Joseph and Daniel – They Stood Before Kings

Today’s Passage – Genesis 41 – 42 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click hereto view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Mark 3 – 4; Proverbs 16; Psalms 76 – 80

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Ephesians 4:32

Read previous posts from this passage – “In His Time,“ and “To God Be the Glory.“

Read the “0116 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Joseph’s rise from prison to Pharaoh’s right hand reminded me strongly of Daniel’s story. As I was reflecting on today’s passage regarding Joseph, I was struck with how many comparisons could be made between him and Daniel. Both of these men were placed in foreign and godless nations under very adverse circumstances, yet they both stood out among their peers, glorified the Lord in front of people who did not know Him, and represented Him to these nations’ kings.

 “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

“And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16)

“27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;” (Daniel 2:27-28)

Key Parallels Between Joseph and Daniel

1. They were both young men when we are introduced to them in the pages of Scripture.

2. They were both in captivity. Daniel was taken captive along with many others when Babylon conquered Judah, and Joseph was sold into captivity by his envious brothers.

3. They both were pictures of Christ in that there is nothing recorded against them in the Scripture. To be sure, both of these men were sinners, but the Bible does not reveal any of their sin. Christ was sinless; He “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15).

4. They both retained their testimonies in the face of very difficult circumstances. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, thrown into prison, and forgotten by the chief butler who promised to help him. Daniel was taken into captivity and made into a eunuch because his nation had forsaken God. In captivity, it was only Daniel and his three friends who stood firmly for God while many other Jewish captives compromised.

5. They were both brought before a king because of a dream, and both were able to interpret the king’s dream when others could not.

6. They both had their names changed by the king. Joseph’s name was changed to Zaphnathpaaneah, and Daniel’s name was changed to Belteshazzar. They were both known in Scripture, however, by their Hebrew names.

7. They were both elevated out of captivity and promoted to the second highest position in the kingdom (next to the king).

8. They both continued to serve God after their promotion. Neither of them let the power or the position go to their heads. They both understood that it was God that had given them the position, and that He had a purpose for them within it.

I am sure there are many more parallels that we could add but these are the ones that popped into my head. These two men were both wonderful examples of godly lives surrendered to the Lord. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had some more men (and women) like Joseph and Daniel in our world today?

What parallels between Joseph and Daniel stood out to you? If you can think of any other parallels, let us know in the comments.

Questions for Reflection

• What “captivity” or difficult circumstances are you facing right now, and how can Joseph’s and Daniel’s examples encourage you to maintain your testimony?
• Proverbs 22:29 promises that diligence leads to standing before kings—where in your daily work, family, or ministry could greater diligence open doors for greater influence?
• Like Joseph and Daniel, how can you more intentionally give God the glory in conversations with unbelievers or people in authority?
• In what ways do Joseph and Daniel point you to Christ, and how does that truth comfort or challenge you today?
• Who in your life needs to see a modern example of a surrendered, godly life like these two men?

Take a moment to pray and ask God to make you that kind of difference-maker.

I would love to hear your thoughts – Leave a comment!

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