MPV Commentary

38. Pharaoh consulted with his advisors before appointing Joseph to this new role, acknowledging that he was a man in whom the Spirit of God was present.

40. You will be in charge of my household, and according to your word, all my people will be governed. This refers to the official edict granting power to Joseph, which would be issued as a firman, and those who received it would show respect by kissing it.

41. Pharaoh said, I have appointed you over all the land. These words were preliminary to the investiture ceremony, where Joseph was given the insignia of office: the signet-ring, the khelaat or dress of honor, a gold necklace, and the privilege of riding in a state carriage.

43. They cried out before him, Bow down to him, using an Egyptian term that means "father" or "native prince," proclaiming him naturalized as a member of their community.

44. The investiture ceremony was completed with the king's formal ratification of Joseph's appointment. I am Pharaoh, and without you, no one can do anything.

45. Zaphnath-paaneah is another name for Joseph, interpreted as "revealer of secrets" or "saviour of the land." He was given to wife Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, a high-ranking official who may have been a worshipper of the true God.

46. At thirty years old, Joseph stood before Pharaoh and began his new role. He had been in Egypt for seventeen years, possibly three in prison, and thirteen in the service of Potiphar.

47. Joseph went out to survey all the land, determining the site and size of the storehouses needed for each region. The earth produced crops by handfuls, a vivid expression describing the abundance of the harvest.

48. He gathered up all the food from the seven years of plenty, storing enough grain not only for Egypt's population but also for neighboring countries during the seven years of famine.

50-52. Joseph had two sons born to him in this period, and he named them according to his faith: Manasseh (forgetting) and Ephraim (fruitful).

53-56. The seven years of abundance came to an end, but the people were unprepared for the famine that followed. They would have starved had Joseph not anticipated their needs and provided for the crisis.

57. The famine was severe in all the surrounding lands – Canaan, Syria, and Arabia – but Egypt was prepared thanks to Joseph's foresight and planning.