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134
The Beginning of the End
coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let
them keep food in the cities. Then that food shall be as a reserve for
the land for the seven years of famine.’”
The interpretation was reasonable and consistent. The policy it
recommended was sound and sensible. But who was to be entrusted
with carrying out the plan? The nation’s preservation depended on
the wisdom of this choice.
For some time the matter of the appointment was under consider-
ation. Through the chief butler the monarch had learned of Joseph’s
wisdom and good judgment in managing the prison. It was plain
that he possessed superior administrative ability. In all the realm,
Joseph was the only man gifted with wisdom to point out the danger
that threatened the kingdom and the preparation necessary to meet it.
There were none among the king’s officers of state so well qualified
to conduct the affairs of the nation at this crisis. “Can we find such
a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” said the king to
his counselors.
From Prisoner to Prime Minister
Then the astonishing announcement came to Joseph, “‘Inasmuch
as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise
as you. You shall be over my house, all my people shall be ruled
and according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be
greater than you.’” ... “Then Pharaoh took his ring off his hand and
put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen
and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the
second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, ‘Bow
the knee!’”
From the dungeon, Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the
land of Egypt, a position of high honor, yet surrounded with peril.
One cannot stand on a lofty height without danger. The tempest
leaves the lowly flower of the valley unharmed while it uproots the
stately tree on the mountaintop—so those who have maintained their
integrity in humble life may be dragged down by the temptations
that come with worldly success and honor. But Joseph’s character
bore the test of adversity and prosperity alike. He was a stranger in
a heathen land, separated from his family, but he fully believed that