John Calvin Commentary Genesis 41:46

"And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt." — Genesis 41:46 (ASV)

And Joseph was thirty years old. Moses records the age at which Joseph was promoted to the government of the kingdom for two reasons. First, because it is rare for older men to submit to being governed by the young; from this it may be inferred that it was by the singular providence of God that Joseph governed without being envied, and that reverence and majesty were given to him beyond his years.

For if there was a danger that Timothy’s youth might make him contemptible, Joseph would have been equally exposed to contempt, unless authority had been divinely secured for him. And although he could not have obtained this authority by his own efforts, it is probable that the extraordinary virtues with which God had endowed him contributed significantly to increasing and confirming it.

A second reason for noting his age is so that the reader may reflect on the long duration of the sufferings with which he had been afflicted in various ways. And however humane his treatment might have been, still, thirteen years of exile—which had prevented his return to his father’s house, not merely by the bond of servitude but also by imprisonment—would prove a most grievous trial.

Therefore, it was only after he had been tested by long endurance that he was promoted to a better state. Moses then adds that Joseph discharged his duties with diligence and utmost faithfulness, for the inspection tour he undertook, which is mentioned here, was a proof of uncommon industry.

He might, indeed, have appointed messengers to whom he could have delegated most of the labor and trouble; but because he knew himself to be divinely called to the work, as one who had to give an account at the divine tribunal, he refused no part of the burden.

And Moses, in a few words, praises his incredible prudence in quickly discovering the best method of preserving the grain. For it was an arduous task to build storehouses in every city that could contain the entire produce of one year, plus a fifth part more. This arrangement was also no less a proof of his sagacity, by ensuring that the inhabitants of any given region would not have to seek food from a distance.

His integrity is mentioned next, which was equally praiseworthy. For in the midst of the immense accumulation that was made, he abstained from all self-indulgence, just as if only some humble office had been assigned to him.

But it is to the credit of both these virtues—prudence and integrity—that after he had collected immense heaps, he did not lessen his customary diligence until he had accomplished all the duties of the office he had undertaken.

The ancient proverb says, “Satiety produces disgust,” and similarly, abundance is commonly the mother of idleness. Why, then, did Joseph’s diligence continue steadily and not slacken at the sight of present abundance? It was because he prudently considered that, however great the plenty might be, seven years of famine would consume it all.

He also demonstrated his faithfulness and his extraordinary care for the public safety in this: he did not grow weary from the assiduous labor of seven years, nor did he rest until he had made provision for the seven years that still remained.