Pharaoh's servants play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Exodus. These individuals, who served the ruler of Egypt, are often depicted as influential figures within the Egyptian court, interacting with key biblical characters and events.

Genesis 40-41: The Cupbearer and the Baker

In Genesis 40, we encounter two of Pharaoh's servants: the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. Both are imprisoned alongside Joseph, who had been wrongfully accused and jailed. During their time in prison, each servant has a dream, which Joseph interprets. The cupbearer's dream foretells his restoration to his position, while the baker's dream predicts his execution. As Joseph interprets, "Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer" (Genesis 40:13). The events unfold as Joseph predicted, and the cupbearer is restored, but the baker is executed.

In Genesis 41, the cupbearer remembers Joseph when Pharaoh is troubled by his own dreams. He recommends Joseph to Pharaoh, leading to Joseph's rise to power as the second-in-command in Egypt. This pivotal moment is facilitated by the actions and testimony of Pharaoh's servant, the cupbearer.

Exodus 1: The Oppression of the Israelites

In the Book of Exodus, Pharaoh's servants are part of the oppressive regime that enslaves the Israelites. The narrative begins with a new Pharaoh who does not remember Joseph and perceives the growing Israelite population as a threat. Pharaoh's servants are likely involved in the administration and enforcement of the harsh labor imposed on the Israelites, as described in Exodus 1:11: "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor."

Exodus 7-12: The Plagues of Egypt

During the plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh's servants are witnesses to the power of God through Moses and Aaron. They experience firsthand the devastation brought upon Egypt, from the water turning to blood to the death of the firstborn. In Exodus 9:20-21, some of Pharaoh's servants begin to fear the word of the LORD: "Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field."

Despite the increasing severity of the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and his servants continue to serve him, although some begin to recognize the futility of resisting God's will. In Exodus 10:7, Pharaoh's officials plead with him, saying, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is in ruins?"

Role and Influence

Pharaoh's servants, while often unnamed, are integral to the unfolding of God's plan in the biblical narrative. They serve as instruments through which God's power and justice are demonstrated, and their interactions with key figures like Joseph and Moses highlight the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty. Their presence in the biblical text underscores the complexity of the Egyptian court and the broader socio-political context in which the Israelites' account unfolds.