Psalm 105:20-22
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This verse highlights the incredible, unexpected elevation of Joseph, shifting from prisoner to a position of immense authority. Notice it calls Pharaoh "the ruler of the peoples," emphasizing not just his local power but his dominion over many, making Joseph's release and subsequent rise an even more staggering act of divine providence.
The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage occurs within Psalm 105, a hymn recounting God's faithfulness to Israel through historical acts, particularly the story of Joseph. It follows verses that speak of God testing Joseph with hardship and affliction, detailing his unjust imprisonment. The verses immediately after describe Joseph's astonishing rise to power in Egypt, how he was made ruler over the land and how his family later came there.
Imagine being thrown into prison, forgotten. Then, suddenly, the most powerful person in the land sends for you. What's really going on behind the scenes?
This verse highlights a pivotal moment in Joseph's life: his release from prison. The king of Egypt, Pharaoh, orders Joseph to be freed. But for us, reading this in the grand sweep of Psalm 105, we see more than just a royal decree. It's a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign hand at work.
God Orchestrates Events
Joseph was let go, but was that the end of his story? What did this release truly signify?
Pharaoh doesn't just open the prison door; he installs Joseph in a position of immense authority. This wasn't merely a pardon; it was an elevation.
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From Prisoner to Power Broker
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
One who holds sovereign authority over a nation; in the biblical narrative, earthly rulers are ultimately subject to the sovereign, providential rule of God.
pathach · Hebrew Verb
To liberate from bondage or restraint; in a theological sense, it prefigures the ultimate deliverance from sin and death achieved by God for His people.
shalach · Hebrew Verb
To grant liberty or remove from captivity; biblically, it signifies the restoration of dignity, purpose, and the ability to serve God freely.
adon · Hebrew Noun
A title of authority, often implying ownership, sovereignty, and the right to command or govern others. In a biblical context, it is frequently used for God (Adonai) and earthly rulers delegated with power.
mashal · Hebrew Verb
One who exercises authority, governs, or manages. It implies the possession of power to direct affairs or people according to a superior's will.
sar · Hebrew Noun
Individuals of high rank or power within a society or government. Biblically, they are often seen as those responsible for the administration and justice of a people.
zaqen · Hebrew Noun
Older, experienced men who hold positions of authority, leadership, and judicial responsibility within a community or nation. They are expected to possess insight and discernment.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
Biblical wisdom is the practical application of knowledge, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord to everyday life. It involves moral discernment and the ability to live in accordance with God's will.
This verse isn't just about a king freeing a prisoner; it's a pivotal moment in God's plan, highlighting His sovereign hand in elevating Joseph from the depths of despair to a position of power, ultimately setting the stage for the survival and future growth of Israel.
c. 1700s-1600s BC
Joseph sold into slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and eventually taken to Egypt.
c. 1700s-1600s BC
Joseph imprisoned in Egypt
After being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was thrown into prison, where he languished for an extended period.
c. 1700s-1600s BC
Pharaoh's dreams
Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt, had disturbing dreams that no one could interpret, causing him great distress.
c. 1700s-1600s BC
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams
The chief cupbearer, remembering Joseph's skill, recommended him to Pharaoh, who then summoned Joseph to interpret his dreams.
c. 1700s-1600s BC— this verse
Joseph released from prison
Based on his accurate interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph was immediately released from prison and elevated to a position of great authority.
c. 1700s-1600s BC
Joseph governs Egypt
Joseph's wisdom in managing Egypt's grain reserves through a coming famine led to him becoming second-in-command to Pharaoh.
c. 1700s-1600s BC
Jacob and his family move to Egypt
Due to the famine, Joseph's father Jacob and his entire family migrated to Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen.
This passage is the direct historical event that Psalm 105 is referencing, detailing how Pharaoh had Joseph brought up from the dungeon and released.
Genesis 41:40-44This shows the incredible elevation Joseph experienced immediately after his release, being placed in authority over all Egypt, illustrating the totality of his freedom and the king's trust.
Job 36:15-16This passage speaks to God's ability to rescue those who are suffering and to exalt them, mirroring Joseph's own dramatic turnaround from prison to power.
Isaiah 42:7This verse speaks of God opening the eyes of the blind and bringing prisoners out of dungeons, reflecting the liberating power of God demonstrated through Joseph's release.
Luke 4:18Jesus quotes from Isaiah, declaring His mission to proclaim freedom for prisoners, echoing the theme of liberation found in Joseph's story and Psalm 105.
pulpitPsalms 105:20: "The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free."
Verse 20. - The king sent and loosed him (see Genesis 41:14). Even the ruler of the people. Pharaoh, ruler of the Egyptians. Let him go free; i.e. made him a free man, instead of a prisoner and a slave.
calvinPsalms 105:20-24: "The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free."
- The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and set him free. 21. He made him lord over his house; and ruler over all his substance: 22. To bind his princes [215] at his pleasure; and to teach his elders wisdom. 23. And Israel came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. [216] 24. And he greatly increased his people, and multiplied [217] them above their oppressor…
This verse highlights the incredible, unexpected elevation of Joseph, shifting from prisoner to a position of immense authority. Notice it calls Pharaoh "the ruler of the peoples," emphasizing not just his local power but his dominion over many, making Joseph's release and subsequent rise an even more staggering act of divine providence.
This passage occurs within Psalm 105, a hymn recounting God's faithfulness to Israel through historical acts, particularly the story of Joseph. It follows verses that speak of God testing Joseph with hardship and affliction, detailing his unjust imprisonment. The verses immediately after describe Joseph's astonishing rise to power in Egypt, how he was made ruler over the land and how his family later came there.
This passage occurs within Psalm 105, a hymn recounting God's faithfulness to Israel through historical acts, particularly the story of Joseph. It follows verses that speak of God testing Joseph with hardship and affliction, detailing his unjust imprisonment. The verses immediately after describe Joseph's astonishing rise to power in Egypt, how he was made ruler over the land and how his family later came there.
"The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom." — This verse highlights the incredible, unexpected elevation of Joseph, shifting from prisoner to a position of immense authority. Notice it calls Pharaoh "the ruler of the peoples," emphasizing not ju…
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Last reviewed October 2026
