God’s Steadfast Love

GOLDEN TEXT: “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.” —Psalm 103:17

GENESIS 39:20-23; 41:46-52

WHILE Joseph’s brethren unleashing their hatred upon this favorite son of their father had sold him into slavery, God’s providences overshadowed him. First he was sold to Potiphar, “an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian.” Joseph’s master saw that the Lord was with him, “and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper,” and soon this young Hebrew was given complete charge of Potiphar’s household. In this position of responsibility the Lord continued to bless Joseph, and Potiphar was pleased.—ch. 39:1-6

Evidently Joseph was an attractive young man, and Potiphar’s wife endeavored to seduce him. He refused her advances, whereupon she lied about him. Potiphar, believing his wife, had Joseph cast into prison. We are not to suppose that this unhappy experience meant that the Lord had withdrawn his watch-care over Joseph. Joseph was destined by the Lord to perform a most important service for his people, and his faith was being tested through the circumstances which were preparing the way for this service.

During this time when the Lord’s people walk by faith and not by sight, it frequently happens that they find themselves in very unpleasant circumstances. The smile of God’s countenance is not always upon them. At times their faith is tested by “frowning providences,” manifested in “fiery trials” of one sort or another. But, as the poet has also said, “Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” God wants all his people to learn that his wisdom knows what is best for them, and that he does not permit a single trial which does not contain a lesson.

Joseph was not long in prison when the keeper of the prison recognized his abilities and integrity, and he was appointed deputy to the prison warden with full authority to manage the affairs of the prison and the prisoners as he deemed best. Here was a special manifestation of the Lord’s providence. It brought him into close contact with two of Pharaoh’s chief servants, the butler and the baker, who had displeased their master and were consigned to the prison “ward.” Thus they became the charges of Joseph.

The Lord gave Joseph ability to interpret the dreams of these two men. The interpretation of the butler’s dream was to the effect that he would be restored to Pharaoh’s favor, and Joseph requested that when this happened he speak a kind word for him with the view of getting him out of prison.

The butler, in keeping with this interpretation of his dream, was restored to the king’s favor and was given back his former responsible position. But he failed to remember Joseph—that is for two full years. Then Pharaoh had two dreams which greatly disturbed him, dreams which none of the magicians or wise men could interpret. The butler, knowing of this, then remembered Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams.

The butler related his experience in connection with Joseph to Pharaoh. The language suggests that this was a different pharaoh from the one who ruled when the butler was thrown into the prison. In any event, the then ruling pharaoh was impressed with the butler’s story, and sent for Joseph. After proper preparation he appeared before the king and correctly interpreted his dreams—dreams which forecast that there were to be seven years of plenty in the land, to be followed by seven years of famine.

Joseph was a wise man, and besides was being directed by the Lord. He advised Pharaoh to select “a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt” to serve as Food Administrator, with full authority to properly store the margin indicates, and by her he had surplus food during the seven years of plenty that it might be available for the people during the se ‘en years of famine. Pharaoh was pleased with the suggestion, and the obvious one to appoint for this responsible position was Joseph.

Probably never before had any but a pharaoh been given such sweeping authority in the management of the affairs of Egypt. Joseph’s authority was exceeded only by the king himself, and apparently he did not interfere in any way with Joseph’s planning, and the dictatorial execution of his plans.

Joseph’s plan, as we know, was successful. But Joseph was not the only one for whom the Lord was caring. The lives of his chosen people, the natural “seed” of Abraham to whom he had made such wonderful promises, were at stake.

Joseph married the daughter of an Egyptian priest or prince, as the two sons—Manasseh and Ephraim. Manasseh means “forgetting.” Joseph gave his firstborn this name in the belief that the Lord was helping him to forget the trials of the past, and even his own people; but he was soon to learn that his people were not to be forgotten.

QUESTIONS

Relate Joseph’s experience in Egypt which led to such high exaltation in the government.

Why does God permit trials to come to his people?

What was the divine purpose in permitting Joseph to be sold into Egypt?

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