Joseph in Egypt
189
could not be doubted. But who was to be entrusted with the execution
of the plan? Upon the wisdom of this choice depended the nation’s
preservation. The king was troubled. For some time the matter of the
appointment was under consideration. 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. The cupbearer, now
filled with self-reproach, endeavored to atone for his former ingratitude,
by the warmest praise of his benefactor; and further inquiry by the king
proved the correctness of his report. 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; and the king
was convinced that he was the one best qualified to execute the plans
which he had proposed. It was evident that a divine power was with
him, and that there were none among the king’s officers of state so
well qualified to conduct the affairs of the nation at this crisis. The fact
that he was a Hebrew and a slave was of little moment when weighed
against his evident wisdom and sound judgment. “Can we find such a
one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” said the king to
his counselors.
The appointment was decided upon, and 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.” The king proceeded to
invest Joseph with the insignia of his high office. “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.”
[222]
“He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: to
bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.”
Psalm
105:21, 22
. From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all
the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet it was beset
with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without
danger. As 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