Genesis 41:46
Now Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph left Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.
Now Joseph was thirty years old
The age of thirty is significant in biblical narratives, often marking the beginning of a person's public ministry or leadership role. In Hebrew culture, thirty was considered the age of maturity and readiness for responsibility. This parallels the age at which Jesus began His ministry (Luke 3:23), suggesting a divine timing and preparation in Joseph's life. Joseph's journey from a young dreamer to a mature leader underscores God's providential timing and preparation for His purposes.

when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt
The phrase "entered the service" indicates Joseph's transition from a prisoner to a position of authority. The Hebrew root for "service" (עָמַד, 'amad) implies standing or serving in a formal capacity. This marks a pivotal moment where Joseph's faithfulness in adversity is rewarded by God, elevating him to a role of significant influence. Pharaoh, as the king of Egypt, represents the world's power and authority, yet God orchestrates events to place His servant in a position to fulfill His divine plan.

And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh
Leaving Pharaoh's presence signifies Joseph's empowerment and commission to act on behalf of the king. In ancient Near Eastern culture, being in the presence of a king was a privilege, and leaving with authority indicated trust and responsibility. Joseph's ability to move freely and execute his duties reflects the complete confidence Pharaoh had in him, a testament to Joseph's integrity and God's favor upon him.

and traveled throughout the land of Egypt
Joseph's travels throughout Egypt symbolize his active role in implementing the plan to save the nation from famine. The Hebrew verb for "traveled" (עָבַר, 'abar) conveys the idea of passing through or crossing over, suggesting thoroughness and diligence. This action demonstrates Joseph's commitment to his God-given mission, ensuring the prosperity and survival of Egypt. It also foreshadows the greater narrative of God's provision and salvation, as Joseph becomes a type of Christ, who would later offer spiritual sustenance to all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The central figure in this passage, Joseph is a Hebrew who has risen from slavery and imprisonment to become a powerful leader in Egypt. His journey reflects God's providence and faithfulness.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt who appoints Joseph to a position of authority after interpreting his dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph serves as a leader, a place of both refuge and challenge for the Israelites in the biblical account.

4. Service of Pharaoh
Joseph's role in the Egyptian government, where he is tasked with preparing the nation for the upcoming famine.

5. Travel throughout Egypt
Joseph's actions to oversee the collection and storage of grain during the years of abundance, demonstrating his leadership and administrative skills.
Teaching Points
God's Timing and Preparation
Joseph was thirty years old when he began his service, indicating a period of preparation and growth. God's timing is perfect, and He prepares us for His purposes in His own time.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's rise to power was preceded by years of hardship. His faithfulness in adversity is a model for trusting God through difficult times.

Leadership and Stewardship
Joseph's role required wisdom and discernment. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources and responsibilities God entrusts to us.

God's Sovereignty and Providence
Joseph's account is a testament to God's sovereignty. Even when circumstances seem dire, God is at work for His glory and our good.

Impact of Obedience
Joseph's obedience to God's guidance not only saved Egypt but also preserved his family. Our obedience can have far-reaching impacts beyond what we can see.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's age and the timing of his rise to power reflect God's preparation in our own lives?

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

3. How can Joseph's example of leadership and stewardship inform our approach to responsibilities in our own lives?

4. What does Joseph's account teach us about God's sovereignty and His ability to use difficult circumstances for good?

5. How can our obedience to God's guidance impact those around us, and what steps can we take to ensure we are listening to His direction?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
Joseph's journey begins with his dreams and his brothers' betrayal, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power in Egypt.

Genesis 39
Highlights Joseph's integrity and God's favor, even in difficult circumstances, which prepares him for his future role.

Genesis 50:20
Joseph's understanding of God's sovereignty, where he acknowledges that what was meant for evil, God used for good.

Acts 7:9-10
Stephen's speech in the New Testament recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's presence and deliverance.
Joseph Advanced to PowerT. H. Leale.Genesis 41:46-52
Joseph's Stewardship in EgyptJ. Jones.Genesis 41:46-52
OutgoingAmerican Sunday School TimesGenesis 41:46-52
The In-GatheringThornley Smith.Genesis 41:46-52
The Tried ManR.A. Redford Genesis 41
People
Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah
Places
Egypt, Nile River, On
Topics
Egypt, Entered, Face, Joseph, Passed, Passeth, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Presence, Service, Standing, Stood, Thirty, Throughout, Traveled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:46

     1654   numbers, 11-99
     5590   travel
     5716   middle age

Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:41-49

     5542   society, positive

Genesis 41:46-49

     5894   intelligence

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

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