Pharaoh

Pharaoh was a title of the kings of Egypt until 323 BC. The word pharaoh in the Egyptian language means, "great house." The word was originally used to describe the palace of the king. Around 1500 BC it was applied to the king and meant, "his honor or his majesty." The Egyptians believed the Pharaoh was a god and key to the nation's relationship with the cosmic gods of the universe. While the Pharaoh ruled, he was the Son of Ra, the sun god. His word was law and he ruled everything. The Pharaoh was the head of the army as well as the main figure in the nation's religious life. He often functioned as a high priest in temples of Egypt. The people believed their fate was in the hands of the Pharaoh and although some Pharaohs were very cruel their subjects seldom attempted to overthrow the government.

This sixteenth century BC Pharaoh of Egypt at whose court Joseph rose to fame may have been an early ruler of the Hyksos dynasty (1720-1450 BC) and may at some time be identified by name.

For this particular Pharaoh see Genesis 37:36; 39:1; Genesis 40 and 41; Genesis 42:15, 45; 46:33, 47; 50:4-6.

REFERENCES
	Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary Ronald F. Youngblood, General Editor, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995, Nashville/Atlanta/London/Vancouver Who's Who in the Bible Joan Comay and Ronald Brownrigg, Wings Books, 1993, New York/Avenel/New Jersey Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996, Wheaton, Illinois