“And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’ ‘God hath shewed Pharaoh what He is about to do.'” Genesis 41:16,25
The ways of God are not those of men. They are often distinguished by the manner in which they are revealed to men. When Joseph, the favorite son of his father Jacob, was sold by his brothers into Egypt as a slave, at the age of seventeen, no man could have ever designed, or contemplated, such a scenario which would result in the saving not only of the house of Jacob, but also for the preserving of a nation. The path that Joseph was placed upon by God was a difficult one, for he had to learn well some essential lessons along the way, not only in order to survive, but also, in order that through him, God would fulfill His great purpose to save a family and a nation, that of Egypt. The great and critical point in this narrative of Joseph, and his training and life in Egypt, was the moment, after he had spent years in prison on a false charge, was brought before Pharaoh. From a young man, God had given Joseph dreams, some of which pertained specifically to that very time, and thereafter. God gave him the capacity to interpret dreams because of his dependence upon God. This he did for two of Pharaoh’s servants, who were with him in prison. For one the interpretation was beneficial. For the other, the interpretation was not good news, for it was revealed that Pharaoh would take his life. The important point here is that for both of the men, Joseph’s interpretation was precisely correct. Two years after this event, Pharaoh had two dreams also. His magicians and wise men were called in, but they could not interpret the dreams. The servant in prison, whose dream Joseph interpreted accurately, and beneficially, recounted this to Pharaoh, who sent for Joseph immediately. In coming before Pharaoh, Pharaoh told him, “I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.” (Genesis 41:15) Joseph’s response to Pharaoh was remarkable, but very revealing, for in his words he would reveal the lessons that he had learned so well, with regard to the blessing and keeping of God, but also, with respect to the difficult acceptance of his unmerited, and unwanted circumstances. However, both of God’s ways were necessary to prepare His man for the task before him.
Joseph responded to Pharaoh in the following manner: “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (41:16) The first, great lesson, that Joseph learned in his captivity, was the absolute dependence upon God that was essential to his existence. Whether it was concerning the interpretation of a dream, or simply his survival in prison, only by God working in the circumstances of His choosing, would His purposes be realized and fulfilled through Joseph. At this critical moment Joseph is declaring to Pharaoh that the God of the Hebrews is willing and able to give to Pharaoh a gift, a gift of the knowledge of His will with regard to future events, which will impact not only his throne, but the well-being and survival of his people. Upon hearing Pharaoh recount the two dreams, the response of Joseph was simple: “God hath shewed Pharaoh what He is about to do.” (41:25) In what follows in this meeting between Pharaoh and Joseph, there is the fulfilment of Joseph’s initial statement to Pharaoh, “…God shall give to Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Not only would God give to Joseph the knowledge of the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams, but He would give to Pharaoh and his court the peace of mind and heart, the assurance, that this interpretation was right. Pharaoh’s decision to appoint Joseph as his administrator at such a time, was confirmed also by this peace and assurance. God’s gift to Pharaoh was salvation, declared by Joseph, confirmed by His peace.
Dear Father, Lead us by Thy peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.