.
Study Bible
He had Joseph ride
The act of riding, especially in a chariot, symbolizes authority and honor in ancient cultures. In Hebrew, the word for "ride" is "רָכַב" (rakav), which often denotes a position of power. Joseph's elevation from a prisoner to a ruler is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of divine promises. This act signifies a public acknowledgment of Joseph's new status, orchestrated by God’s sovereign plan.

in his second chariot
The "second chariot" indicates a position of high rank, just below Pharaoh himself. In ancient Egypt, chariots were symbols of military power and prestige. By placing Joseph in the second chariot, Pharaoh publicly declares Joseph as his second-in-command, a position of immense influence and responsibility. This reflects the biblical theme of God raising the humble to positions of prominence.

and men called out before him
The public proclamation before Joseph's chariot signifies the recognition of his authority by the people. In ancient times, heralds would announce the presence of royalty or dignitaries, ensuring that all would show the proper respect. This public acclamation underscores the legitimacy of Joseph's authority and the acceptance of his leadership by the Egyptian populace.

'Bow the knee!'
The phrase "Bow the knee" is a command for submission and respect. In Hebrew, the term used is "אַבְרֵךְ" (avrekh), which can mean "kneel" or "pay homage." This act of bowing is not only a sign of respect for Joseph but also an acknowledgment of the divine favor upon him. It reflects the biblical principle that God exalts those who are faithful and humble.

So he placed him over all the land of Egypt
Joseph's placement over all of Egypt is the culmination of his journey from slavery to rulership. The Hebrew word for "placed" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or appoint. This appointment is a divine orchestration, fulfilling the dreams Joseph had as a young man. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, even through trials and tribulations. Joseph's account is an inspiration for believers, illustrating that God can use any circumstance for His glory and the good of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Egypt due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who appointed Joseph as second-in-command after Joseph interpreted his dreams about the coming famine.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and later became a powerful leader.

4. Second Chariot
Symbolizes Joseph's high status and authority in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

5. Bow the Knee
A command for people to show respect and submission to Joseph, indicating his elevated position.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Timing
Joseph's rise to power demonstrates God's control over circumstances and His perfect timing in fulfilling His plans.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph remained faithful to God despite his trials, showing that integrity and trust in God can lead to unexpected blessings.

Humility and Exaltation
Joseph's account is a reminder that humility before God and others can lead to exaltation, as God lifts up the humble.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joseph's leadership in Egypt teaches us about the importance of wise and responsible stewardship of the positions God entrusts to us.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's later interactions with his brothers highlight the power of forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership illustrate the principle of God's sovereignty in our lives?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful to God during times of adversity, as Joseph did?

3. How does the command "Bow the knee" to Joseph relate to the concept of humility and exaltation found in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's leadership style that can be applied to our own roles and responsibilities?

5. How does Joseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers challenge us to pursue forgiveness and healing in our own relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
Joseph's journey begins with his dreams and his brothers' jealousy, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.

Philippians 2
The concept of humility and exaltation is mirrored in the life of Christ, who was humbled and then exalted by God.

Daniel 6
Daniel, like Joseph, is a faithful servant of God who rises to a position of power in a foreign land due to his integrity and God's favor.

Proverbs 22:29
Highlights the principle that diligence and skill can lead to positions of honor, as seen in Joseph's life.
Sermons
Ability DiscoveredOne Thousand New lllustrationsGenesis 41:37-45
Egyptian-Fine LinenThings Not Generally Known.Genesis 41:37-45
From Prison to PalaceA. Maclaren, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Governor of EgyptProf. Hilprecht.Genesis 41:37-45
High Endowments Qualify for RespectG. Lawson, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise RulerD. O. Mears.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise RulerD. G. Hughes, M. A.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's ExaltationGenesis 41:37-45
Joseph's ExaltationJ. C. Gray.Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Promotion in EgyptHomilistGenesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Qualification for RulingF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 41:37-45
Leaders of MenVinet.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh Accepts Joseph's AdviceT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh and JosephA. P. Foster, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh's Prime MinisterW. S. Smith, B. D.Genesis 41:37-45
The Secret of Joseph's ElevationW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 41:37-45
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Abrech, Bow, Carriages, Caused, Causeth, Charge, Chariot, Cried, Crying, Egypt, Knee, Proclaim, Proclaimed, Ride, Ruler, Seat, Second-in-command, Shouted, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:43

     5252   chariots
     5327   governors

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:41-43

     5345   influence
     5776   achievement

Genesis 41:41-45

     5501   reward, human

Genesis 41:41-49

     5542   society, positive

Library
The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation
[Sidenote: The nature of inspiration] Since the days of the Greek philosophers the subject of inspiration and revelation has been fertile theme for discussion and dispute among scholars and theologians. Many different theories have been advanced, and ultimately abandoned as untenable. In its simplest meaning and use, inspiration describes the personal influence of one individual upon the mind and spirit of another. Thus we often say, "That man inspired me." What we are or do under the influence …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 41:43 NIV
Genesis 41:43 NLT
Genesis 41:43 ESV
Genesis 41:43 NASB
Genesis 41:43 KJV

Genesis 41:43 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 41:42
Top of Page
Top of Page