33 “Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.” (Genesis 41:33–36 (ESV)
There are two words which stand out in my mind as I read today’s text from Genesis. Those two words are discerning and wise. They pertain to Joseph’s counsel to Pharaoh for him to select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Joseph informed the king that the one, true sovereign God would bring seven years of plenty and agricultural prosperity upon the land. However, this would be followed by seven years of famine (Gen. 41:25-32). Joseph counseled Pharaoh as to what he, the king, should do. It began by selecting a discerning and wise I individual to oversee a particular strategy for survival.
The Hebrew word for discerning (nabon) refers to a skillful, understanding, perceptive individual. It is a person whose knowledge can be effectively implemented for a particular situation. If this individual does not have the talent and skill for a particular task, he possesses the discernment to know who does. This is an individual who gets the job done, either personally or administratively.
The Hebrew word for wise (ha’kam) also means a person who is discerning and skillful in accomplishing a task. This is an individual who is not only intelligent, but is able to wisely use their intelligence. It is not just about their intelligence quotient (IQ) but how they use their intelligence in a sensible, shrewd and learned manner.
Notice that Joseph did not identify this particular discerning and wise individual. He did not even nominate himself for the job. He just gave Pharaoh discerning and wise counsel.
34 Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. 35 And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. 36 That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.”
Joseph was not fatalist. He did not just tell Pharaoh that the famine would come and there was nothing that could be done about it. Joseph gave the king revelation about the future. He also provided discerning and wise counsel for responsive and responsible behavior the king should implement.
Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “Rescue was possible for the pharaoh and his people if they listened to God’s word through Joseph (vv. 33–36). Biblical Christianity is not a fatalistic religion like Islam, which teaches that man’s decisions have no real impact on God’s plan. Of course, Scripture says the Lord ordains all things. But it also tells us many details are hidden from us (Deut. 29:29); thus, what to us seems set in stone is often subject to change (Jer. 18:1–11). Certainly, God knows the future, but He usually hides the future from us. Instead, He warns of judgment and offers blessing to motivate human choices that joyously do His will and bring glory to Him.”
John Calvin says, “Genesis 41:33 shows how true prophecy eschews fatalism. God gives prophecies that “would form men to piety, would lead them to repentance, and would excite them to prayer when oppressed with fear.”
Are their times when you tend to be a fatalist and choose not to do something because it seems useless? We must always remember that God has made us His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of good works (Eph. 2:10).
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 