Genesis 41:43
And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The command "Bow the knee!" wasn't just a general salute; it was the official proclamation of Joseph's new authority. The specific word used, "Abrech," is a mystery, debated to mean anything from "Attention!" to "Father!" but it signifies a formal, public declaration of his high status. This moment, marked by the procession and the cry, publicly demonstrated that Joseph now held power second only to Pharaoh himself, over all of Egypt.
Pharaoh has just appointed Joseph as the second-in-command over all of Egypt, a decision stemming from Joseph's accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his wise plan to save the land from a coming famine. This public elevation signifies Joseph's transition from a prisoner to the ruler of a nation, marked by royal regalia and public acclamation.
Imagine someone being catapulted from a prison cell to second-in-command of an entire nation. How does this happen, and what does it reveal about God's plan?
Pharaoh's decision to place Joseph in the second chariot and have people cry out 'Bow the knee!' was a public declaration of Joseph's new status. This wasn't just a promotion; it was a political and social transformation.
Public Acclaim and Authority
This dramatic elevation wasn't accidental. It was God orchestrating events to place Joseph precisely where He needed him to save not only Egypt but also his own family.
The single word 'Abrech' has puzzled scholars for centuries. What was this command, and why is its meaning so debated?
The word 'Abrech' (אברך) is a linguistic puzzle, and its exact meaning remains elusive. This ambiguity, however, doesn't diminish its impact in the narrative.
Unpacking the Unknown
Understand the original words
aḇrēḵ · Hebrew Verb/Interjection
A term that implies deep submission, reverence, or paying homage. It signifies the acknowledgment of a superior's authority or a divine presence, often used in the context of prostration.
The acclamation 'Abrech' likely originated from Egyptian, possibly meaning 'Attention!' or 'Your command is our desire.' This highlights Joseph's foreign status being overcome by his divinely appointed authority and administrative genius, as he was publicly proclaimed second only to Pharaoh.
c. 1700-1550 BC
Hyksos Rule in Egypt
Foreign rulers, likely from Western Asia, controlled parts of Egypt. This period saw the introduction of horses and chariots into Egypt, likely from Semitic peoples.
c. 1550 BC
Expulsion of the Hyksos
Native Egyptian dynasties reasserted control, expelling the Hyksos rulers. This marked the beginning of the New Kingdom period.
c. 1700 BC (Joseph's lifetime)
Joseph sold into Egypt
Joseph, a Hebrew youth, was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers, eventually rising to prominence after being falsely accused and imprisoned.
c. 1700 BC (Joseph's lifetime)— this verse
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams
After being summoned from prison, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams as a prophecy of seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of severe famine.
This passage describes Haman being honored with a royal procession, similar to Joseph's elevation, highlighting the display of power and the public proclamation of a high-ranking individual.
Daniel 3:7The command for everyone to 'bow down' when the music played parallels the decree for respect shown to Joseph, emphasizing the hierarchical nature of power and the demand for public submission in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Psalm 105:20-22This verse directly recounts God raising Joseph to a position of authority, teaching him wisdom, and granting him favor, connecting Joseph's rise to divine enablement and purpose, much like the events in Genesis.
1 Samuel 16:18When David is presented to Saul, he is described as 'skillful in playing' and 'a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in affairs, and comely,' mirroring the qualities Pharaoh recognized in Joseph that led to his promotion.
Proverbs 22:29This proverb speaks of a man 'skillful in his work' standing 'before kings,' which resonates with Joseph's rise to power due to his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and manage the kingdom.
cambridgeGenesis 41:43: "And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt."
43 . the second chariot ] It has been objected that horses and chariots first appear in Egyptian inscriptions in the 18th Dynasty (1580–1350 b.c.). But they were introduced into use in Egypt under the rule of the Hyksos (13th to 17th Dynasty). The Egyptian word for “chariot,” mrkbt , is borrowed from the Semitic. The “second” wou…
calvinGenesis 41:1-57: "And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river."
And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
Et comederunt vaccae turpes aspectu, et tenues carne, septem vaccas pulchras aspectu et pingues: et expergefactus est Pharao.
And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
Deinde do…
The command "Bow the knee!" wasn't just a general salute; it was the official proclamation of Joseph's new authority. The specific word used, "Abrech," is a mystery, debated to mean anything from "Attention!" to "Father!" but it signifies a formal, public declaration of his high status. This moment, marked by the procession and the cry, publicly demonstrated that Joseph now held power second only to Pharaoh himself, over all of Egypt.
Pharaoh has just appointed Joseph as the second-in-command over all of Egypt, a decision stemming from Joseph's accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his wise plan to save the land from a coming famine. This public elevation signifies Joseph's transition from a prisoner to the ruler of a nation, marked by royal regalia and public acclamation.
Pharaoh has just appointed Joseph as the second-in-command over all of Egypt, a decision stemming from Joseph's accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and his wise plan to save the land from a coming famine. This public elevation signifies Joseph's transition from a prisoner to the ruler of a nation, marked by royal regalia and public acclamation.
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Joseph's journey from prisoner to powerful governor seems almost unbelievable. What does this dramatic shift tell us about God's unfailing plan?
Genesis 41:43 isn't just about Joseph's promotion; it's a profound testament to God's sovereign power to elevate and use individuals according to His purposes, even after immense suffering.
The Providence of God
Pharaoh's decree, coupled with the public acclamation, represents the culmination of God's intricate work, transforming Joseph's hardship into a historic moment of salvation.
c. 1700 BC (Joseph's lifetime)
Joseph appointed ruler of Egypt
Pharaoh elevates Joseph to second-in-command of Egypt, granting him authority to manage the nation's resources and prepare for the coming famine.
c. 1700-1693 BC (Joseph's lifetime)
Seven years of abundance
Egypt experiences unprecedented prosperity, with Joseph diligently gathering and storing vast amounts of grain, fulfilling the first part of his prophecy.
c. 1693 BC onwards (Joseph's lifetime)
Seven years of famine
The predicted famine strikes Egypt and surrounding lands. Joseph oversees the distribution of stored grain, saving Egypt and attracting people from other regions to buy food.
"And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt." — The command "Bow the knee!" wasn't just a general salute; it was the official proclamation of Joseph's new authority. The specific word used, "Abrech," is a mystery, debated to mean anything from "At…
