“So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said… ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’” (Genesis 41:37–38)
Pharaoh, though not a worshiper of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, recognized something divine in Joseph. The Hebrew phrase used here—the Spirit of God—may have meant different things to Pharaoh. Perhaps he thought Joseph was blessed by the Egyptian gods. Ancient Egypt was a land rich with gods—over 2,000, in fact. Names like Ra, Isis, Horus, and Osiris were etched into temples and daily life.
But in the middle of this polytheistic empire, one man stood out as marked by the Spirit of Yahweh. Pharaoh didn’t convert, but he couldn’t deny Joseph’s divine wisdom. So, Joseph was elevated—not because of charm or education—but because of God’s favor.
Pharaoh gave him his signet ring—the ancient world’s symbol of authority. He dressed him in royal linen, placed a gold chain on his neck, and paraded him through the streets in a chariot, commanding everyone to bow. Joseph’s name was changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah, which some believe means “Savior of the World” or “Revealer of Secrets.” He was even given a wife—Asenath, daughter of a high priest in the pagan city of On.
Whether Asenath accepted Joseph’s God or not, we don’t know. But we do know this: Joseph held onto his faith in the midst of power, wealth, and culture.
“All the Land of Egypt“
Five times this phrase appears in our passage: “all the land of Egypt.” Joseph was not just Pharaoh’s assistant—he had full authority. Verse 46 tells us, “Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.” He didn’t waste time. He got to work.
And imagine what he saw: pyramids piercing the skyline, bustling cities, temples to sun gods, traders from Canaan, and the Nile winding its way through a wealthy, united kingdom. The Middle Kingdom era of Egypt was marked by stability, expansion, and order—everything Joseph needed to implement his God-given plan to save the region from famine.
This must have been a mountaintop moment. Like an Olympic gold medalist. Like a newly promoted CEO with a corner office. Like a graduate earning their PhD. Like an MVP signing a multi-million-dollar contract.
Joseph had arrived.
But Don’t Miss the Point
None of this was possible without God.
Joseph’s story reminds us that even when others betray us, when the world misunderstands us, and when it seems all hope is lost—God is still working. If Joseph had stayed with his brothers, or even succeeded in Potiphar’s house, he would never have become the man who saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation.
But because he kept trusting God through every trial, Joseph was exalted all over the land.
What About Us?
We may never ride in a chariot or rule a nation, but we can trust in the same God who elevated Joseph. We are not forgotten. Our trials are not wasted. And our faithfulness will not be ignored.
Joseph’s story is ultimately not about his rise to power—it’s about God’s presence, provision, and purpose.
And one day, like Joseph, we’ll stand on our mountaintop, shouting victory—not over Egypt, but over death and the grave, thanks to the One who was exalted not just over a land, but over all creation: Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.
Sermon Title: Exalted All Over the Land | Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright | Shubert, NE June 30, 2024.
