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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Genesis 41:45 - 41:45
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Zaphnath-paaneah - variously interpreted, “revealer of secrets”; “saviour of the land”; and from the hieroglyphics, “a wise man fleeing from pollution” - that is, adultery.
gave him to wife Asenath, the daughter of - His naturalization was completed by this alliance with a family of high distinction. On being founded by an Arab colony, Poti-pherah, like Jethro, priest of Midian, might be a worshipper of the true God; and thus Joseph, a pious man, will be freed from the charge of marrying an idolatress for worldly ends.
On - called Aven (Eze 30:17) and also Beth-shemesh (Jer 43:13). In looking at this profusion of honors heaped suddenly upon Joseph, it cannot be doubted that he would humbly yet thankfully acknowledge the hand of a special Providence in conducting him through all his checkered course to almost royal power; and we, who know more than Joseph did, cannot only see that his advancement was subservient to the most important purposes relative to the Church of God, but learn the great lesson that a Providence directs the minutest events of human life.