Topical Bible: Egypt: Under a Governor

◄ Egypt: Under a Governor ►

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In the biblical narrative, Egypt holds a significant place as a land of refuge, bondage, and divine intervention. The period when Egypt was under a governor is particularly noteworthy in the context of Joseph's rise to power and the subsequent settlement of the Israelites in the land of Goshen.

Joseph's Governorship

The account of Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a pivotal moment in the history of Egypt under a governor. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rises to prominence in Egypt due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh, recognizing Joseph's wisdom and discernment, appoints him as governor over all the land of Egypt. In Genesis 41:40-41 , Pharaoh declares, "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Thus, Joseph becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt, tasked with preparing the nation for the impending seven years of famine.

The Famine and Settlement of Israel

During the years of famine, Joseph's administration proves crucial. He implements a plan to store surplus grain during the seven years of plenty, ensuring that Egypt not only survives the famine but also becomes a source of sustenance for surrounding nations. This period of governance is marked by Joseph's strategic and wise management, which is seen as a direct result of divine favor and guidance.

Joseph's position also facilitates the migration of his family to Egypt. In Genesis 47:11 , it is recorded, "So Joseph settled his father and brothers and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded." The Israelites are granted the land of Goshen, where they thrive and multiply, setting the stage for their eventual bondage and the Exodus.

Theological Implications

The narrative of Egypt under a governor, particularly through Joseph's account, is rich with theological implications. It demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence, as He uses Joseph's trials and triumphs to preserve the lineage of Israel. Joseph's rise to power is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises, showcasing His ability to bring good out of evil intentions, as Joseph himself acknowledges in Genesis 50:20 : "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Historical Context

Historically, the role of a governor in ancient Egypt was significant, often involving the administration of resources, oversight of agricultural production, and the implementation of royal decrees. Joseph's position aligns with the historical understanding of a vizier or high-ranking official who acted with considerable authority on behalf of the Pharaoh.

Legacy

The period of Egypt under a governor, as seen through Joseph's life, leaves a lasting legacy in biblical history. It sets the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and the dramatic events of the Exodus. Joseph's account is a testament to faith, resilience, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the ages.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 41:41-44
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appendix.
... up Egypt' in the Notilia (shortly after ad400). Each province, with the exception
of Augustamnica, whose governor enjoyed the title of corrector,' was under a ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/appendix.htm

Enrollment by Households in Egypt
... they were now wholly reduced to servitude under a foreign ... The latter system also
existed in Egypt; many census ... according to the orders of the governor of the ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 7 enrollment by households.htm

Book 15 Footnotes
... the more remarkable is this, that now, as well as then, the relief they had was
from Egypt also; then from Joseph the governor of Egypt, under Pharaoh king of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 15 footnotes.htm

The Calamities of the Jews During Trajan's Reign.
... and in the following year, while Lupus was governor of all ... continued to plunder the
land of Egypt and to devastate its districts, [977] under the leadership ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii the calamities of the.htm

The Events which Happened at this Time to Dionysius and those in ...
... and such as continue even now under ??milianus ... are more prominent in the world, are
wandering in Egypt. ... before, unto the present time the governor continues to ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi the events which happened.htm

Egypt
... may be that the policy which transferred the soil of Egypt from the ... made Canaan an
Egyptian province, dividing it into districts, each under a governor or a ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... And thus is Egypt walled about on every side. ... is narrow, and full of rocks that lie
under the water ... sent to Tiberius Alexander, who was then governor of Egypt ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

An Enumeration of the High Priests.
... in all fifteen, until king Antiochus Eupator, were under a democratical ... that temple
which was built in Egypt, we have ... to Hyrcanus, and made him governor of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 an enumeration of.htm

The Final Destruction of the Enemies of Religion.
... his numberless executions of Christians in Egypt; [2793] and ... state, and was already
made a governor by Maximinus ... They, under the stress of torture, were unable ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi the final destruction of.htm

The Time of his Appearance among Men.
... who gives the twenty-eighth year after the conquest of Egypt as the ... to connect the
two censuses mentioned as taking place under the same governor, though a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter v the time of his.htm