Evening star., 1907-05-04

JOSEPH THE WISE hULf
CONNECTION. Pharaoh's butler, Of
whom we studied last week, was restored
to his Office but he forgot Joseph. who
interpreted his dream and who, therefore.
remained in prison. Two whole years
passed, during which the young Hebrew
performed his little round Of duties. But
God did not forget him. Then Pharaoh
had a dream which troubled him, and he
sought in vain to the wise men to know
its meaning. 1t was then the butler re-
membered the kindness and service of
Joseph, and mentioned him with special
called into the presence Of Pharaoh and
the dream explained. The lean cattle seen
In the vision represented famine and
the fat cattle a time Of plenty, and it was
advised that during the good years officers
should be engaged to gather UP the sur
plus grain in storehouses to be preserved
for the days Of want The members of the
court were entirely satisfied with the ex-
PLANTATION.
RECOGNITION oversees as and so).
1t Is not difficult to find men for the
humber stations Of life where little ability
is required. Indeed, many strive for po-
sitions that may be easily filled, but when
some delicate task Is to be undertaken de-
manding more talent the selection Of the
person must be made with great care.
Who shall supervise this Industrial matter
That question caused some discussion, and
at length Joseph was recognized as the
proper person for that position. The text
shows that Pharaoh reached his conclusion
after consulting with his advisers, and that
afterward he made the decision known to
Joseph. The basis of the choice was the
young mans wisdom, which exceeded that
OF the other men, and his superiority in
this regard was plainly referred to one
circumstance-"the spirit of God was in
him. Numb, xxvii:1S). A heather mon
arch thus recognized what is the burden of
all Scripture, that the divine indwelling
makes man truly great {Job, xxxii:s).
PROMOTION (verses 40 and a.
There is one advantage In an absolute mon-
archy-measures may be quickly executed.
1t was not necessary for Joseph to enter
INFO heated canvass as against some other
candidate, resorting to various expeiients
to secure an election. AS soon as the kings
council determined his qualifications he was
appointed. Probably an hour did not elapse
between the Interpretation Of the dream
and the words that gave him position. Pha-
raoh spoke directly to him in terms that
could not be misunderstood. He was set
over all the land of Egypt, kind OF vice.
gerent. (Dan., vi:3) He was also made
ruler of the kings house. and according to
his word should the people be governed.
There was to be no power above that of
Joseph except the power of Pharaoh. The
throne itself was not to be vacated, but the
Hebrew was promoted to a place next to
the throne. In single day he went from
the prison cell to the highest position in the
gift Of the sovereign.
HONOR oversees AZ and 43).-Every
place of responsibility has its appurte-
nances, the proofs Of the dignity and the
Instruments Of usefulness Of the occupant.
These may not be denied without wronging
him who holds the place. And so Joseph
was duly vested with what elonged to his
exalted station. On his hand was placed
the royal ring. used In sealing public docu-
ments. Esther, iii:12.) He was arrayed in
vestures Of linen. the apparel Of officers
of high rank, and gold chain, expressive
OF wealth, was hung about his neck. (Dan.,
v:29 as an adornment and distinction. The
second chariot. the first being reserved for
Pharaoh, was offered for his use. Indeed.
all this was done at once. And as he went
forth from the palace courier preceded
ulace humbled themselves as he passed. So
was the young man honored, then but thirty
years of age. all because God was with
him to give him sound mind.
AUTHORITY (verge 44).-1n the 10th
and 41st verses the exalted position of Jo-
seph is indicated as ruler over all the land
and people of Egypt BY implication that
carried with 1t whatever authority was
ment was deemed to be appropriate, and
here 1t is He ia invested with the most
absolute control over the entire population,
so that no man should lift a hand or foot in
all the land without him. He is thus made
the master of every soul. His law is su-
preme His word is final and universal.
from which there should be no appeal. The
conveyance Of this authority was most In.
teresting and affecting. II am Pharaoh,
said the king. declaring his sovereignty. and
hence his unquestioned right to grant to
whom he pleased the reigns of government.
He possessed in his own person without di-
vision or dispute what he transferred. He
would have Joseph know the source from
which the authority was derived.
MARRIAGE (verse 4O.-This. won
derful elevation Of Joseph really meant
his entrance into the royal household,
remarkable occurrence when it is remem-
bered that the Egyptian foreign policy was
marked by the hatred Of the yellow and
white races, as Herodotus shows. A trans
formation was therefore enected by two
processes. A new name was given which
signifed "the revealer Of secrets" an an
Of his chief characteristics as
the ground for his promotion. That new
name served the same end as CIRCUMCISION
strangers by that act CTx., xii:4S), Joseph
also received an Egyptian wife. given to
him by Pharaoh. the daughter of Poti-
esteemed the highest, as it was the caste
to which the, king himself belonged. The
Of Joseph into those relations
was doubly proper. By his natural gift
as expressed In his new name. he was sup
posed to have intercourse with the super
natural, and by his new office he was to be
related to the highest dignitaries.
AbONOANSI NeTScS no dHu
installed In his responsible Office Joseph
visited all the land. AS grand vizier or
chief minister of Pharaoh he went to ex-
ecute those measures which in his judg-
ment were necessary to the public welfare.
knowing that after seven years the famine
would come. He would naturally, give in
structions on all Industrial. agricultural,
domestic, financial and public matters,
warning every one to make ready for the
coming time of distress. and whatever he
said the people would do. His presence
would be an inspiration to all, and his
words would be held as the embodiment
of wisdom. And during all those years the
earth yielded rich harvest. This was due
in part to the improved methods by which
the fields were cultivated. to the care ex-
ercised by the workers. to the frugality
and industry on every hand. but more prob
ably to the blessing of God. There can be
no question that the Almighty sends at all
times His favors to reward the tolls Of
men, so that the product is greater than
it otherwise would be Deut., xxxtv:D. At
least such Is His promise,
STORAGE Verses 4S and 49).-The
Weld of grain exceeded the need Of the peo-
pie, and the surplus was laid up for the
coming years. Joseph caused storehouses
TO he erected In all the cities for this pur-