Tag: Pharaoh

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XLIII)

Joseph And The Pharaoh (41:1-49)

Neal Pollard

What do you know about Zaphenath-paneah? More about him near the end of today’s study. The chapter begins with the Egyptian Pharaoh, who has two peculiar dreams. This happens “two full years” after two of his servants had had dreams. Now, he, like them, needs to know what this was about. 

THE CONTENT OF THE DREAMS (1-7). Pharaoh has two dreams. In the first, seven fat cows come out of the Nile grazing on grass. Then, seven ugly, gaunt cows come out of the Nile and eat the seven fat cows. Understandably, this wakes up the Pharaoh! When he goes back to sleep, he dreams that seven plump, good ears of grain come up on a single stalk. Then, seven thin and east wind-scorched ears, sprouting up after the other, swallows up the plump ears of grain. Because we have Genesis 41, we know what the dreams mean. But, without the context of divine revelation, this would be utterly stymying. 

Consider this helpful, historical insight into the significance of the Nile to the spiritual life as well as physical and economic well-being of Egypt: “The Nile water system was the most conspicuous feature of Egypt’s geography and the primary source of the country’s economic and social stability. The Nile was deified in Egyptian religion (god Hap or Hapy when Nile in flood), and the appearance of the cows from the river may have suggested to Pharaoh a close connection to the gods. Pharaoh’s state was responsible for maintaining the irrigation of the river system, distributing land grants, gathering taxes, and storing grain. Despite the success of natural irrigation and human engineering (dams, canals), high and low Niles occurred, producing famine and its ill effects on society. Significant inundations delayed the planting season that subjected tender sprouts to the cyclic hot winds…that produced drought and famine” (Matthews, NAC, 755). So, these dreams would have been full of significance for the Pharaoh, and having no idea what they meant was obviously dismaying (8). 

THE COMMUNICATION OF THE DREAMS (8). Straightaway, Pharaoh is on a mission to understand the meaning of his dreams. Like Nebuchadnezzar, he summons the bright minds of the kingdom to him to interpret them (Dan. 2:2,27; 4:7). As it would be so much later in Daniel’s day, no one could interpret the Egyptian monarch’s dreams. 

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DREAMS (9-49). There are at least five, pivotal occurrences as the result of Pharaoh sharing his dreams.

First, Joseph is remembered by the cupbearer (9-13). Whatever held the cupbearer back for two years, he fully recounts the prison experience with Joseph where he interprets his dream and the dream of the chief baker. This Hebrew youth had the very ability that Pharaoh desperately sought. 

Second, Joseph is freed from prison and brought before Pharaoh (14-15). In fact, he is rushed before the king, shaved and adorning different clothes. Pharaoh then begins dialogue with Joseph. 

Third, Joseph interprets the dreams (16-32). As he did with the servants in Genesis 40:8 and as does Daniel (Dan. 2:30), Joseph credits God for the ability to interpret dreams (16). How this spirit lived in so many of God’s great messengers! As Paul later puts it, ” Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5). While Joseph demonstrates a supernatural ability here, the attitude behind it is timeless. Every good thing we accomplish for God, we need to remember the humility of Joseph, Daniel, and Paul. It is not us, but the God who is at work in us!  Joseph explains that both dreams point to one event, a coming famine. That there were two dreams is simply confirmation of the swiftness and certainty of its fulfillment. 

Fourth, Joseph is promoted to second in command of all Egypt (33-44). Joseph counsels the Pharaoh to find a competent person to prepare for the impending famine. After Joseph outlines a specific, thorough plan of action, Pharaoh sensibly appoints Joseph to be that person (38)! Notice that Pharaoh is being influenced by this Hebrew young man, with the Egyptian giving God credit for revealing the information (39). 

Joseph is promoted to ruler over Pharaoh’s house (40), the Egyptian people (40), and the whole land (41). To symbolize that authority, Pharaoh gives Joseph his signet ring which signified his authority (42; Est. 3:10; 8:2ff; Hag. 2:23). The linen and gold necklace was further indication of his power, a bestowal that would also be utilized in later empires like Babylon (Dan. 5:29). He is given the second chariot (think “Air Force Two” today) and the people were to “bow the knee” at his appearance (43). He is fully authorized to act on behalf of the Pharaoh (44). What a dramatic change from the stricken 17-year-old languishing in the pit where he was put by his brothers. Or the mistreated servant banished to an Egyptian jail because of the lies of a scorned woman. 

Finally, Joseph is appropriated into Egyptian culture (45-49). He is given an Egyptian name (Zaphenath-paneah)(45), a prominent Egyptian woman for his wife (45), and the daily task of administrating and overseeing the plentiful years Egyptian began to enjoy (46-49). He gathered all the stores and stored them! Now 30 years old, he is not only entering the prime of life but is primed to change the world!

As we struggle with the difficulties of our present circumstances, we cannot see what the future holds. We may be tempted to give up, to let go of our rope of faith. Joseph reminds us that our story is not yet written! Trust God to be with you in your betrayals and your prisons. He will not forsake nor leave you (Heb. 13:5-6)! 

A Tower Reaching Heaven (And Comparative Mythology)

Dale Pollard
Babylon’s Babel 

Sumerian culture talks about a ziggurat dubbed “Etemenanki” and it was hailed as the “House of the Foundation of Heaven and Earth.” It was dedicated to Marduk, a serpentine/dragon deity, and the patron deity of Babylon. It was said to have measured three-hundred feet tall and featuring seven stacked levels.

Famed Assyriologist, George Smith (1840-1876), provided a translation of some Sumerian clay tablets and here’s his brief summary of the inscription: 

“…we have the anger of the gods at the sin of the world, the place mentioned being Babylon. The building or work is called tazimat or tazimtu, a word meaning strong, and there is a curious relation, lines 9 to 11, that what they built in the day the god destroyed in the night.”
(The Chaldean Account of Genesis, 1876, p. 162).

Egypt’s Babel 

A portion of the Qur’an makes a few claims that resemble the legendary biblical tower— save a few key differences. In the Islamic story, the event takes place in Egypt and the Pharaoh orders a minister named Haman to build a tower that reaches the heavens.

Mexico’s Babel 

Pedro de los Rios, writing sometime before 1565:

“Before the great inundation which took place 4,800 years after the erection of the world, the country of Anahuac was inhabited by giants, all of whom either perished in the inundation or were transformed into fishes, save seven who fled into caverns. When the waters subsided, one of the giants, called Xelhua, surnamed the ‘Architect,’ went to Cholula, where, as a memorial of the Tlaloc which had served for an asylum to himself and his six brethren, he built an artificial hill in the form of a pyramid. He ordered bricks to be made in the province of Tlalmanalco, at the foot of the Sierra of Cecotl, and in order to convey them to Cholula he placed a file of men who passed them from hand to hand. The gods beheld, with wrath, an edifice the top of which was to reach the clouds. Irritated at the daring attempt of Xelhua, they hurled fire on the pyramid. Numbers of the workmen perished. The work was discontinued, and the monument was afterwards dedicated to Quetzalcoatl.”
(Mexico as it is and was, 1844, Brantz Mayer, p. 28)

Non-Canonical Coincidences 

In the Greek Apocalypse of Baruch (written between the 1st-3rd Cen.) we find a description of the condition of Jerusalem after the sack by Nebuchadnezzar.

The Greek Apocalypse details a vision of Baruch ben Neriah and in it he sees the punishment of the builders of the “tower of strife against God,” which sounds remarkably similar  to the Tower of Babel.

Abydenus (a Greek historian of the mid-fourth century B.C.), as quoted by Eusebius, spoke of a great tower at Babylon which was destroyed. The record notes:

“[U]ntil this time all men had used the same speech, but now there was sent upon them a confusion of many and divers tongues”

Josephus, the Jewish historian, quoting from an ancient source, records these words:

“When all men were of one language, some of them built a tower, as if they would thereby ascend up to heaven, but the gods sent storms of wind and overthrew the tower, and gave every one his peculiar language; and for this reason it was that the city was called Babylon”

(Antiquities of the Jews, 1.4.3).

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TOWER 

While we don’t need the extra biblical evidence and anecdotes to prove what God already told us, it’s certainly interesting and faith-building to discover. We shouldn’t forget the main message of His account. When humans are united we’re either powerfully wicked or powerfully righteous. The top of our metaphorical towers will either touch heaven or hell and the end result depends on what we’ve decided to unite under. If Christ is on the banner we fly then we’ll find success. If pride, greed, or any other selfish ambition brings us together— that tower will inevitably fall.  

The Birth of Behemoth-Buildings 

First to Scrape The Sky: 

The first skyscraper was built in Chicago by William LeBaron Jenney in 1885. While that nine story structure no longer stands, many skyscrapers from that time period remain.

King of the Towers: 

The Burj Khalia in Dubai is the tallest building in the world— standing at 2,717 feet tall. 

Jenney’s “Home Insurance Building” (demolished in 1932 to make room for a larger building)

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XIII)

Stumbling In The Face Of Blessings (12:1-20)

Neal Pollard

How important is Abram to the subsequent narrative of the entire Old Testament? From creation to the flood is at least 1656 years, and it is covered in six chapters. Abram’s lifespan is 175 years (25:7), and it is covered in 15 chapters (ch. 11-25)! In the first full chapter, this chapter, we see the development of Abram’s faith.

To say “development” is to point out that it needed to grow and mature. As this chapter and even later circumstances show, Abram wrestles with fear and anxiety when facing intimidation. Yet, God foresaw what his faith could become and chose this man to father the nation through whom His Son would come. 

A Commission (1,4-6,8-10). Let’s not dismiss the greatness of Abram’s faith to receive and obey such an incredible charge, a call to leave his homeland for a distant land (1). The commendation of Scripture is, “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him” (4a). He was 75 years old, and while he would live another century he was at best middle-aged! Abram collected his apparently considerable possessions and the people of his household and traveled toward Canaan. The trek recorded here covers hundreds of miles, with Abram first going northeast well into modern-day Syria before heading southwest into the heart of what would become Israel. However, Abram goes on his own much further south into Egypt because of famine (10). This would prove a stumbling block in his journey of faith.

A Commitment (2-3, 7). God binds Himself with an incredible promise to Abram that requires divine ability to fulfill. There are several components to this promise:

  • I will make of you a great nation (2).
  • I will bless you (2).
  • I will make your name great (2).
  • I will bless those who bless you (3).
  • I will curse those who curse you (3).
  • In you all the families of the earth will be blessed (3).
  • To your descendants I will give this land (7).

As you can see, there are seven parts to what God promises Abram. Eventually, God will fulfill every one of them even though some would be long after this patriarch’s death. While we see obedient faith on this man’s part, we also see grace and mercy on God’s part through each stage of this mission.

A Concern (11-14). Perhaps it was a lapse of faith that caused Abram to head into Egypt for famine relief (there is no record of God telling him to go down there). His confidence is certainly shaken once he and Sarai get into this pagan territory. Knowing his wife’s beauty, Abram coaches her to mislead any who inquire about her by telling them he was her brother rather than her husband. Technically, they are half-siblings (20:12), but that was not the nature of their relationship. Sure enough, his concern was well-founded. The Egyptians, seeing Sarai, found her “very beautiful” (14).

A Compromise (15-20). Abram’s faith failed him in Egypt. By his influence, Sarai sells the lie. Because of it, Pharaoh takes her into his house (15) and gifts Abram with much livestock and servants (16). The Lord strike’s the pharaoh’s house with plagues, leading him to confront Abram (17-18). Not only did Abram deceive, but he also brought suffering on others and was the proper subject of rebuke from this pagan ruler. Pharaoh says, ““What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so that I took her for my wife? Now then, here is your wife, take her and go” (18-19). God’s providence is still with Abram and Sarai, as they are allowed to leave unharmed and with increased goods (20). God shows grace and favor even when His people fell short.

While these words are written worlds away from where we are today, I think about some unmistakable parallels to our circumstances today. We have been given a commission (Mat. 28:18-19), one requiring faith on our part to follow. Yet, with that comes a divine commitment of help and His presence (Mat. 28:20). We are going out as sheep among wolves (Mat. 10:16), and being frightened and intimidated in carrying out our mission is an ever-present concern (1 Pet. 3:14-15). What we cannot do is compromise our faith! God is counting on us to faithfully represent Him to the world. However, isn’t it wonderful that God extends His grace and mercy when we do fail? This is not a license to give up and stop pursuing our mission! Abram doesn’t stop. Let us be thankful for God’s patience and faithfulness, even when we are not at our best. We can still be people of faith, even if we stumble along the narrow road.  

Finding Faith On The Mountain Of Curses

Brent Pollard

Dr. Scott Stripling, excavations director for the Associates for Biblical Research (ABR), made a significant biblical archaeology discovery on Mount Ebal in 2020. Stripling found the amulet in the eastern dump pile, and they believe it came from one of the altars that Professor Adam Zerta excavated more than 30 years ago.

Tomographic scans revealed an ancient proto-alphabetic Hebrew inscription on the amulet, hundreds of years older than any other known Hebrew inscription from ancient Israel. Two epigraphers, Pieter Gert van der Veen and Gershon Galil, identified the amulet as a curse tablet (defixio). The word “cursed” appeared ten times in the inscription, as did the tetragrammaton (YHWH) twice.

Mount Ebal is significant in biblical history because it was where curses were pronounced during the covenant ceremony before the Israelites’ entry into Canaan (Deuteronomy 11:26ff). Due to its discovery within the ruins of an altar, Dr. Scott Stripling and Pieter Gert van der Veen propose a link between the discovered amulet and the biblical covenant renewal ceremony (Joshua 8:30ff). Furthermore, Prof. Gershon Galil’s textual analysis suggests that the person who inscribed the amulet was most likely a prominent figure, and the deliberate placement of the talisman near the religious site supports the biblical account of Joshua’s altar’s historical accuracy.

What is the significance of this? The consensus is that Israel entered Canaan around 1250 BC or in the 13th century BC. (Metych) Scholars have long assumed that they had no written language when they arrived in Canaan. Furthermore, scholars believe that the Hebrews only wrote their Scriptures once imprisoned in Babylon or even the Persian or Greek eras. Consequently, scholars think that various cultures influenced a substantial portion of the concepts presented in Scripture. (e.g., Noah of Genesis vs. Utnapishtim of The Epic of Gilgamesh).

However, this Ebal inscription predates the pottery discovered in the 2010s, dating back to the end of the First Temple period 2,710 years ago. (Staff) The engraving on Ebal is at least three hundred years older. And, despite being written in a proto-alphabetic script, the message indicates that those who placed the amulet there were YHWH worshippers. YHWH is God’s covenant name, which He taught Moses when He tasked the latter with leading His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3.14). And now we have proof that people in Joshua’s time could write.

There is also the implication that the Exodus may have occurred earlier than previously believed. The Pharaoh Merneptah created a victory stele discovered in Thebes in 1896. (Kettley) Merneptah claimed to have defeated the nomadic people “Israel” in his campaigns in Canaan on the stele. Merneptah was a little-known pharaoh who ruled from 1213 to 1203 BC.

Suppose Israel was already present in the early 13th century BC. Could we not deduce from the evidence atop Ebal that these “nomads” against whom Merneptah fought were not a people devoid of civilization and culture? Why would Merneptah boast about his victory over them if they weren’t fearsome and capable of mounting a defense? Some believe that Merneptah’s father, Rameses II, ruled Egypt during the Exodus. If true, though I am skeptical, Merneptah may have wanted to boost his image following his father’s failure.

I am mindful of the warning from the Hebrews’ writer that “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10.31 NASB1995). Even so, I don’t think I have ever been happier to read about God’s curses. It may be one of the few times that you can build your faith when you read: “Cursed, cursed, cursed—cursed by the God YHWH. You will die cursed. Cursed, you will surely die. Cursed by YHWH— cursed, cursed, cursed.” (Eliyahu Berkowitz)

Works Cited

Metych, Michele, editor. “Canaan | Definition, Map, History, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2023, www.britannica.com/place/Canaan-historical-region-Middle-East.

Staff, JPost. com. “2,700 Year Old Hebrew Inscription Uncovered in City of David.” The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com, 18 Aug. 2013, www.jpost.com/features/in-thespotlight/ancient-engraved-earthenware-discovered-in-city-of-david-323438.

Kettley, Sebastian. “Merneptah Stele: How This 3,200-year Artefact Could Prove Bible RIGHT.” Express.co.uk, 26 May 2020, www.express.co.uk/news/science/1285868/Merneptah-Stele-Israel-artefact-ancient-Egypt-Pharaoh-Merneptah.

Eliyahu Berkowitz, Adam. “‘Curse’ Text on Ancient Amulet Could Change Way Scholars Read Bible.” The Jerusalem Post – Christian World, 24 Mar. 2022, www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-702243.

Further Reading

Sudilovsky, Judith. “Researchers Decipher Oldest Known Hebrew Inscription on ‘cursed’ Tablet.” The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com, 24 Mar. 2022, www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-702271.

Siegel-Itzkovich, Judy. “Ancient Tablet Found on Mount Ebal Predates Known Hebrew Inscriptions.” The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com, 14 May 2023, www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-743039.

WHAT DID MOSES CONFRONT?

Neal Pollard
Moses is remembered for his meekness, yet he also is the man who in indignation killed an Egyptian slave driver. He was afraid to lead, but what a leader he was with God’s help. In Exodus three, we see this man who has gone to hide among his father-in-law’s sheep as one who was ready for confrontation. Of course, at times this was good and at times it was not. What did Moses confront?

–Moses confronted his God. Receiving his Great Commission at the burning bush, Moses was introduced to the God who desired to work with him to accomplish some of the greatest feats of the entire Old Testament period. Moses learned just who his God was, a lesson that would continue the rest of his life.
–Moses confronted himself. He was a man with a bag of excuses, all of which he apparently pulled out to try and avoid the task God was handing him. He rightly saw his personal inadequacies, but he reluctantly began to see the Moses he could be in God’s omnipotent hand.
–Moses confronted his people. He had to go back to his hometown. Many of us would have a hard time being effective in that forum, but Moses had the gall to go. Did he have to face the two Hebrew men whose fight he had tried to break up, men who had either witnessed or at least heard about Moses’ murder? It must have been to go back and face his fellow country men, but he did it.
–Moses confronted his enemy. Rarely has an enemy been so formidable as Pharaoh was. His heart was hard to his very end. He was arguably the most powerful man on earth and as stubborn as he was strong.
–Moses confronted his faith. Hebrews 11 affirms the greatness of his faith. It was challenged and he did not possess a perfect faith, but inspiration proves that it was exemplary and memorable faith.
–Moses confronted his penalty. At the end of his journey with a stubborn and disobedient, yet chosen, people, Moses took too much on himself. He disobeyed God and failed to properly glorify him. Consequently, he was denied the Promise Land. The result of his sin was separation; for him, it was from the physical land of promise. For the disobedient who fail to repent, it will be from the spiritual land of promise. We all confront the fact that our sin has consequences.

Moses was a man who talked to God as friend talks with friend. He was an imperfect man and even occasionally an impetuous man. Yet, he was a successful man in part because of his willingness to confront. May we be so bold!

moses_burning-bush