John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 41:1-57
The Dreams of Pharaoh and the Advancement of Joseph1. Pharaoh] It is believed that a dynasty of Asiatic (perhaps Bedouin) conquerors, known as the Hyksôs or Shepherd kings, were now in power in Egypt. Their rule lasted for 500 years, until 1700 or 1600 b.c., when a native Nubian dynasty from Thebes expelled the invaders. The court was at Zoan on the eastern frontier of Egypt. The elevation of Joseph to an almost royal position, and the welcome extended to his kinsmen, were natural at the hands... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 41:46-57
The notation of the birth of Joseph’s sons is, of course, very significant in view of God’s purposes concerning Abraham’s family (Genesis 41:50-52). Joseph acknowledged God’s goodness to him in naming both his sons. An allusion to the blessing aspect of the patriarchal promises occurs in Genesis 41:49."If the name of Joseph’s first son (Manasseh) focuses on a God who preserves, the name of Joseph’s second son (Ephraim) focuses on a God who blesses." [Note: Hamilton, The Book . . . Chapters... read more