to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read "bind his princes" as Joseph literally locking people up. But the deeper meaning here is about authority – Joseph was so wise and trusted that he held the reins of power over the rulers, guiding their actions and ensuring their obedience, not through force, but through wisdom.
to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is celebrating God's faithfulness, recounting how He elevated Joseph from prison to a position of immense power in Egypt. After being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph was eventually freed and appointed second-in-command, giving him authority over Egypt's rulers and elders. This providential rise set the stage for his family, the Israelites, to sojourn in Egypt, where they would later multiply abundantly.
How does a former prisoner gain the authority to control a nation's leaders? This verse reveals a profound shift, not just in status, but in purpose.
The verse paints a picture of Joseph's authority: 'to bind his princes at his pleasure; and to teach his elders wisdom.' This wasn't just political maneuvering; it was a demonstration of God's sovereign hand at work.
Absolute Authority
The phrase 'to bind his princes at his pleasure' signifies complete control. Joseph wasn't merely advising; he had the power to restrain, to command, and to hold accountable the highest officials in Egypt. This level of authority, given to a foreigner and former slave, points to a divine appointment.
Imparting Wisdom
Coupled with this authority was the responsibility 'to teach his elders wisdom.' This wasn't just about practical governance, but about imparting a God-given understanding. Joseph's wisdom was recognized as superior, a gift from God that benefited not only his own family but also the nation of Egypt.
Why did God allow Joseph to suffer so much before placing him in such a position of power?
Psalms 105 looks back at God's faithfulness, and this verse about Joseph is a key moment. It reveals that God's plans often unfold through seasons of hardship, with a specific purpose.
Preparation Through Suffering
Joseph's time in prison, where he was literally 'bound,' served as a crucible. This period of suffering and waiting was not random; it was part of God's plan to equip him with the resilience, patience, and deeper understanding needed for his future role.
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Divine Providence at Work
God 'sent' Joseph ahead of his family to Egypt (Genesis 45:5-7). This wasn't just about saving his family from famine but about establishing Joseph in a position where he could protect and provide for them. His authority over the princes and elders was a direct result of God's providential care, orchestrating events for His ultimate glory and the good of His people.
Understand the original words
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 highlights Joseph's astonishing rise from prisoner to a position of supreme authority in Egypt, where he gained the power to command princes and instruct elders, all under God's sovereign plan.
c. 1710 BC
Joseph Sold into Slavery
Joseph, son of Jacob, is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, marking the beginning of his journey to Egypt.
c. 1710-1690 BC
Joseph in Egyptian Service and Prison
Joseph serves Potiphar, is falsely accused and imprisoned, but demonstrates wisdom and integrity throughout his trials.
c. 1690 BC
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, foretelling a severe famine and advising on a plan for grain storage and management.
c. 1690 BC— this verse
Joseph Appointed Governor of Egypt
Pharaoh elevates Joseph to second-in-command over all of Egypt, granting him immense authority to implement his famine plan.
c. 1680 BC
Jacob's Family Migrates to Egypt
Due to the famine, Jacob and his entire family relocate to Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen under Joseph's protection.
c. 1680-1530 BC
Israelites Prosper and Multiply in Egypt
The Israelites flourish in Egypt for several generations, increasing greatly in number, before facing future oppression.
This verse directly parallels the idea of Joseph's authority, stating Pharaoh told him, 'You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command.'
Proverbs 22:29This verse speaks to wisdom and competence leading to high positions, saying, 'Have you seen a person skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.'
Daniel 2:20-21This passage highlights God's role in granting wisdom and authority, echoing the theme that rulers and their wisdom come from divine sovereignty, stating, 'Daniel blessed the God of heaven... 'He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.'
Romans 13:1This New Testament passage reinforces the concept of God's ultimate authority over human rulers, stating, 'Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.'
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…
barnesPsalms 105:22: "To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom."
To bind his princes at pleasure - Giving him absolute power. The power here referred to was that which was always claimed in despotic governments, and was, and is still, actually practiced in Oriental nations. Literally, "to bind his princes 'by his soul;'" that is, at his will; or, as he chose. And teach his senators wisdom - This is now an unhappy translation. The word "senator" in fact originally had referen…
It's easy to read "bind his princes" as Joseph literally locking people up. But the deeper meaning here is about authority – Joseph was so wise and trusted that he held the reins of power over the rulers, guiding their actions and ensuring their obedience, not through force, but through wisdom.
This psalm is celebrating God's faithfulness, recounting how He elevated Joseph from prison to a position of immense power in Egypt. After being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph was eventually freed and appointed second-in-command, giving him authority over Egypt's rulers and elders. This providential rise set the stage for his family, the Israelites, to sojourn in Egypt, where they would later multiply abundantly.
This psalm is celebrating God's faithfulness, recounting how He elevated Joseph from prison to a position of immense power in Egypt. After being falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph was eventually freed and appointed second-in-command, giving him authority over Egypt's rulers and elders. This providential rise set the stage for his family, the Israelites, to sojourn in Egypt, where they would later multiply abundantly.
"to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom." — It's easy to read "bind his princes" as Joseph literally locking people up. But the deeper meaning here is about authority – Joseph was so wise and trusted that he held the reins of power over the ru…
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Last reviewed October 2026