Changes

==Pharaoh's Adviser==

==Pharaoh's Adviser==

In 2289 AM (1716-15 BC),<ref name=Ussher4>[[James Ussher|Ussher]], ''[[The Annals of the World|op. cit.'']], pgh. 132</ref> the reigning Pharaoh had two very troubling dreams that were strikingly and chillingly parallel. Each dream involved seven symbols of great plenty being devoured by seven symbols of great hunger and want. When none of Pharaoh's advisers could interpret this dream reliably, Pharaoh's butler remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh the full story.

In 2289 AM (1716-15 BC),<ref name=Ussher4>Ussher, ''[[The Annals of the World|op. cit.'']], pgh. 132</ref> the reigning Pharaoh had two very troubling dreams that were strikingly and chillingly parallel. Each dream involved seven symbols of great plenty being devoured by seven symbols of great hunger and want. When none of Pharaoh's advisers could interpret this dream reliably, Pharaoh's butler remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh the full story.

Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once. Joseph began by modestly disclaiming any ability of his own to interpret dreams, and giving full credit to God. Then he asked Pharaoh to tell him his dreams. When he had done so, Joseph gave his interpretation: that Egypt would see seven years of plenty, to be followed by seven years of a famine severe enough to make people forget that plenteous times had ever been. Joseph then gave Pharaoh a critical piece of advice: Pharaoh must appoint a special minister with full authority over all the land, and have that minister reserve a fifth part of the plenteous harvest to come, so that when the famine came, the people would have food to see them through it.

Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once. Joseph began by modestly disclaiming any ability of his own to interpret dreams, and giving full credit to God. Then he asked Pharaoh to tell him his dreams. When he had done so, Joseph gave his interpretation: that Egypt would see seven years of plenty, to be followed by seven years of a famine severe enough to make people forget that plenteous times had ever been. Joseph then gave Pharaoh a critical piece of advice: Pharaoh must appoint a special minister with full authority over all the land, and have that minister reserve a fifth part of the plenteous harvest to come, so that when the famine came, the people would have food to see them through it.

Pharaoh realized two things at once: that this was a sound plan, and that none in the land of Egypt was better qualified than Joseph to carry out this plan. Therefore Pharaoh placed Joseph second-in-command only to himself over all of Egypt, and even gave Joseph his signet ring, so that Joseph could make law and issue decrees in Pharaoh's name. Thus Joseph became, by definition, [[viceroy]] of Egypt.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=41|verses=1-44}}</ref>

Pharaoh realized two things at once: that this was a sound plan, and that none in the land of Egypt was better qualified than Joseph to carry out this plan. Therefore, Pharaoh placed Joseph second-in-command only to himself over all of Egypt, and even gave Joseph his signet ring, so that Joseph could make law and issue decrees in Pharaoh's name. Thus Joseph became, by definition, [[viceroy]] of Egypt.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=41|verses=1-44}}</ref>

==The Viceroy==

==The Viceroy==

When Jacob was buried, Joseph's brothers were afraid that Joseph would take the occasion to retaliate against them for their earlier treatment of him. Joseph took pains to reassure them, saying,{{Bible quote|Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.|book=Genesis|chap=50|verses=15-21|version=KJV}}

When Jacob was buried, Joseph's brothers were afraid that Joseph would take the occasion to retaliate against them for their earlier treatment of him. Joseph took pains to reassure them, saying,{{Bible quote|Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.|book=Genesis|chap=50|verses=15-21|version=KJV}}

Joseph lived for one hundred ten years, and reigned as viceroy in Egypt for eighty years. In 2369 AM,<ref name=Ussher5>[[James Ussher|Ussher]], ''[[The Annals of the World|op. cit.'']], pgh. 149</ref> Joseph died. Before he died, he gave an order—or perhaps simply uttered a prophecy—that his descendants were to carry his bones out of Egypt when they left.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=50|verses=22-26}}</ref>

Joseph lived for one hundred ten years, and reigned as viceroy in Egypt for eighty years. In 2369 AM,<ref name=Ussher5>Ussher, ''[[The Annals of the World|op. cit.'']], pgh. 149</ref> Joseph died. Before he died, he gave an order—or perhaps simply uttered a prophecy—that his descendants were to carry his bones out of Egypt when they left.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=50|verses=22-26}}</ref>

==Synchrony with Egypt==

==Synchrony with Egypt==

==Disputed Chronology==

==Disputed Chronology==

[[James Ussher]]'s calculation of the "years of the world" at which Joseph was born, flourished, and died has its basis in the detailed genealogies mentioned for all of Joseph's direct ancestors, going clear back to [[Adam]] through [[Shem]] and his father [[Noah]].<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=5}}</ref><ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=11}}</ref>

James Ussher's calculation of the "years of the world" at which Joseph was born, flourished, and died has its basis in the detailed genealogies mentioned for all of Joseph's direct ancestors, going clear back to [[Adam]] through [[Shem]] and his father [[Noah]].<ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=5}}</ref><ref>{{Bible ref|book=Genesis|chap=11}}</ref>

The calculation of the Julian (that is, the BC) year is problematic, because of disputes concerning:

The calculation of the Julian (that is, the BC) year is problematic, because of disputes concerning: