Just as he was gentle with them, he became a helper and counselor to the Egyptians. And when Pharaoh passed away, the old king had one final request: that Joseph be a father figure to his son and successor, Magron.
Now, some Egyptians even wanted to make Joseph king after Pharaoh’s death. Imagine that – a Hebrew on the throne of Egypt! But others objected. They didn't want a foreigner, an alien, ruling over them. So, the royal title went to Magron, who was then also called Pharaoh, following the Egyptian custom of giving that title to all their kings.
But here's the thing: Joseph, though technically only a viceroy, became the actual ruler of the land. He wasn't just in charge of Egypt. He ruled as king over lands outside of Egypt, all the way to the Euphrates. According to the legends, he even acquired some of these lands through conquest!
The people of these conquered lands brought their yearly tribute and presents to him. Can you picture it? Joseph, the former slave, now a powerful ruler receiving homage from across the region.
So, how long did this last? Joseph ruled for forty years, beloved by all. The Egyptians respected him, and so did all the other nations under his control. And during all that time, his brothers lived happily in Goshen, that fertile land Pharaoh had given them, joyful in their service to God.
And what about his personal life? Joseph was happy there too. He even lived long enough to act as godfather at the brit milah, the circumcision ceremony, of his grandson Machir's sons. What a picture: a man who had endured so much hardship, now surrounded by his thriving family, a patriarch in the truest sense. It's a reminder that even after great trials, joy and fulfillment are possible.