Genesis 41:37-572. The Chosen Vessel in Service (Genesis 41:37-50:21) Under this division we consider Joseph and Pharaoh; Joseph and the Egyptians; Joseph and his brethren; Joseph and his father. (a) Joseph and Pharaoh (Genesis 41:37-57) The time for God to exalt Joseph has now come. The fulfillment of Joseph’ s vision had been delayed, but not forgotten. It had tarried, but he had waited for it (Habakkuk 2:3). One hour Joseph is a slave; the next, a prince. Instead of chains, he is given a scepter. From the dungeon, he is raised to the throne. No obstacle can stand in the way of God’ s promises to hinder their fulfillment when God determines to move. The change was instant. There is no tedious progression when God begins to work; “ None can stay His hand” (Daniel 4:35). God can cast a king down from a throne to be a beast of the field in one moment (Daniel 4:28-37); or He can lift the poor from the dung-hill and set him among princes (1 Samuel 2:8). Before honor is humility. Joseph did not think of himself as in line for the position which he suggested to Pharaoh should be filled. Apparently he did not think that a man like himself, a slave and a Jew, was eligible for so responsible and dignified a place. His suggestion to “ set a man” (Genesis 41:33-34) over these matters was no hint that he wanted the position. In his humility he never thought of himself. Even in connection with the interpretation of the dream he said, “ The root of the matter is not in me; God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16). So is it always that influence belongs, in the long run, to those who rid their minds of all private aims, and come close to the great center in which all the race meets. Men feel themselves safe with the unselfish, with persons in whom they meet principle, justice, truth, love, God. Before honor is humility (Genesis 41:16; John 12:26; Philippians 2:5-11). God is the source of promotion (Genesis 41:38; Psalms 75:6; Daniel 4:25). In this connection Joseph’ s marriage is narrated. Did he do right in marrying into this society (cf. Exodus 2:10; Exodus 2:21; Genesis 26:1-5 with 46:5)? If wrong, was it overruled for good?