The relationship between Egyptians and Israelites is frosty, to say the least. The Egyptians don’t like shepherds (Genesis 46:34) and refuse to even eat a meal with them (Genesis 43:32).
But Joseph and Pharaoh? That’s a completely different story.
From the beginning, Pharaoh treated Joseph with the utmost of respect. He recognized from the beginning that Joseph was different. He recognized that Joseph had a “divine spirit,” was discerning and wise (since he put him over the famine distribution), gave him a wife from one of the most important families in Egypt, and made him second in command over all of Egypt (Genesis 41:25-49).
History is divided as to who this pharaoh actually is. Sesostris I and Amenemhat III are the two names put forth most often, but nobody really knows for sure. Arguments can be made for and against a few candidates.
Not that it matters much for our purposes. It’s remarkable that someone in his position trusted someone that most of his society would’ve absolutely rejected. Even going so far as to ensure that Joseph’s family has the “best of the land” (Genesis 47:6).
Pharaoh doesn’t stop there, though. He even tells Joseph to let him know if there are any “capable men” from amongst Jacob’s family to put in charge of his own livestock. After all, if Joseph is so good at his job, then why would his family be any different?
Then, he allows himself to be blessed by Jacob (Genesis 47:7). No doubt a part of this was due to Jacob’s advanced age. To be 130 years old, in any generation, is a remarkable feat. Pharaoh recognized this and honored Jacob in a way that is respectful of him and Joseph’s family.
The relationship between Joseph and Pharaoh runs deep, and this is why the persecution in Exodus from the Egyptians to the Israelites begins with the phrase: “a king arose that did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). The Pharaoh that knew Joseph would have never threatened the family of Jacob, much less enslaved them out of fear. He respected Joseph and wanted them to prosper.
The Pharaoh of Exodus? That’s a whole different story.
