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Genesis 41:42

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Genesis 41:42

Verse 42 of 57

Scripture focus

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;

Genesis 41:42 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 41:42

Theological / Devotional

Took off his ring. From numerous tomb reliefs of high Egyptian officials depicting their own installation in office, we have pictures that agree very well with the short report of Joseph’s installation. These show the king, usually standing behind the “window of appearance” of his palace, handing out the insignia of dignity. The seal ring given Joseph certainly contained a stone in the form of a scarab, with the king’s name engraved on it, and was used for affixing the royal seal to documents.

Vestures of fine linen. He was provided a wardrobe of fine linen such as the king and priests wore. The Egyptian story of Sinuhe (see on v. 14) also mentions “fine linen” in which the hero of the story was dressed upon his return to the Egyptian court.

Gold chain. Pictures representing the installation of high officers regularly show a gold collar placed around the neck of the official. Some of these “collars” have been preserved and are to be found in museums. They are beautiful specimens of art, made of gold and beads of semiprecious stones. Hanging from the collar in front is an inscription giving the king’s names and titles.

By SdaBc