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I. EXALTED FROM BONDAGE.

1. A true basis of merit (ver. 38; see Numbers 27:18; Daniel 4:18; Acts 6:5; Acts 11:24).

2. A natural fruit of godliness (ver. 39; see John 14:26; Acts 6:3; 1 John 2:20).

3. A grand field of usefulness (ver. 40; see 2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 105:21; Matthew 25:21; Acts 7:10).

1. "Can we find such a one as this?"

(1)  High qualifications needed;

(2)  High qualifications found.

2. "God hath showed thee all this."

(1)  A Divine Teacher;

(2)  A Susceptible pupil;

(3)  A blessed result.

3. "Only in the throne will I be greater than thou."

(1)  Extensive jurisdiction allotted.

(2)  Supreme jurisdiction reserved.
(a) Joseph's sway
(b) Pharaoh's reservation

II. INVESTED WITH AUTHORITY.

1. The royal ring (ver. 42; see Esther 3:10; Esther 8:2; Luke 4:22).

2. The royal robe (ver. 42; see 1 Chronicles 15:27; Esther 8:15; Ezekiel 16:10; Revelation 19:14.

3. The royal rule (ver. 44).

1. "Ring,... vestures,... chain chariot."

(1)  Symbols of royalty;

(2)  Symbols of honour;

(3)  Symbols of authority.

2. "He set him over all the land of Egypt."

(1)  To rule it;

(2)  To save it. —
(a) To gather in its plenty;
(b) To support it in its poverty.

3. "I am Pharaoh."

(1)  Sovereignty recognized;

(2)  Sovereignty asserted;

3. Sovereignty delegated.

III. RULING WITH WISDOM.

1. Planning the work (ver. 45).

2. Gathering the food (ver. 48).

3. Providing for emergency.

(American Sunday School Times.)

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KJV: And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

WEB: The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.