Topical Bible: Rulers: Righteous: Pharaoh, in his Treatment of Jacob and his Family

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In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh's interaction with Jacob and his family is a significant example of a ruler acting righteously. This account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, and his family are welcomed into Egypt during a time of severe famine.

The account begins with Joseph, Jacob's son, who had risen to a position of great power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. Through divine providence, Joseph had interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). As a result, Joseph was appointed to oversee the collection and storage of grain during the years of plenty, ensuring that Egypt would have enough food during the famine.

When the famine struck, it affected not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided. Hearing that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob sent his sons to buy food (Genesis 42:1-2). After a series of events, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers and invited his entire family to come to Egypt, where they would be provided for (Genesis 45:4-11).

Pharaoh's response to the arrival of Jacob and his family is noteworthy for its generosity and righteousness. Upon learning of Joseph's family's presence, Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Tell your brothers, 'Do as follows: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan. Then bring your father and your families and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the richness of the land'" (Genesis 45:17-18). Pharaoh's offer to settle Jacob and his family in the best part of Egypt, the land of Goshen, demonstrates his benevolence and respect for Joseph.

When Jacob arrived in Egypt, he was presented to Pharaoh. The meeting between the aged patriarch and the Egyptian ruler is marked by mutual respect. Jacob blessed Pharaoh, an act that signifies the recognition of Pharaoh's kindness and the acknowledgment of God's providence in the unfolding events (Genesis 47:7).

Pharaoh's treatment of Jacob and his family is a testament to his righteous character as a ruler. By providing for them during a time of crisis, Pharaoh not only honored Joseph but also played a crucial role in the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. This act of righteousness had lasting implications, as it set the stage for the Israelites' eventual growth into a great nation within the land of Egypt.

Pharaoh's actions serve as an example of how rulers can act justly and compassionately, using their power to support and sustain those in need. His treatment of Jacob and his family reflects a broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and provision, working through human agents to fulfill divine purposes.

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Genesis 47:5-10
And Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, Your father and your brothers are come to you:
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Genesis 50:1-6
And Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept on him, and kissed him.
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Library

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... Grace that was poured out on that righteous man, this ... refused to be called the son
of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing ... own land, or if they had been rulers there. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... made bricks, and the subjects of Pharaoh inhabited the ... should be a distinction between
the righteous and the ... of the earth stood up, and the rulers took counsel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... that supremacy which its last three rulers had failed ... the nobles of Ephraim "sold
the righteous for silver ... fellow-ministers, and the sanctity of his office did ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... Abraham, and must come to every righteous person, [2393 ... in his babyhood, wrought
in Pharaoh's daughter, [3013 ... land to act independently of their rulers, [3133]365 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the epistle to.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... of His house, and with the heritage of Jacob thy father ... obedience of one, shall many
be made righteous'[98] (Rom ... for though they are essential to His natures and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm