Knowing The Word in Genesis 41:37-45, Joseph Rises to Power

37 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” [Unbelievably, Pharaoh confirms that it is God speaking through Joseph. This is only the second use of the phrase God’s spirit in Genesis. See 1:2.] 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command [kowtow to you]. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” [J. H. Breasted writes: “One will see that the vizier is the great supervisor of all Egypt and that all government activities are under his control” (e.g., treasury, judiciary, police, army, navy, agriculture). “In fact there is no important state activity which does not relate to his authority. He is really the equivalent of Joseph and the writer had before his eyes the functions of the vizier in telling the story of Joseph.”] 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand [giving him official authority], and clothed him in garments of fine linen [fit for court officials and almost transparent] and put a gold chain about his neck. [Egyptian paintings show the Pharaoh placing a gold chain or collar round the necks of servants he is rewarding, but we do not really know its meaning.] 43 And he made him ride in his second chariot [for the second man in charge]. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphenath-paneah [“the god has said, ‘he will live,’” but we are not really sure what it means]. And he gave him in marriage Asenath [ “she belongs to the goddess Neit”], the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. [Marriage into a top family in Egypt confirmed Joseph’s promotion.] So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt [fully in charge].