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From Eternity Past
The interpretation was reasonable and consistent. The policy it
recommended was sound and shrewd. But who was to be entrusted
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with the execution of the plan? Upon the wisdom of this choice
depended the nation’s preservation.
For some time the matter of the appointment was under considera-
tion. Through the chief butler the monarch had learned of the wisdom
and prudence displayed by Joseph in the management of the prison. It
was evident that he possessed administrative ability in a pre-eminent
degree. 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 the Spirit of God is?”
said the king to his counselors.
From Prisoner to Prime Minister
To Joseph the astonishing announcement was made, “Forasmuch
as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as
thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word
shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than
thou.” “And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon
Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold
chain about his neck; and he made him to ride in the second chariot
which he had; and they cried 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 beset with peril. One
cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger. The tempest leaves
unharmed the lowly flower of the valley, while it uproots the stately tree
upon the mountaintop. So those who have maintained their integrity
in humble life may be dragged down by the temptations that assail
worldly success and honor. But Joseph’s character bore the test alike
of adversity and prosperity. He was a stranger in a heathen land,
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separated from his kindred, but he fully believed that the divine hand
had directed his steps. In constant reliance upon God he faithfully
discharged the duties of his position. The attention of the king and
great men of Egypt was directed to the true God, and they learned to
respect the principles revealed in the worshiper of Jehovah.