The African Joseph and his contribution to Africa and Ancient Israel (Gen. 41: 41-45)

D T Adamo

doi:10.4102/tv.v40i2.8

Abstract

The contentious Africanness of ancient Egypt/Egyptians is discussed at a great length since most Eurocentric biblical scholars erroneously believe that ancient Egypt/Egyptians belong to either Europe or Asia, despite the ancient Egyptian claim in their monuments (inscription of Hasheptsut) that they belong to Africa, precisely Punt. A close examination of Genesis 41:41-45 shows that the purpose of the elaborate ceremony/ritual is not only for Joseph’s promotion to the position of a vizier, but also mainly to make Joseph a full citizen of Egypt/Africa in order that he may be able to perform his duty as an Egyptian Deputy Governor. Unfortunately biblical scholars miss this fact. I have also emphasized that Joseph’s contribution to ancient Israel and Egypt/Africa is of great importance, despite the underestimation of these achievements of an African Joseph. This article aims to emphasize the fact that Joseph was made an African citizen and that he made great contribution to ancient Israel and Africa which is seldom recognized by many biblical scholars.

Highlights

Many great scholars have written commentaries and articles on many passages in the book of Genesis (Rad von 1972; Bandstra 2008; Brueggemann 1982; Charles 2013)
I am interested in discussing the Joseph who belongs to Egypt/Africa and made great contribution to Africa and ancient Israel
I have discussed in this article the reason why I consider ancient Egyptians as purely Africans, the possible date of Joseph’s story, the literary analysis of Genesis 41, the elaborate ritual of royal power for the purpose of conferring on Joseph Egyptian/African citizenship and success in his enormous task ahead of him

Summary

Introduction

Many great scholars have written commentaries and articles on many passages in the book of Genesis (Rad von 1972; Bandstra 2008; Brueggemann 1982; Charles 2013). Much attention has not been paid to this important passage (Gen 41:41-45) where Joseph was coronated with elaborate ritual of power and citizenship. Many of these commentators have missed the fact that the elaborate ceremony is to promote him and to make Joseph a full citizen of Egypt/Africa. This article examines the Africanness of ancient Egyptians, the date and setting of Joseph’s career, the literary analysis of Genesis 41, the elaborate ceremony of Joseph’s citizenship and his promotion to the position of a grand vizier of Egypt, as well as his contribution to Egypt/Africa and ancient Israel

Objectives

Conclusion