Genesis 41, part 2: Messianic connection between pharaoh and Yosef

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Messianic figures in the Bible are not exact representations of the Messiah, but the messianic figures of Pharaoh of Mitsraim (Egypt) and Yosef (Joseph) provide us with a glimpse of the relationship between the Father and the Messiah.

The entire Bible is the story of life, death, and new life, highlighted by the recurring symbol of the number three. This is the overarching theme of Scripture. The book of Genesis is the beginning of it all.

In Genesis 41:33–57, we see Yosef was 30 years old when he began his role as prime minister of Mitsraim—an important foreshadowing of the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).

The Messiah also began His ministry at 30 years old (Luke 3:23). Yosef was not elevated because of his intelligence or wisdom, but because God chose to exalt him.

Once Yosef was elevated to prime minister, he no longer appeared as a slave or as a Hebrew; he now looked like a Mitsraimi. Yosef was never the supreme leader of Mitsraim but remained second-in-command.

Yosef advised Pharaoh to collect one-fifth of the grain harvest each year during the seven years of abundance, under Pharaoh’s authority, so that when the seven years of famine arrived, there would be food. It was God—not “mother nature”—who brought about both the famine and the drought.

When Pharaoh elevated Yosef, he gave him three symbols of authority: his signet ring, garments of fine linen, and a gold necklace.

The signet ring allowed Yosef to enact laws and sign decrees into effect. Pharaoh took it from his own hand to give to Yosef.

The garments Pharaoh gave Yosef were akin to a military uniform, immediately identifying Yosef’s high governmental status. These garments also concealed Yosef’s Hebrew identity among the people.

The gold necklace, made from the most valuable metal in the world, symbolized authority. Gold must go through fire seven times to reach full purity.

Yosef also rode in Pharaoh’s “second chariot,” symbolizing his new authority. As Yosef traveled through Mitsraim, criers called out for the people to bow the knee before him. Notably, this is the only verse in the entire Tanakh where this phrase appears. After acknowledging Yosef’s authority, the people were to rise and follow his command.

Yosef established a new form of government under Pharaoh’s authority, just as Yeshua will establish a new government under God’s authority.

Yeshua said in the book of John that the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son. God granted Yeshua this authority after His resurrection. Every knee shall bow to Yeshua, just as every knee was commanded to bow to Yosef.

Yosef’s New Name as Mitsraim’s Prime Minister

When Pharaoh elevated Yosef, he gave him a new name: צָפְנַת פַּעְנֵחַ (Zaphenath-paneakh). This became Yosef’s name for the rest of his tenure as prime minister of Mitsraim. Yosef held all authority except for Pharaoh’s throne.

Yosef’s new name was Mitsraimi, not Hebrew. It consisted of two words with combined meanings:

• The first part means “to reveal what is concealed or hidden.”
• The second part means “the god speaks, and he lives.” Yosef was the one who revealed what was hidden.

In the Septuagint, the name is transliterated as Ψονθομφανηχ (Psonthomphanech). Rendered in Greek, it can have three meanings:

• “One who nourishes and furnishes life.”
• “Creator and sustainer of life.”
• “Chief steward of the realm.”

Yeshua likewise concealed His true identity from most people, revealing Himself fully only to His disciples during His earthly ministry.

Yosef had a different name among the Mitsraimi and Gentiles than he had among the children of Israel.

Thirteen years passed from the time Yosef entered Mitsraim until he became prime minister. In Torah, it takes approximately 13 years from birth until one is considered accountable to follow Torah.

Pharaoh also gave Asenath, the daughter of a priest of On (a sun god), to Yosef as his wife.

After their marriage, Asenath bore Yosef two sons: Manasseh and Ephraim. Manasseh was named because “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” Ephraim was named because “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” The significance of these names becomes clearer in the prophecies of Genesis 49.

Reader: Jeff.  Speaker: Richard Agee. Summary: Tammy