Genesis 41:43 Study Bible: and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, "Bow the knee." He set him over all the land of Egypt.

◄ Genesis 41:43 ►

He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, "Bow the knee!" So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.

Study Bible

He had Joseph ride in his second chariot
This phrase indicates Joseph's elevation to a position of high authority in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Chariots were symbols of power and prestige in ancient Egypt, often used by royalty and high-ranking officials. The "second chariot" signifies Joseph's rank as the second most powerful man in the kingdom. This elevation is a fulfillment of the dreams Joseph had in his youth (Genesis 37:5-11), where his brothers' sheaves bowed to his sheaf, symbolizing his future leadership and authority.

with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!”
The command to "Bow the knee" reflects the respect and submission required by those who encountered Joseph. This public proclamation ensured that all recognized Joseph's authority and position. The act of bowing is a sign of reverence and submission, which is consistent with the cultural practices of the time. This scene foreshadows the ultimate submission to Christ, as Philippians 2:10-11 states that every knee will bow to Jesus, acknowledging His lordship.

So he placed him over all the land of Egypt
Joseph's appointment over all the land of Egypt demonstrates God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite Joseph's earlier trials, including being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned, God's plan for him prevailed. This mirrors the biblical theme of God raising the humble and exalting those who are faithful (1 Peter 5:6). Joseph's role as a savior of Egypt during the famine is a type of Christ, who provides salvation and sustenance to all who come to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to prominence in Egypt due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who appointed Joseph as second-in-command after Joseph interpreted his dreams about the coming famine.

3. Egypt
The land where Joseph was taken as a slave and later became a powerful leader.

4. Second Chariot
Symbolizes Joseph's high status and authority in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.

5. Bow the Knee
A command for people to show respect and submission to Joseph, indicating his elevated position.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Timing
Joseph's rise to power demonstrates God's control over circumstances and His perfect timing in fulfilling His plans.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph remained faithful to God despite his trials, showing that integrity and trust in God can lead to unexpected blessings.

Humility and Exaltation
Joseph's account is a reminder that humility before God and others can lead to exaltation, as God lifts up the humble.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joseph's leadership in Egypt teaches us about the importance of wise and responsible stewardship of the positions God entrusts to us.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Joseph's later interactions with his brothers highlight the power of forgiveness and the restoration of broken relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership illustrate the principle of God's sovereignty in our lives?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful to God during times of adversity, as Joseph did?

3. How does the command "Bow the knee" to Joseph relate to the concept of humility and exaltation found in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's leadership style that can be applied to our own roles and responsibilities?

5. How does Joseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers challenge us to pursue forgiveness and healing in our own relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
Joseph's journey begins with his dreams and his brothers' jealousy, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.

Philippians 2
The concept of humility and exaltation is mirrored in the life of Christ, who was humbled and then exalted by God.

Daniel 6
Daniel, like Joseph, is a faithful servant of God who rises to a position of power in a foreign land due to his integrity and God's favor.

Proverbs 22:29
Highlights the principle that diligence and skill can lead to positions of honor, as seen in Joseph's life.

Sermons

Ability Discovered	One Thousand New lllustrations	Genesis 41:37-45
Egyptian-Fine Linen	Things Not Generally Known.	Genesis 41:37-45
From Prison to Palace	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
Governor of Egypt	Prof. Hilprecht.	Genesis 41:37-45
High Endowments Qualify for Respect	G. Lawson, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise Ruler	D. O. Mears.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph, the Wise Ruler	D. G. Hughes, M. A.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Exaltation		Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Exaltation	J. C. Gray.	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Promotion in Egypt	Homilist	Genesis 41:37-45
Joseph's Qualification for Ruling	F. W. Robertson, M. A.	Genesis 41:37-45
Leaders of Men	Vinet.	Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh Accepts Joseph's Advice	T. H. Leale.	Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh and Joseph	A. P. Foster, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
Pharaoh's Prime Minister	W. S. Smith, B. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
The Secret of Joseph's Elevation	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Genesis 41:37-45
The Tried Man	R.A. Redford	Genesis 41

People

Asenath, Egyptians, Joseph, Manasseh, Pharaoh, Potipherah, Zaphnathpaaneah

Places

Egypt, Nile River, On

Topics

Abrech, Bow, Carriages, Caused, Causeth, Charge, Chariot, Cried, Crying, Egypt, Knee, Proclaim, Proclaimed, Ride, Ruler, Seat, Second-in-command, Shouted, Thus

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Genesis 41:43

5252 chariots
5327 governors

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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