Background and Context

The narrative of Israel in Egypt during the time of Joseph is a pivotal episode in the biblical account, illustrating God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. This period is primarily chronicled in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37 to 50. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (Israel) and the firstborn of Rachel, is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rises to become the second most powerful man in Egypt, serving as Pharaoh's vizier.

Joseph's Rise to Power

Joseph's journey from slavery to prominence is marked by his unwavering faith and integrity. After being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams brings him to the attention of Pharaoh. In Genesis 41:15-16 , Pharaoh says to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." Joseph responds, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that Egypt will experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. Recognizing Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him to oversee the land's preparation for the impending famine. Genesis 41:39-40 records Pharaoh's words: "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."

Provision Against Famine

Under Joseph's leadership, Egypt stores surplus grain during the years of plenty. When the famine strikes, not only Egypt but the surrounding nations suffer. Joseph's strategic planning ensures that Egypt has enough food to sustain its population and sell to others in need. Genesis 41:56-57 states, "When the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened up all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians. For the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And every nation came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in every land."

Israel's Migration to Egypt

The famine also affects Canaan, where Jacob and his family reside. Hearing of the grain available in Egypt, Jacob sends his sons to buy food. This leads to a series of events culminating in Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers. In Genesis 45:5-7 , Joseph reassures them, saying, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

Joseph invites his family to settle in Egypt, providing them with the fertile land of Goshen. This relocation is significant, as it sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent Exodus. Genesis 46:3-4 records God's reassurance to Jacob: "I am God, the God of your father," He said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes."

Theological Significance

The account of Joseph in Egypt underscores themes of divine sovereignty, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Joseph's account illustrates how God can use adverse circumstances to bring about His purposes and provide for His people. Through Joseph, God preserves the lineage of Israel, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant. This narrative also foreshadows the greater deliverance that God will accomplish through the Exodus, as well as the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.Genesis 41:46-56
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chapter xli
... of the Merovingians or of the officials of Israel's court bearing ... which had been
in the land of Egypt; and the ... of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

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