Verses 42-45
“Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. (Here we recognise a great deal of important imagery, relevant both in this age and the age to come: Joseph has effectively “returned to his fortress” as a “prisoner of hope”, Trusting the Lord implicitly for many years through much affliction and trial and here we now finally see the fulfilling of the promise come to pass as the Lord truly does “restore twice as much unto him” [Zechariah 9:12]. This is perhaps best exemplified in the image of his original garment of glory [the coat given to him by his earthly father] which was cruelly taken from him, even defiled unto a “garment of death” as his brothers smeared it with blood, now replaced with “garments of fine linen” [given to him by Pharaoh, ruler of all Egypt as he represents God Most High, Ruler of all the earth], which in turn here on Earth only serves as an image or symbol of the ultimate garments of righteousness with which Joseph will be clothed for all eternity. The signet ring in turn speaks to the full degree of Godly authority and dominion we enjoy in Christ, so much so that we are able to speak and act on His behalf in His Name to the fullest extent; what is especially striking here is that Pharaoh, not unlike Potiphar previously, not only gives Joseph full authority over his “house” but effectively strips himself of much of his own authority, [“then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand“] as he quite literally trusts Joseph to steward his very own people and possessions more than he trusts even himself: I cannot help but marvel at the great inherent humility and wisdom with which the Lord had blessed these Egyptian men, rendering them so enamoured with a true, Spirit-filled Man of God, that they are prepared to forfeit all simply to be influenced- and even ruled over by him. I also cannot help but recognise the parallels we are to draw here inspiring us to a similar complete and total self-denying devotion and awe of our Lord Jesus of whom Joseph continues to be a prototype throughout this narrative. Finally, the image of the gold chain speaks to the many instances where gold is used as a symbol of honour and glory throughout the Scriptures; a precious entity obtained in its purest form only through purification by fire, as Joseph has suffered trial by fire again and again.) And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; (please note that this is not the second best or second in line chariot, but second equal – i.e. alternative but identical chariot or royal transport vessel) and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. (It is important to note here that as Joseph is presented through the streets of Egypt, the countryfolk would initially assume that it is Pharaoh himself coming to meet them; the royal official decree announced before him to bow their knee would also suggest this and it is precisely because of these customs – including the ring, garments and chain exclusively associated with royalty – that the people of Egypt are first introduced to Joseph, instantly ingraining in them the necessary reverence, awe, even fear, required for their respectful, obedient devotion to him. This is especially important in setting the right tone, lest they be tempted at a later stage to take advantage of his gentle nature or hold him in contempt, disregard or disrespect him when they discover he was imprisoned at one stage or learn of his heretofore veiled heritage.) Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” (Once again by the extraordinary intervention and Grace of the Lord, Pharaoh inherently understands in his God-given wisdom for Joseph’s sake, the necessity of uncompromisingly instilling the absolute and complete dominion and sovereignty that Joseph will heretofore enjoy, in all his subjects: the servants in close proximity to him, all the people of the land of Egypt who he himself possesses the authority to command in this way [read: “I am Pharaoh . . .] and perhaps most importantly, Joseph himself, who will have to become accustomed to being honoured in this exalted way and to truly own the privilege.)
And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah (probably Egyptian for “God Speaks and He Lives“). (Pharaoh is effectively christening Joseph with an enduring testimony of his, Pharaoh’s, own salvation 😃. Not only is he formally decreeing grand, glorious, eternal and indisputable Truths, but the very Truths one is required to cleave to by Faith in order to attain eternal life; reminding both himself and all who hear it – in their very own mother-tongue – whenever Joseph is addressed, that it is Joseph who revealed this to Pharaoh and to his people, effectively bringing them salvation; once again not unlike the manner in which our Beloved Lord Jesus brings salvation by becoming the very embodiment of these Truths and therein reconciling that same God, who Lives and Speaks, to man, through Man.) And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. (And once again, it is at this pivotal moment that God imparts such wisdom unto Pharaoh to make it come to pass that Joseph receive a helpmate to draw from- and support him in this grand task set before him, but also a moment reminiscent of how the Lord “sent them out two by two” [Luke 10] to expand his Kingdom among the nations, precisely the type of nations we see here: gentile nations who have shown that they possess the humility and tenderness of heart to receive so great a gift! 😄) So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt (effectively going to explore his new area of influence!).”
“42Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. 43And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.” 44Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.”
– Genesis 41:42-45 (NKJV)