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Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) Form One

Joseph was brought in and he interpreted the dreams as a warning of the prosperous
years to come in Egypt. He reminded Pharaoh that God had shown him that there would
come seven years of great plenty throughout the land of Egypt, but after them, there
would arise seven years of famine.

The doubling of Pharaoh’s dream meant that God fixed the thing, and God would
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make it to pass. Therefore, Joseph advised Pharaoh to: First, appoint a man who was
discreet and wise and set him over Egypt; second, appoint overseers over the land;
third, collect one fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven years
of plenty; and fourth, store the food under the authority of Pharaoh. Upon receiving
the advice, Pharaoh noted Joseph’s capability and appointed him to be an official of
high rank, in-charge of the whole country, ranking only the second after Pharaoh.
All the people had to obey him.

The symbols of power given by Pharaoh to Joseph
Upon being crowned and enthroned to work, Joseph was handed several maces as
symbols of authority. The list included: (a) A signet ring (a finger ring with a stamp
seal); (b) He was made the seal bearer of the King; (c) He was given garments of fine
linen cloth as a symbol of high office; and (d) A golden chain around his neck. Indeed,
Joseph was given even the Pharaoh’s second chariot.

Moreover, Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian name Zaphenath-paneah, which means
“God speaks and the new born child lives.” Pharaoh gave him a beautiful wife called
Asenath, a daughter of Potiphera, the Priest of On. Joseph was 30 years old when he
began to serve Egypt. Before the years of famine, Joseph had two sons by Asenath.
One of them was Manasseh which means “God has made me forget all my hardships
and all my father’s house.” The other son of Joseph was Ephraim which means “God
has given me children in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:1-57)

Joseph’s brothers arrive from Canaan
When famine started after seven years of good harvest, Jacob sent his ten (10) sons,
except Benjamin to Egypt to buy grain. He did not allow Benjamin to go because he
feared harm could befall upon him.
At that time, Joseph was governor over the land of Egypt. When his brothers came,
they bowed themselves before him, with their faces to the ground. Joseph saw them
and knew them. He treated them like strangers and spoke roughly before them. He
asked them, “Where do you come from?” (Genesis 42:7). “We have come from
Canaan”, they answered. He then remembered his dream. He told them, “You are
spies…” (Genesis 42:9). He told them to go back home and bring their youngest
brother. He put all of them in prison for three days and later he released them so as
to go and bring the younger brother. Simeon remained in prison, but the rest were
given food and their money was put back in their sacks. As they emptied their sacks,

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