Parshat Miketz5 min read

Pharaoh's Throne Had Seventy Steps and Joseph Climbed Them

Every visitor to Pharaoh had to answer in a language to earn a step. Joseph knew two. An angel taught him Hebrew the night before.

Curated by Arthur · Told by Maggid ·
Table of Contents
  1. Joseph Is Pulled From the Dungeon
  2. The Throne of Seventy Steps
  3. Gabriel Teaches Hebrew in the Night
  4. The Dream That Pharaoh Tested Him With
  5. Pharaoh Elevates Joseph and the Elevation Is Exact

Joseph Is Pulled From the Dungeon

Joseph is pulled out of a dungeon. He shaves. He changes his clothes. He walks into a palace and interprets a dream and becomes viceroy of Egypt. In Genesis 41 the pivot takes about twenty verses. The rabbis preserved in the Legends of the Jews, Louis Ginzberg's vast anthology of rabbinic tradition, said that walk between the prison and the throne was not as quick as the text makes it sound. There was a test to pass first, and it was not the dream.

The Throne of Seventy Steps

Pharaoh's throne was surrounded by seventy steps, one for each of the seventy languages of the world. Every visitor to the court was required to demonstrate knowledge of a language before ascending a step. It was a test of cultivation, a proof that the person standing before the king belonged in the presence of the world's greatest ruler. Joseph had been a slave and then a prisoner. He knew the languages of the household. He knew the languages of the dungeon. He did not know all seventy.

When the chief butler, the man Joseph had helped in prison, introduced him to Pharaoh, he called Joseph a slave. This was not a casual descriptor. Egyptian law prevented any slave from ascending to kingship, from putting a foot in the royal stirrup. The title was calculated to create an obstacle before Joseph had taken a single step.

Gabriel Teaches Hebrew in the Night

The night before he stood before the throne, Joseph learned Hebrew from the angel Gabriel. The Legends of the Jews carries this detail as the mechanism by which Joseph was able to ascend three more steps than he would have been able to climb on his own knowledge. He already knew the languages he had acquired, Egyptian, the language of the traders, the languages of the prison. Gabriel added Hebrew, the holy tongue, in the dark before the audience, so that Joseph would have what he needed when the test came.

He ascended sixty-nine steps. The seventieth step, the step that placed a person on the same level as the king, he could not take. No one could take it who was not Pharaoh. But sixty-nine out of seventy was enough. Pharaoh looked down at this man who had ascended most of the way and asked what Joseph was missing. Joseph answered in the one language he could not demonstrate. Pharaoh was the only one who understood the answer.

The Dream That Pharaoh Tested Him With

Pharaoh had already tested the wise men of Egypt with his dream. He had told them not only the dream but its interpretation, as he had seen it in the dream itself, and waited to see whether any of them would lie to him. They did. None of them said what he had seen. Their interpretations did not match what he already knew was true.

Joseph's response was different from the first word. He said: it is not in me, God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace (Genesis 41:16). He placed the answer outside himself before he had even heard the dream. The pressure on him was extreme: a prisoner hauled before the most powerful man in Egypt, asked to do what all the king's magicians could not. He did not claim the ability. He pointed past himself to the source.

Pharaoh Elevates Joseph and the Elevation Is Exact

The Book of Jubilees, which retells Genesis in a priestly calendar framework from the second century BCE, has the elevation of Joseph precise and public. Pharaoh caused him to ride in the second chariot, second only to the king's own. He placed his own ring on Joseph's hand. He gave him a new name. He gave him a wife from the priestly family. The elevation was not quiet. It was a public act that reversed the public humiliation of the dungeon, step by visible step.

The man who had been introduced as a slave ascended sixty-nine of the seventy steps. The man who had been introduced as a slave rode in the second chariot. The man who had been introduced as a slave received the signet ring of Egypt. The Legends of the Jews close the accounting: Joseph reaped the harvest of his virtues, and according to the measure of his merits God granted him reward. The measure was exact. It matched what he had given and what he had refused to give up on the way down.

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The texts this telling draws on, in full. Open a card to read inline, or expand it for a wider, quieter read.

Legends of the Jews, I. Joseph, Joseph Before PharaohLegends of the Jews

Remember Joseph, the dreamer? He's now in Egypt, and things are about to get really interesting. But not without some resistance. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, the chief butler, remember him, the one Joseph helped in prison?, describes Joseph contemptuously as a "slave." Why? To make it impossible for him to rise in the court. See, there was a law in Egypt: a slave could never be king, or even put his foot in a royal stirrup!

Pharaoh, he's a different story. He's had this dream, this incredibly vivid dream, and none of his wise men can interpret it. He revokes the death sentence he’d initially issued against them and sends for Joseph. He even instructs his messengers to be gentle, to not "excite and confuse" Joseph so he can interpret the dream correctly.

So Joseph is brought hastily from the dungeon. But first, he shaves and puts on fresh clothes – raiment, the text says, brought to him by an angel from Paradise! Then he comes before Pharaoh.

This scene: Pharaoh on his royal throne, decked out in princely garments, a golden ephod (a type of priestly garment) sparkling on his chest, precious stones blazing like fire. The throne itself is covered in gold, silver, and onyx, with seventy steps leading up to it. Joseph must have been stunned!

There were all these customs surrounding the throne. A prince would ascend to the thirty-first step, and the king would descend thirty-six to meet him. An ordinary person would only go to the third step, with the king coming down four. And someone who knew all seventy languages could ascend all seventy steps. (Yes, seventy!)

When Joseph arrives, he bows low and ascends to the third step. Pharaoh, sitting on the fourth from the top, says, "O young man… tell me what events they are which the visions of my dreams foreshow. Tell me the truth, though it be sad and alarming."

But Joseph, ever wise, asks Pharaoh how he knows the interpretations of his wise men were false. Pharaoh's answer? "I saw the dream and its interpretation together, and therefore they cannot make a fool of me." Can you imagine the frustration?

Then, in a show of incredible humility, Joseph denies being an expert dream interpreter. "It is not in me," he says. "It is in the hand of God, and if it be the wish of God, He will permit me to announce tidings of peace to Pharaoh." And, the text points out, it was for this modesty that he was rewarded with sovereignty over Egypt. We see a similar sentiment in Daniel, who says his wisdom is not his own but comes from God.

Pharaoh then recounts his dream, but with omissions and inaccuracies, testing Joseph. But Joseph corrects him, piecing the dreams together perfectly! The text says this is because Joseph had the same dream at the same time.

Pharaoh, amazed, retells the dream in full detail, except he leaves out the word "Nile" when describing the seven lean cows because the Egyptians worshipped the Nile, and he didn't want to attribute anything evil to their god.

Joseph reveals the true interpretation: seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. But originally, it was meant to be forty-two years of famine! As the story goes, God shortened it to two years because of Jacob's blessing when he came to Egypt. The other forty years fell upon the land during the time of the prophet Ezekiel, as we find in Midrash Rabbah.

Joseph doesn't just interpret; he provides signs. He predicts the birth of Pharaoh's son and the sudden death of his older son. And as Joseph leaves, the reports arrive, just as he said.

Pharaoh, convinced, asks his grandees and servants for advice on how to save the land. They all agree that Joseph's counsel is the only way. Pharaoh then proposes making Joseph ruler over the land.

The astrologers object. A slave? Over them? Pharaoh insists Joseph is not only free-born but of noble lineage. But the princes persist, reminding Pharaoh of the "immutable law" that a ruler must know all languages. This Hebrew only knows his own tongue!

Pharaoh relents, promising to examine Joseph. In the meantime, Joseph, fearing his master’s wife, has returned to his prison. Then, in a twist of fate, the angel Gabriel appears to Joseph in the night and teaches him all seventy languages, even changing his name to Jehoseph.

The next morning, Joseph, now fluent in every language, ascends all seventy steps of the throne. Pharaoh and his princes rejoice!

Pharaoh declares: "Thou shalt therefore be the second in the land after Pharaoh, and according unto thy word shall all my people go in and go out… only in the throne will I be greater than thou."

So, what do we take away from this story? It's a reminder that true wisdom and humility can open doors that seem impossible. It's a story about overcoming prejudice and rising above limitations. And it's a evidence of the power of faith and the importance of listening to those who may seem unlikely sources of truth. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, what unexpected gifts might be waiting for us, just beyond the walls of our own perceived limitations?

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Legends of the Jews 1:163Legends of the Jews

Take the story of Joseph, for example. You know, the one with the coat of many colors? readers often focus on the coat, the brothers' jealousy, but there's so much more depth to unpack. Think about his rise and fall in Egypt, his time in prison. It wasn't just bad luck. People were actively working against him.

When the chief butler, the very guy Joseph helped by interpreting his dream, finally remembers Joseph to Pharaoh, he throws in a little jab. He calls Joseph a "slave." Now, why would he do that? It seems like a minor detail, but according to Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg), this wasn't just a casual descriptor. It was a calculated move.

See, there was a law in Egypt, a pretty firm one at that: a slave could never become king. Not even close. They couldn’t even put their foot in the stirrup of a royal horse! So, by labeling Joseph a "slave," the butler was trying to ensure that Joseph could never rise too high in the Egyptian court. It’s a stark reminder that prejudice and systemic barriers can be deeply embedded in even the most powerful societies. "Accursed are the wicked that never do a wholly good deed,".

Pharaoh, facing those troubling dreams, was desperate. He needed answers, and fast. So, he summoned Joseph. But even in this moment of potential triumph, there's a fascinating detail. Pharaoh, recognizing the delicate nature of dream interpretation, gave specific instructions to his messengers: don't agitate Joseph! Don't confuse him! He needed Joseph clear-headed and focused.

The verse reads, "They brought him hastily out of the dungeon." Can you imagine that whiplash? From the depths of despair to the royal court in what must have been a matter of moments?

Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. Before appearing before Pharaoh, Joseph takes the time to shave and change his clothes. It's a sign of respect, of course. But according to the Legends of the Jews, it’s more than that. Joseph puts on fresh raiment (clothes), which an angel brought him from Paradise! A divine wardrobe change, if you will. And then, only then, does he come before Pharaoh.

What does this all mean? Is it simply a colorful detail? Or is it hinting at something deeper? Perhaps it's a reminder that even when we're facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, even when others try to define us and limit our potential, there's always the possibility of transformation, of divine intervention. Sometimes, all it takes is a dream, a little bit of courage, and maybe, just maybe, a fresh set of clothes from Paradise.

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Legends of the Jews 1:166Legends of the Jews

It led to one of the most dramatic moments in the Joseph story.

Pharaoh, plagued by these intense dreams, had already consulted the wise men of Egypt. But their interpretations just didn't sit right. They felt…off. When Joseph was brought before him, the first thing he wanted to know was how Joseph could be so sure that all the wise men of his kingdom were wrong. "I saw the dream and its interpretation together," Pharaoh declared, "and therefore they cannot make a fool of me." He knew truth when he saw it. Or rather, when he dreamt it.

The pressure on Joseph. A prisoner, hauled before the most powerful man in Egypt, asked to do what all the king's magicians couldn't. Did he puff himself up? Did he boast about his abilities? Not at all.

Instead, in a move that reveals so much about his character, Joseph downplayed his own role. "It is not in me," he insisted. "It is in the hand of God." He made it clear that any wisdom he possessed wasn't his own accomplishment, but a gift. And he added, with profound humility, that only if it were the will of God would he be permitted to announce tidings of peace to Pharaoh. In a high-stakes situation, where self-aggrandizement might have seemed the obvious move, Joseph chose humility. He gave credit where credit was due.

And according to the sages, this very modesty was the key to his eventual rise to power. That "for such modesty he was rewarded by sovereignty over Egypt, for the Lord doth honor them that honor Him." It's a powerful message: that true greatness lies not in boasting, but in recognizing something larger than ourselves.

We see a similar pattern with Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar, in the Book of Daniel. Both Joseph and Daniel point to the Divine as the source of their wisdom, not their own cleverness.

What can we take away from this? Perhaps it’s a reminder to check our egos. To remember that our talents, our insights, our very lives are gifts. And that true leadership, true influence, comes not from self-promotion, but from acknowledging the Source of all blessings. It's a powerful lesson embedded deep within these ancient stories.

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Book of Jubilees 40:12Book of Jubilees

The story of Joseph, as told in the Book of Jubilees, gives us a glimpse.

The familiar version gives us the broad strokes: sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned. Joseph's life seemed destined for tragedy. But fate, or perhaps Providence, had other plans.

Jubilees 40 picks up after Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, a feat that immediately sets him apart. Pharaoh, recognizing Joseph's wisdom and divine connection, doesn't just release him; he elevates him. And how! The text paints a vivid picture of this transformation.

Pharaoh "caused him to ride in the second chariot of Pharaoh." Imagine the spectacle! The second chariot, no less. A symbol of authority, power, and respect, second only to the king himself. It wasn’t just a ride; it was a public declaration of Joseph's new status.

And the clothing! He "clothed him with byssus garments." Byssus, a fine linen, a fabric fit for royalty. It wasn't just clothes; it was a visual representation of his elevation, a stark contrast to the rags of a prisoner. And "he put a gold chain upon his neck." A symbol of authority and prestige.

But the most intriguing detail? "And (a herald) proclaimed before him '’Êl ’Êl wa’ Abîrĕr.'" What does this phrase mean? The text doesn't tell us directly, leaving room for interpretation and adding a touch of mystery to the scene. Some scholars suggest it’s an Egyptian phrase, possibly a title or declaration of Joseph's authority. Whatever the exact translation, the effect is clear: this was a moment of profound significance.

Then comes the ring, placed on Joseph's hand – a signet ring, the ultimate symbol of delegated power. With this ring, Joseph was given the authority to act in Pharaoh's name. He was "made him ruler over all his house, and magnified him, and said unto him: 'Only on the throne shall I be greater than thou.'" Total authority, save for the throne itself. Pharaoh entrusted him with the entire kingdom, a evidence of his faith in Joseph's abilities and integrity.

The final line emphasizes Joseph's widespread popularity: "And Joseph ruled over all the land of Egypt, and all the princes of Pharaoh, and all his servants, and all who did the king's business loved him." He wasn't just ruling; he was loved. This detail speaks volumes about Joseph's character, his ability to lead with compassion and fairness. It wasn't just about power; it was about earning the respect and affection of the people he governed.

The story in Jubilees 40 isn't just a historical account; it’s a powerful reminder of the potential for transformation, the possibility of rising above adversity, and the importance of character in leadership. It leaves us pondering: what qualities within Joseph allowed him to not only survive his trials but thrive and gain the respect and love of an entire nation? And what can we learn from his story to guide our own lives?

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Legends of the Jews 1:176Legends of the Jews

The familiar story is this: Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt, faces incredible trials. But he also possesses unshakeable integrity. Perhaps the most famous test comes with Potiphar’s wife, who tries to seduce him. Joseph resists, choosing principle over pleasure, even when it means facing false accusations and imprisonment.

According to Ginzberg's masterful retelling in Legends of the Jews, Joseph’s eventual triumph isn’t just a lucky break. It's a direct consequence of his unwavering commitment to righteousness. It's a reward, measure for measure, for the virtues he embodies. "Now Joseph reaped the harvest of his virtues, and according to the measure of his merits God granted him reward." It's a beautiful line, isn’t it? It speaks to a universe that notices, that balances the scales.

The text continues, detailing how each part of Joseph's being that resisted temptation is now honored. "The mouth that refused the kiss of unlawful passion and sin received the kiss of homage from the people…" In other words, the words he used to refuse temptation were now being used to command respect and receive praise.

"...the neck that did not bow itself unto sin was adorned with the gold chain that Pharaoh put upon it…" His refusal to submit to the adulterous advances of Potiphar's wife is directly mirrored in his high status as second-in-command to Pharaoh.

"...the hands that did not touch sin wore the signet ring that Pharaoh took from his own hand and put upon Joseph's…" The very hands that avoided sin are now adorned with the symbol of power.

"...the body that did not come in contact with sin was arrayed in vestures of byssus…" Byssus, here, refers to fine linen, a symbol of wealth and status. Joseph’s whole being is elevated, literally clothed in honor.

"...the feet that made no steps in the direction of sin reposed in the royal chariot, and the thoughts that kept themselves undefiled by sin were proclaimed as wisdom." Every aspect of his being, his speech, his actions, his very thoughts, is recognized and rewarded.

It's a powerful image, isn't it? It suggests that our choices matter, that integrity has consequences, not just in some abstract, moral sense, but in the tangible reality of our lives.

Is it always this neat and tidy? Does virtue always get its just reward in this life? Probably not. But the story of Joseph reminds us that there is a deep, underlying connection between our actions and our destiny. It encourages us to strive for righteousness, not just for its own sake, but because it shapes who we become and the world we inhabit.

Perhaps, in the end, the greatest reward isn't the gold chain or the royal chariot, but the inner peace of knowing that we have remained true to ourselves, even in the face of temptation. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, the universe notices that too.

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Legends of the Jews 1:164Legends of the Jews

He was absolutely floored by the sight of the Egyptian king.

This teaching paints a vivid picture, doesn't it? It wasn't just the king himself, arrayed in princely garments with a golden ephod (a type of priestly garment) blazing on his chest. Think of that ephod, studded with carbuncles, rubies, and emeralds, each gem like a tiny, contained torch. And above it all, the king's crown, a veritable inferno of precious stones!

The throne itself.. that's where the story gets really interesting.

It wasn't just a seat; it was a statement. Covered in gold, silver, and onyx, it rose majestically, boasting seventy steps. Seventy! Now, why seventy? Well, that number wasn't chosen at random.

The throne, according to tradition, wasn't just about power; it was about knowledge and access. If a prince or dignitary approached, the king would descend thirty-six steps to meet them at the thirty-first step. A common person? The king would only come down four steps, meeting them at the third.

But here's the really fascinating part. The number of steps one could ascend depended on their linguistic abilities. The Egyptians believed that their ruler had to be fluent in all seventy languages of the world. So, if you knew all seventy languages, you could ascend all seventy steps, right to the top! If you only knew a few, you could only climb that many steps. Imagine that, a throne room where your knowledge literally dictated how close you could get to the king! Talk about a meritocracy, of sorts.

This detail highlights a key aspect of ancient Egyptian thought, and, of many ancient cultures: the belief that language was power. To know a language was to unlock a culture, to understand a people, and ultimately, to wield influence. As Legends of the Jews tells it, mastery of language was so important that it was a prerequisite for ruling the entire nation.

What does this all mean? Maybe it's a reminder that true power isn't just about wealth or status, but about knowledge and understanding. Maybe it's a reflection on the importance of communication and the bridges it can build. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a glimpse into a world where knowledge was so revered that it literally elevated you above the crowd.

Whatever it is, it's a story that makes you think, isn't it?

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Legends of the Jews 1:177Legends of the Jews

After years of hardship, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph's fortunes take a dramatic turn. Pharaoh, impressed by Joseph's wisdom and ability to interpret dreams, elevates him to a position of immense power. But this wasn't just a promotion; it was a full-blown coronation!

This teaching paints a vivid picture of this moment, a moment dripping with symbolism and pageantry. Pharaoh doesn't just hand Joseph a new job title; he invests him with the very symbols of royal authority. The king removes his own signet ring – the ultimate symbol of power – and places it on Joseph's finger. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, this was no small gesture. It signified the complete transfer of authority.

It doesn't stop there. Joseph is clothed in princely garments, adorned with a golden crown, and draped with a golden chain. He's no longer the Hebrew slave; he is now a vizier, second only to Pharaoh himself.

The scene: Joseph, riding in Pharaoh's second chariot, pulled by a magnificent, strong horse. A thousand musicians, striking cymbals and blowing flutes, lead the procession, followed by five thousand soldiers with drawn swords flashing in the Egyptian sunlight. The air crackles with excitement and anticipation.

On either side of Joseph, twenty thousand of the king's grandees march, their leather belts embroidered with gold. The women of Egypt, peering from windows, shower Joseph with chains, rings, and jewels, hoping for just a glance from the handsome and powerful leader. But Joseph, ever mindful, keeps his gaze fixed forward. As a reward for his modesty, God grants him protection from the evil eye, a protection that, according to tradition, extends to his descendants.

The procession itself is a sensory overload. Servants burn incense and sweet spices – cassia, myrrh, and aloes – filling the streets with a fragrant cloud. Twenty heralds walk ahead, proclaiming Joseph's new authority: "This is the man whom the king bath chosen to be the second after him. All the affairs of state will be administered by him, and whoever resisteth his commands, or refuseth to bow down to the ground before him, he will die the death of the rebel against the king and the king's deputy."

It's a decree that leaves no room for doubt: Joseph is now the de facto ruler of Egypt. He holds the power of life and death.

What's striking about this account isn't just the external display of power, but the internal transformation it represents for Joseph. From prisoner to prince, from slave to second-in-command, his journey is a evidence of the power of faith, resilience, and divine providence. It's a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope remains, and that even the most improbable dreams can come true.

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Legends of the Jews 1:172Legends of the Jews

It sounds like a dream. But what if everyone around you is dead-set against it? That's the situation Joseph found himself in, according to Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, when Pharaoh decided to elevate him.

Pharaoh's astrologer-counselors were not happy. Can you blame them? "A slave," they protested, "someone bought for a mere twenty pieces of silver, you want to make him our master?"

The idea seemed absurd. They questioned Pharaoh's judgment, reminding him, as Ginzberg tells it, that Joseph was basically property. How could someone like that possibly lead them?

Pharaoh was convinced. He insisted that Joseph was not only a free man, without a doubt, but that he was also descended from a noble lineage. Pharaoh saw something special in Joseph, something beyond his current circumstances.

Still, the princes weren't buying it. They weren’t silenced by Pharaoh’s pronouncements. They had another card to play. "Don't you remember the unwavering law of the Egyptians?" they argued. "No one can be king or viceroy unless they speak all the languages of men!"

This was a serious point. Language, communication, understanding – these were crucial for leadership. And Joseph? "This Hebrew," they pointed out, "knows only his own tongue." How could he possibly rule over them if he couldn't even speak their language?

Their challenge was direct: send for him. Examine him on all the things a ruler should know. Put him to the test. And then, only then, decide if Pharaoh’s choice was truly wise.

It's a pretty shrewd move, isn't it? They weren't outright defying Pharaoh, but they were setting up a seemingly impossible hurdle for Joseph to overcome. It makes you wonder, what happened next? Could Joseph, the Hebrew slave, possibly meet their challenge? We'll have to see where the legend takes us next...

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