The New Pharaoh: The King Who Did Not Know Joseph

The New Pharaoh: The King Who Did Not Know Joseph

The story of Exodus opens with a dramatic shift in Egypt’s leadership. A new Pharaoh rose to power who did not remember Joseph or the blessings he brought to Egypt. This king turned against Israel, enslaving them and setting the stage for God’s mighty deliverance. His reign represents oppression, fear, and the arrogance of human rulers who defy God.

Name & Etymology

Like Joseph’s Pharaoh, this ruler is unnamed. He is simply called Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה, Parʿōh, pronounced par-oh), the Egyptian title for king. In the Septuagint (LXX), the title appears as Φαραώ (Pharaō). His anonymity emphasizes his role as a type of human power opposed to God, rather than as an individual to be remembered.

Biblical Narrative (The Story)

Exodus 1 introduces the new Pharaoh.

• Forgetting Joseph: “Eventually, a new king came to power in Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph or what he had done” (Exodus 1:8, NLT). His ignorance led to hostility rather than gratitude.

• Oppression of Israel: Fearing their numbers, Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites: “So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor” (Exodus 1:11, NLT).

• Attempted Genocide: Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill newborn boys, but they refused. Later he commanded that all Hebrew baby boys be thrown into the Nile (Exodus 1:15–22).

Historical & Cultural Context

Egyptian dynasties often shifted rulers, and a new king might not honor the policies of his predecessors. The “new Pharaoh” symbolizes such change. His policies reflect fear of foreign populations within Egypt and a desire to maintain control through oppression.

This Pharaoh’s hostility created the backdrop for God’s intervention through Moses, showing that no earthly power can resist God’s covenant promises.

Character & Themes

The new Pharaoh embodies fear, oppression, and rebellion against God. His actions show how rulers driven by fear can commit atrocities. He stands as the archetype of tyrants who oppose God’s people.

Connection to Christ

Pharaoh’s attempt to destroy Israel’s children foreshadows King Herod’s slaughter of infants in Matthew 2. Both rulers sought to preserve power through violence, yet both were powerless to stop God’s plan. Just as God preserved Moses to deliver Israel, He preserved Christ to deliver the world.

Theological Significance

The new Pharaoh highlights the reality that worldly powers often oppose God’s kingdom. Yet his reign also demonstrates that God’s promises cannot be thwarted. Israel multiplied despite Pharaoh’s efforts, proving the unstoppable nature of God’s covenant.

Myths & Misconceptions

• Myth: This Pharaoh simply “forgot” Joseph.

  
  

  Truth: The phrase means more than forgetfulness; it indicates deliberate disregard for Joseph’s legacy and hostility toward Israel.

• Myth: Pharaoh’s power rivaled God’s.

  
  

  Truth: His oppression only magnified God’s deliverance, showing that no human king can stand against the Lord.

Application

The new Pharaoh challenges us to recognize the danger of fear-driven leadership. When rulers act out of insecurity, they often turn to oppression. For believers, his story is a reminder to trust God’s sovereignty even when worldly powers seem overwhelming.

Conclusion

The new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph epitomizes tyranny and rebellion against God. His reign brought suffering, but it also set the stage for God’s mighty acts of salvation through Moses. His story reminds us that earthly kings rise and fall, but God’s promises endure forever.