◄ Genesis 41:42 ►
Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph's finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
Study Bible
Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger
The signet ring in ancient Egypt was a symbol of authority and power. It was used to seal documents, signifying the Pharaoh's approval and command. The Hebrew word for "signet ring" is "טַבַּעַת" (tabba'at), which denotes a ring used for sealing. This act of Pharaoh removing his ring and giving it to Joseph signifies a transfer of authority. Joseph, once a Hebrew slave, is now being elevated to a position of immense power, second only to Pharaoh. This moment is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, as Joseph's dreams of leadership and influence are realized.

put it on Joseph’s finger
The act of placing the ring on Joseph's finger is symbolic of entrusting him with the authority to act on behalf of Pharaoh. In the cultural and historical context, this was not merely a gesture but a legal and binding act that conferred upon Joseph the power to govern. It is a profound moment of transformation and redemption, illustrating how God can elevate the humble and faithful to positions of influence for His purposes.

dressed him in robes of fine linen
Fine linen, or "שֵׁשׁ" (shesh) in Hebrew, was a luxury fabric in ancient Egypt, often associated with nobility and the priesthood. Dressing Joseph in such garments signifies his new status and the honor bestowed upon him. This transformation from prisoner to prince is reminiscent of the robe given to him by his father Jacob, symbolizing favor and distinction. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to restore and elevate His chosen ones, regardless of their past circumstances.

and placed a gold chain around his neck
The gold chain is another symbol of high rank and authority. In Egyptian culture, gold was associated with the divine and eternal, often used in the adornment of royalty and deities. The Hebrew word for "chain" is "רְבִיד" (revid), which can also mean a necklace or collar. This act of placing a gold chain around Joseph's neck further solidifies his position of power and respect in the Egyptian court. It is a visual representation of the honor and responsibility now resting upon him, highlighting the theme of divine favor and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who recognizes Joseph's wisdom and appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who, through God's guidance, interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is elevated to a position of power.

3. Signet Ring
A symbol of authority and power, representing Pharaoh's trust in Joseph.

4. Fine Linen Garments
Indicative of honor and high status in Egyptian society.

5. Gold Chain
A further symbol of authority and wealth, signifying Joseph's new role.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Elevation
Joseph's rise to power demonstrates God's control over human affairs and His ability to elevate His servants in His timing.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's consistent faithfulness, even in hardship, prepares him for the responsibilities of leadership.

Symbolism of Authority
The signet ring and garments symbolize the authority and responsibility given by God, reminding us of our roles as His representatives.

Preparation for Purpose
Joseph's life illustrates how God prepares us through trials for the purposes He has planned.

Trust in God's Timing
Joseph's account encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing for their lives and callings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's elevation by Pharaoh reflect God's sovereignty and timing in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful in our current circumstances, as Joseph did, to prepare for future responsibilities?

3. How do the symbols of authority given to Joseph (signet ring, fine linen, gold chain) relate to the spiritual authority we have in Christ?

4. What parallels can we draw between Joseph's account and the life of Jesus, particularly in terms of suffering and exaltation?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Joseph's life to trust in God's plan and timing, even when our current situation seems bleak?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 37
Joseph's journey begins with dreams and his brothers' betrayal, leading to his eventual rise in Egypt.

Daniel 5
Daniel is similarly honored with a gold chain for interpreting dreams, showing a parallel in God's use of His servants.

Esther 8
Mordecai is given the king's signet ring, illustrating the transfer of authority and trust.

Luke 15
The prodigal son receives a robe and ring, symbolizing restoration and honor, akin to Joseph's elevation.

Philippians 2
Christ's humility and subsequent exaltation reflect the pattern of suffering leading to 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
Arrayed, Aside, Best, Byssus, Chain, Clothed, Clothes, Clotheth, Dressed, Fine, Finger, Garments, Gold, Joseph, Joseph's, Linen, Neck, Necklace, Pharaoh, Placeth, Putteth, Ring, Robes, Round, Seal-ring, Signet, Turneth, Vestures
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:42

     4333   gold
     5145   clothing
     5152   fingers
     5176   ring
     5177   robes
     5251   chains
     5392   linen
     5518   seal
     5915   ornaments
     8421   equipping, physical

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

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