Joseph and the Pharaoh: Understanding the Historical Context

The question of who was the Pharaoh during Joseph's time is a fascinating one, but it requires careful consideration of historical and biblical records. This article delves into the details, including the names of the Pharaohs and the broader context of the Egyptian dynasties, to offer a comprehensive answer.

The Pharaohs and Joseph's Time

From archaeological and historical analysis, it is known that Joseph's interactions with the Pharaoh occurred around 1885 BCE. This significant event marked the beginning of the 7 years of plenty, during which Joseph's God-given wisdom and administrative skills were crucial for Egypt. The Pharaoh gave Joseph, a man of great vision and skill, the position of Sobekemhat, reflecting his acknowledgment of God as the source of his success. Sobekemhat is believed to be a high-ranking official who played a vital role in implementing Joseph's strategies to store grain and manage irrigation.

Senustret II and the Pharaoh's Role in Grain Management

Senustret II, the second pharaoh in question, took over in 1770 BCE, which is several years after the initial events involving Joseph. Senustret III, who ruled from 1878 to 1841 BCE, took over as pharaoh and left Sobekemhat as vizier, further cementing the connection between his reign and the grain management system established by Joseph. This system ensured that the people and foreigners had adequate food supplies, which would have been essential for Jacob’s family to come to Egypt and settle in Goshen.

Historical Context and the Title of 'Pharaoh'

It's important to note that the term 'Pharaoh' wasn't used for the rulers during Joseph's time. The Hyksos dynasty, which ruled from around 1650 to 1550 BCE, referred to their rulers as 'Kings' rather than 'Pharaohs.' It wasn't until a couple of dynasties later, approximately 1550 BCE, that the term 'Pharaoh' became the official title for Egyptian rulers.

The decipherment of the Rosetta Stone in 1799, which was found during the French invasion of Egypt, provided the key to understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. This discovery, completed by Thomas Young and Jean-Franois Champollion in 1822, revealed that the rulers before the 16th dynasty were not called 'Pharaohs.'

The transition from 'King' to 'Pharaoh' represents a significant change in the power dynamic and cultural context. Pharaohs claimed divinity and were worshiped as gods, whereas the kings before them primarily focused on rule and continued to worship God.

Conclusion and Biblical Perspective

The Bible mentions the term 'Pharaoh' frequently, and while Joseph lived under the Hyksos kings, it's historically accurate to refer to the rulers as 'Kings' rather than 'Pharaohs.' Both the Bible and the Quran provide insight into this period, with the Quran correctly using the term 'King' for Joseph's time and 'Pharaoh' for the time of Moses, reflecting historical accuracy.

In conclusion, the term 'Pharaoh' was not applicable during Joseph's time, and the correct term to use is 'King.' This distinction provides a clearer understanding of the historical context and the evolution of Egyptian titles and governance.

Note: For further research and confirmation, you can conduct a Google search on the topic. This has been verified through historical and archaeological evidence.