◄ Genesis 41:37 ►
This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials.
Study Bible
This proposal
The proposal refers to Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his subsequent advice to store grain during the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine. This demonstrates Joseph's wisdom and discernment, qualities that are emphasized throughout his story. His ability to interpret dreams is a gift from God, highlighting the divine favor upon him.

pleased Pharaoh
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is depicted as being receptive to Joseph's counsel. This is significant because it shows a foreign ruler recognizing the wisdom imparted by God through Joseph. In the broader biblical narrative, this moment foreshadows the acceptance of God's wisdom by Gentile nations, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture.

and all his officials
The officials, or servants, of Pharaoh also agree with Joseph's plan. This collective approval underscores the unity and consensus among the Egyptian leadership, which is crucial for the successful implementation of the plan. It also highlights Joseph's ability to gain favor and trust, a trait that is essential for his rise to power. This acceptance by the officials can be seen as a type of Christ, who also found favor with both God and man (Luke 2:52).

Connections to Other Scripture
Joseph's rise to power and the acceptance of his proposal can be seen as a precursor to the story of Daniel, who also interprets dreams and gains favor in a foreign court (Daniel 2). Both stories emphasize God's sovereignty and the elevation of His chosen servants in foreign lands.

Historical and Cultural Context
In ancient Egypt, dreams were considered significant and often required interpretation by wise men or magicians. Joseph's ability to interpret dreams accurately would have been seen as a divine gift, setting him apart from the traditional Egyptian wise men. This cultural context highlights the extraordinary nature of Joseph's insight and the divine source of his wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is seeking a solution to the impending famine revealed in his dreams.

2. Joseph
A Hebrew man who interprets Pharaoh's dreams and proposes a plan to save Egypt from famine.

3. Egypt
The setting of the events, a powerful ancient civilization facing a future crisis.

4. Pharaoh's Officials
The advisors and administrators who serve Pharaoh and are involved in the decision-making process.

5. The Plan
Joseph's proposal to store surplus grain during seven years of abundance to prepare for seven years of famine.
Teaching Points
Divine Wisdom and Guidance
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams and propose a wise plan underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our decision-making processes.

God's Sovereignty
The events in Joseph's life, including his rise to power, illustrate God's sovereign control over circumstances, even when they seem unfavorable.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's journey from prison to the palace teaches us to remain faithful and trust in God's timing, even when facing trials.

Influence and Leadership
Joseph's influence in Egypt shows how God can use His people to impact nations and leaders when they are faithful and obedient.

Preparation and Stewardship
The plan to store grain during years of plenty teaches the value of preparation and wise stewardship of resources.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Joseph's reliance on God for wisdom in interpreting dreams challenge us in our own decision-making processes?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in Joseph's life, and how can this encourage us in our current circumstances?

3. How does Joseph's faithfulness during adversity inspire us to remain steadfast in our own trials?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's leadership and influence in Egypt that can be applied to our roles in our communities or workplaces?

5. How can the principle of preparation and stewardship seen in Joseph's plan be applied to our personal and financial lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 41:16
Joseph acknowledges that his ability to interpret dreams comes from God, highlighting his humility and reliance on divine wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, similar to how Joseph relies on God for wisdom.

James 1:5
This verse speaks about asking God for wisdom, which is exemplified by Joseph's discernment and insight.

Romans 8:28
The idea that God works all things for good is evident in Joseph's rise to power and the preservation of many lives.

1 Peter 5:6
Joseph's account reflects the principle of being exalted by God in due time after demonstrating humility and faithfulness.
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
Bondmen, Officials, Pharaoh, Proposal, Seemed, Servants
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 41:1-49

     8131   guidance, results

Genesis 41:33-40

     5922   prudence

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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