Joseph–Pharaoh relationship

The relationship between Joseph and Pharaoh is a decisive reversal of status: summoned from prison to interpret the ruler’s dreams, Joseph becomes the official entrusted with preparing Egypt for famine and is placed second only to Pharaoh. Their connection joins interpretation to policy, and royal recognition to the preservation of Joseph’s family.

From Prisoner to Interpreter

After Pharaoh’s dreams troubled him, Egypt’s magicians and wise men could not interpret them. The chief butler then recalled Joseph, who had interpreted the dreams of the butler and chief baker while they were imprisoned. Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who shaved, changed his clothes, and came before him.

Pharaoh recounted two linked images: seven healthy cows consumed by seven lean cows, and seven full ears of grain swallowed by seven thin ears. Joseph said the dreams conveyed one message: seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of severe famine. Their repetition, he explained, signaled that the matter was established and would soon occur. He attributed the interpretation to God rather than to himself.

Counsel and Appointment

Joseph did more than interpret the warning. He advised Pharaoh to appoint a discreet and wise administrator, set overseers throughout the land, and collect one-fifth of Egypt’s produce during the seven plentiful years. The grain was to be stored in the cities as a reserve against famine, so that the land would not perish when scarcity came.

Pharaoh accepted the proposal and recognized Joseph’s wisdom, declaring him fit to oversee his household and all Egypt. He gave Joseph his signet ring, fine linen garments, and a gold chain, and had him ride in the second chariot. Joseph was placed over the land, with Pharaoh retaining only the throne above him; Pharaoh also gave him the name Zaphenath-paneah and arranged his marriage to Asenath, daughter of Poti-phera, priest of On.

Rule During the Famine

During the seven years of plenty, Joseph gathered the harvest and stored grain in the cities, eventually accumulating so much that it could no longer be counted. When the famine began, Egypt had bread while hunger spread through the surrounding lands. Pharaoh directed the Egyptians to go to Joseph and do what he instructed; Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians and to people from other countries.

Pharaoh’s Household and Joseph’s Family

Pharaoh’s authority also enabled Joseph to bring his family into Egypt. After Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, Pharaoh welcomed their arrival and instructed Joseph to send for his father and household, offering them the good of Egypt. He supplied wagons for their families and endorsed their settlement in Goshen.

When Joseph presented his brothers to Pharaoh, they identified themselves as shepherds and asked to reside in Goshen because famine had left their flocks without pasture in Canaan. Pharaoh approved the request, offered the best of the land, and allowed Joseph to appoint capable members of the family over his cattle. Joseph then settled his father and brothers in the land of Rameses and provided them with food. The relationship thus extends beyond royal service: Pharaoh’s confidence in Joseph makes possible the family’s refuge and support during the famine.