No greater change has come to any man than that which Jo'seph knew in E'gypt. The fetters of iron which bound his feet were exchanged for a golden chain around his neck, and the course prison clothes for the fine linen worn by the nobility. The gloomy dungeon was forgotten as he dwelt in the royal palace, and all disgrace was removed when he rode next to the king in a public procession. He had been in prison through no fault of his own, but now had become master of all that the king possessed.
Pha'roah added still another blessing by giving him a wife from one of the most noble families of the land, and so Jo'seph was married to the daughter of the high priest of the temple in the capital city of E'gypt. In the course of time two sons were born to this marriage, and were brought up in the faith of their father.
Many people would have been puffed up with pride by so wonderful a change, but Jo'seph was too busy to waste time in self-admiration. Instead, he went to work at once on the task which the king had given him. His first step was to make a thorough study of the country, finding out how much food was needed, and how much could be raised during the seven years of abundant crops. To the law which required the people to give one tenth of all their produce to the government, he added the rule that they place one fifth in storage for the years of famine which were to come. The people were also forbidden to waste food, and all that they did not need was purchased by the government and stored up for future needs.
Jo'seph was wise enough to foresee the evil days that were coming, and to prepare for them before it was too late. In times of abundant harvest and prosperity he made sure that the nation would not suffer when crops were poor and times were hard. He was honored by the king, and proved his right to such honor by enriching the nation. By his careful management he saved the lives of the E'gyp-tians, provided food for even their cattle and live-stock, and maintained the glory of their nation.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Story 27: Jo'seph Rises From Prison To The king's Palace lll
The one who took charge of this work would also have to direct a great many assistants, telling each one what he must do, and then making sure that the work had been properly done. Seldom in history has a greater burden been placed upon any one man.
Without waiting for Jo'seph's predictions to come true, or doubting in the least the words which had been spoken, Pha'roah decided to act at once. The first step was the choosing of a leader to carry out the plan of storing up food for the years of famine that were to come, and here the king made a very wise choice, indeed. To Pha'roah, there was only one man in his kingdom who could do the work which Jo'seph had suggested, and that man was Jo'seph himself. The king was deeply impressed by the faith of the He'brew prophet, and believed that he must be under the direct guidance of the LORD. A man of strong, upright character was needed for the task, and in this respect Jo'seph had proved himself second to none.
Pha'roah said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" The courtiers made no reply, probably because they were jealous of one who was a foreigner, but the king at once appointed Jo'seph to the office. To remove any further jealousy, Pha'roah gave him the E'gyp-tian title Zaph'e-nath-pa-ne'eh, which means "God speaks." He also gave Jo'seph a signet ring as a token of his office as grand vizier of E'gypt, provided him with fine linen garments which were worn by only the highest officials, placed around his neck the gold chain which was the mark of prominent citizens, and caused him to ride in the chariot next to that of the king in a great public procession. The people of E'gypt bowed before him, honoring him as the ruler second only to the king. Thus was Jo'seph advanced from a forgotten prisoner to one who held a place of honor in the royal palace. We shall learn how well he carried out his duties in the next story.
Without waiting for Jo'seph's predictions to come true, or doubting in the least the words which had been spoken, Pha'roah decided to act at once. The first step was the choosing of a leader to carry out the plan of storing up food for the years of famine that were to come, and here the king made a very wise choice, indeed. To Pha'roah, there was only one man in his kingdom who could do the work which Jo'seph had suggested, and that man was Jo'seph himself. The king was deeply impressed by the faith of the He'brew prophet, and believed that he must be under the direct guidance of the LORD. A man of strong, upright character was needed for the task, and in this respect Jo'seph had proved himself second to none.
Pha'roah said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" The courtiers made no reply, probably because they were jealous of one who was a foreigner, but the king at once appointed Jo'seph to the office. To remove any further jealousy, Pha'roah gave him the E'gyp-tian title Zaph'e-nath-pa-ne'eh, which means "God speaks." He also gave Jo'seph a signet ring as a token of his office as grand vizier of E'gypt, provided him with fine linen garments which were worn by only the highest officials, placed around his neck the gold chain which was the mark of prominent citizens, and caused him to ride in the chariot next to that of the king in a great public procession. The people of E'gypt bowed before him, honoring him as the ruler second only to the king. Thus was Jo'seph advanced from a forgotten prisoner to one who held a place of honor in the royal palace. We shall learn how well he carried out his duties in the next story.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Story 27: Jo'seph Rises From Prison To The king's Palace ll
The king made haste to send for Jo'seph, asking him to come to the palace at once. It was the custom in those days for men in prison to let their beards grow as a sign of sorrow, but Jo'seph quickly removed his beard when he heard that the king wished to see him. After changing his prison garments for clothes provided by the king's servants, he was brought before Pha'roah.
When Jo'seph stood before him, Pha'roah told him at once that he had been greatly troubled by two dreams which his magicians and wise men had not been able to explain. Pha'roah also said that he had learned of Jo'seph's ability to interpret dreams, but Jo'seph replied, "It is not in me: God shall give Pha'roah an answer of peace." Pha'roah then told his two strange dreams to Jo'seph.
"In my dream," declared Pha'roah, "I stood upon a bank of the river: and, behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, fat and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and lean, such as I never saw in all the land of E'gypt for badness: and the lean and the ill favoured cows did eat up the first seven fat cows, but after eating every one of them they were still as thin as ever."
"After falling asleep again," Pha'roah went on to say, "I saw seven ears of corn growing on one stalk, and each ear was full and good. Then I saw another stalk with seven poor and worthless ears upon it. The seven poor ears devoured those that were good, but were afterwards poor as ever."
Jo'seph then told Pha'roah that the two dreams had the same meaning. The LORD was telling him that a time of great prosperity for the land of E'gypt was to be followed by an equal period of famine and suffering. Jo'seph said, "The seven fat and well favoured cows, and the seven full ears of corn, mean that for seven years there will be good harvests and great prosperity in E'gypt. The seven thin cows and the seven withered ears of corn mean that the years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine. Unless the good crops are used wisely, and the surplus carefully stored up in each city, the whole country will be in danger of starving to death."
Having explained the dreams to Pha'roah so clearly that everyone could see the LORD was speaking through him, Jo'seph gave still further good advice. He suggested that Pha'roah choose some man of great wisdom and proven ability to take charge of the work of storing up surplus food during the seven good years. It was a very difficult task, but unless it was done, and done well, there would be no hope of saving the people of E'gypt from starvation during the seven years of famine. That is why it was so important to find a man wise enough to direct the storing up of food in all cities of E'gypt. Besides gathering the surplus food, it was necessary to distribute it in such a way that each city would have enough for its own needs, and to store the food where it would not spoil or be damaged.
When Jo'seph stood before him, Pha'roah told him at once that he had been greatly troubled by two dreams which his magicians and wise men had not been able to explain. Pha'roah also said that he had learned of Jo'seph's ability to interpret dreams, but Jo'seph replied, "It is not in me: God shall give Pha'roah an answer of peace." Pha'roah then told his two strange dreams to Jo'seph.
"In my dream," declared Pha'roah, "I stood upon a bank of the river: and, behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, fat and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and lean, such as I never saw in all the land of E'gypt for badness: and the lean and the ill favoured cows did eat up the first seven fat cows, but after eating every one of them they were still as thin as ever."
"After falling asleep again," Pha'roah went on to say, "I saw seven ears of corn growing on one stalk, and each ear was full and good. Then I saw another stalk with seven poor and worthless ears upon it. The seven poor ears devoured those that were good, but were afterwards poor as ever."
Jo'seph then told Pha'roah that the two dreams had the same meaning. The LORD was telling him that a time of great prosperity for the land of E'gypt was to be followed by an equal period of famine and suffering. Jo'seph said, "The seven fat and well favoured cows, and the seven full ears of corn, mean that for seven years there will be good harvests and great prosperity in E'gypt. The seven thin cows and the seven withered ears of corn mean that the years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine. Unless the good crops are used wisely, and the surplus carefully stored up in each city, the whole country will be in danger of starving to death."
Having explained the dreams to Pha'roah so clearly that everyone could see the LORD was speaking through him, Jo'seph gave still further good advice. He suggested that Pha'roah choose some man of great wisdom and proven ability to take charge of the work of storing up surplus food during the seven good years. It was a very difficult task, but unless it was done, and done well, there would be no hope of saving the people of E'gypt from starvation during the seven years of famine. That is why it was so important to find a man wise enough to direct the storing up of food in all cities of E'gypt. Besides gathering the surplus food, it was necessary to distribute it in such a way that each city would have enough for its own needs, and to store the food where it would not spoil or be damaged.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Story 27: Jo'seph Rises From Prison To The king's Palace l
It seems probable that Pot'i-phar realized that Jo'seph was forced to remain in prison for two years as a result of the false charges preferred against him by Pot'i-phar's wife. But his quiet, trustworthy manner, his gentle, friendly behavior, and his patience under unjust punishment won for him the confidence of all the prisoners with whom he was associated. Among these prisoners were two former servants of Pha'roah, a builder and a baker. They were placed under the care of Jo'seph, and in the course of time he was called upon to explain for each of them a dream which greatly worried them.
The interpretations which Jo'seph gave came to pass within three days: the baker was hanged, and the butler was released and given his former position in the king's court. Jo'seph requested the butler to use his good offices for his release, but two years passed before he even mentioned to the king the name of his friend and benefactor. In the meantime Jo'seph did not despair, but clung to the belief that God would save him in his own time and manner.
It was then that things began to happen in his favor. Pha'roah had two strange dreams, both of which were similar, and which seemed to carry the same meaning. When the king awoke in the morning, he was very much disturbed in mind by these dreams. He felt that they were very important, and was eager to know just what they meant. All the magicians and wise men of E'gypt were called in to help the king, but none of them could explain his dreams. Though naturally trying as hard as they could to give the meaning of the dreams, they were puzzled as deeply as Pha'roah by the visions which had come to him in the night.
Pha'roah was unable to hide his troubled feelings from his servants, and his chief butler soon realized that something must be done to solve the problem. Suddenly he remembered how Jo'seph had explained his dream and that of the chief baker when they were in prison two years before, so he said to Pha'roah, "There is in prison a young man, a He'brew, who possesses the wisdom of God by which the most difficult dreams may be made known."
The interpretations which Jo'seph gave came to pass within three days: the baker was hanged, and the butler was released and given his former position in the king's court. Jo'seph requested the butler to use his good offices for his release, but two years passed before he even mentioned to the king the name of his friend and benefactor. In the meantime Jo'seph did not despair, but clung to the belief that God would save him in his own time and manner.
It was then that things began to happen in his favor. Pha'roah had two strange dreams, both of which were similar, and which seemed to carry the same meaning. When the king awoke in the morning, he was very much disturbed in mind by these dreams. He felt that they were very important, and was eager to know just what they meant. All the magicians and wise men of E'gypt were called in to help the king, but none of them could explain his dreams. Though naturally trying as hard as they could to give the meaning of the dreams, they were puzzled as deeply as Pha'roah by the visions which had come to him in the night.
Pha'roah was unable to hide his troubled feelings from his servants, and his chief butler soon realized that something must be done to solve the problem. Suddenly he remembered how Jo'seph had explained his dream and that of the chief baker when they were in prison two years before, so he said to Pha'roah, "There is in prison a young man, a He'brew, who possesses the wisdom of God by which the most difficult dreams may be made known."
Monday, May 16, 2016
Story 26: Jo'seph In Pot'i-phar's House ll
Angered by Jo'seph's refusal to do that which he thought wrong, Pot'i-phar's wife made false charges against him and had him cast into prison.
In the gloom and hardships of life in prison Jo'seph was made happy by the knowledge that he had done nothing which deserved such punishment. His conscience was clear, and the LORD continued His blessings upon him. Jo'seph became a favorite of the keeper of the prison, and was soon put in charge of the other prisoners; he was trusted and honored in prison just as he had been in the house of his master. The walls of an E'gyp-tian dungeon could not hide his good character, nor could the iron bars prevent the LORD from visiting His servant.
Jo'seph had been chosen by the LORD to rule over the land of E'gypt. The trials which had come to him were sent only to strengthen him in the faith, and make him a better servant of God in the hour of victory. We shall learn in the next story how he was called from prison to the palace of one of the greatest kingdoms of history.
In the gloom and hardships of life in prison Jo'seph was made happy by the knowledge that he had done nothing which deserved such punishment. His conscience was clear, and the LORD continued His blessings upon him. Jo'seph became a favorite of the keeper of the prison, and was soon put in charge of the other prisoners; he was trusted and honored in prison just as he had been in the house of his master. The walls of an E'gyp-tian dungeon could not hide his good character, nor could the iron bars prevent the LORD from visiting His servant.
Jo'seph had been chosen by the LORD to rule over the land of E'gypt. The trials which had come to him were sent only to strengthen him in the faith, and make him a better servant of God in the hour of victory. We shall learn in the next story how he was called from prison to the palace of one of the greatest kingdoms of history.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Story 26: Jo'seph In Pot'i-phar's House l
Our story now turns back to the life of Jo'seph. When last we heard of him, he was being taken to E'gypt by a band of Ish'ma-el-ite slave-traders who had bought him from his hard-hearted brothers, and his father Ja'cob was mourning him for dead.
When the slave-traders came to E'gypt, Jo'seph was sold as a household servant to a man named Pot'i-phar, who was a high officer in the army of Pha'raoh. Even though he was still a slave, Jo'seph did not give up hope that some day his dreams would come true.
In place of the hills and mountains of Ca'naan, Jo'seph now looked out upon the great plains of the river Nile; instead of living in a crude tent in the wilderness, he now enjoyed the comforts of a splendid home in a rich city. Looking out upon the beautiful temples of E'gypt, the pyramids, and the Sphinx, Jo'seph must have longed for the day when he could take an active part in the affairs of this great country.
Jo'seph was a handsome young man, pleasant and cheerful by nature, and blessed with a quick mind and upright heart. He was also honest and loyal, and always ready and willing to do his duty. He did his work so well in the house of Pot'i-phar that he soon won the complete trust of his master, and was rapidly promoted to positions of greater honor. At length Pot'i-phar made Jo'seph his chief steward, giving him charge of his entire household. Though Pot'i-phar did not worship the God of Jo'seph, he was greatly impressed by the good character and true faith of his servant. It is said in the Bible that Pot'i-phar saw that the LORD was with Jo'seph, making him prosper in all that he did.
While Jo'seph was mourned by his father in Ca'naan as dead, he now prospered in E'gypt under Pot'i-phar. Honoring God, he was now being honored by the LORD he worshipped; having served faithfully over a few things, he was now made ruler over many; having learned to manage Pot'i-phar's house, he was now being prepared to rule over all the land of E'gypt.
The same noble qualities which won for Jo'seph the admiration of Pot'i-phar were also the means of subjecting him to severe temptation. Pot'i-phar's wife was attracted by his magnetic personality and manliness, and sought to lure him into a friendship which he thought wrong. Jo'seph wished to maintain the integrity of his character and good opinion of his master, and was careful not to do anything to violate the trust imposed in him.
The mightiest fortress in Jo'seph's character was the fear of God. He acknowledged the Supreme Authority of High Heaven in all matters of human conduct. Though the dagger of temptation pierced his heart, his uncompromising devotion to the principle of right prevented any fatal wound. Under severe trial he said, "How can I do this in the presence of my God?" Having set God in complete control of his affections he could not be moved by the most violent attacks of satan.
When the slave-traders came to E'gypt, Jo'seph was sold as a household servant to a man named Pot'i-phar, who was a high officer in the army of Pha'raoh. Even though he was still a slave, Jo'seph did not give up hope that some day his dreams would come true.
In place of the hills and mountains of Ca'naan, Jo'seph now looked out upon the great plains of the river Nile; instead of living in a crude tent in the wilderness, he now enjoyed the comforts of a splendid home in a rich city. Looking out upon the beautiful temples of E'gypt, the pyramids, and the Sphinx, Jo'seph must have longed for the day when he could take an active part in the affairs of this great country.
Jo'seph was a handsome young man, pleasant and cheerful by nature, and blessed with a quick mind and upright heart. He was also honest and loyal, and always ready and willing to do his duty. He did his work so well in the house of Pot'i-phar that he soon won the complete trust of his master, and was rapidly promoted to positions of greater honor. At length Pot'i-phar made Jo'seph his chief steward, giving him charge of his entire household. Though Pot'i-phar did not worship the God of Jo'seph, he was greatly impressed by the good character and true faith of his servant. It is said in the Bible that Pot'i-phar saw that the LORD was with Jo'seph, making him prosper in all that he did.
While Jo'seph was mourned by his father in Ca'naan as dead, he now prospered in E'gypt under Pot'i-phar. Honoring God, he was now being honored by the LORD he worshipped; having served faithfully over a few things, he was now made ruler over many; having learned to manage Pot'i-phar's house, he was now being prepared to rule over all the land of E'gypt.
The same noble qualities which won for Jo'seph the admiration of Pot'i-phar were also the means of subjecting him to severe temptation. Pot'i-phar's wife was attracted by his magnetic personality and manliness, and sought to lure him into a friendship which he thought wrong. Jo'seph wished to maintain the integrity of his character and good opinion of his master, and was careful not to do anything to violate the trust imposed in him.
The mightiest fortress in Jo'seph's character was the fear of God. He acknowledged the Supreme Authority of High Heaven in all matters of human conduct. Though the dagger of temptation pierced his heart, his uncompromising devotion to the principle of right prevented any fatal wound. Under severe trial he said, "How can I do this in the presence of my God?" Having set God in complete control of his affections he could not be moved by the most violent attacks of satan.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Story 25: Jo'seph Is Sold Into Slavery lV
When they reached home they showed the coat to Ja'cob and said, "We found this coat out in the hill country. You can tell whether or not it belonged to Jo'seph." Ja'cob knew that it was the coat which he had given his favorite son, and declared that some wild animal must have killed him. Since the brothers had hoped that their father would believe this to be true, they said nothing to change his mind.
Ja'cob's sorrow seemed to be greater than he could bear, and he gave up all hope of ever being happy again. Now that his favorite son appeared to have lost his life, Ja'cob could not blame himself enough for having sent him on a dangerous journey without anyone to go with him. The older brothers added one more sin to those already committed by pretending to mourn with their father in his grief, and the comfort which they tried to bring him was as false as their hearts.
For twenty years Ja'cob carried this great sorrow in his heart, thinking all the time that his favorite son Jo'seph was dead; while the ten brothers of Jo'seph were forced to suffer the tortures of remorse in the secret cogitations of their own guilty hearts. In the meantime, the domestic life of the chosen family was seriously disrupted by the faithlessness and indiscretions of Ju'dah. Leaving the family where God was known and honored he made friends with the Ca'naan-ites; and positively disobeying the command of God married an idolatrous woman of Ca'naan.
Ja'cob's sorrow seemed to be greater than he could bear, and he gave up all hope of ever being happy again. Now that his favorite son appeared to have lost his life, Ja'cob could not blame himself enough for having sent him on a dangerous journey without anyone to go with him. The older brothers added one more sin to those already committed by pretending to mourn with their father in his grief, and the comfort which they tried to bring him was as false as their hearts.
For twenty years Ja'cob carried this great sorrow in his heart, thinking all the time that his favorite son Jo'seph was dead; while the ten brothers of Jo'seph were forced to suffer the tortures of remorse in the secret cogitations of their own guilty hearts. In the meantime, the domestic life of the chosen family was seriously disrupted by the faithlessness and indiscretions of Ju'dah. Leaving the family where God was known and honored he made friends with the Ca'naan-ites; and positively disobeying the command of God married an idolatrous woman of Ca'naan.
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