Egyptian Pharaoh Facts for 9-13 Year Olds

Categories: Joseph

  • Most scholars think Joseph lived in Egypt between 2000 and 1600 BCE.
  • The historical period known as the “Middle Kingdom” lasts from 2000 to 1786 BCE.
  • This is one of Egypt’s greatest times.
  • There are 8 Pharaohs during this time.
  • Joseph might have come to Egypt during the reign of Sesostris II (1894-1878 BCE).
  • He most likely begins his career under Sesostris III (1878-1841 BCE). He lives in Egypt for 71 years, so Joseph dies in approximately 1805 BCE, under the reign of Amenemhet III (1841-1797 BCE).
  • Sesostris III is a most influential Pharaoh; he greatly expands Egypt’s territory.
  • Scholars think this is probably the right timeframe.
  • According to 1 Kings 6:1, the Exodus occurs 480 years before the fourth year of Solomon. Solomon’s fourth year is 966BCE. That places the Exodus at ca. 1446 BCE.
  • Exodus 12:40 says Joseph went to Egypt 430 years before the Exodus. That would be ca. 1876 BCE.
  • Genesis 37 states that Joseph’s brothers sell him for 20 shekels of silver.
  • That is the average price for a slave during the Middle Kingdom.
  • Before that time, it is roughly 10-15 and later it is 30-40 shekels.
  • Joseph works as a slave, a practices that becomes widespread during the Middle Kingdom.
  • Many slaves are owned by private individuals, such as Potifar.
  • Genesis 41:14 states that before Joseph meets with Pharaoh, he puts on clean clothes and shaves.
  • The Pharaoh rewards Joseph by making him “ruler over all the land of Egypt.”
  • Pharaoh gives Joseph the daughter of Potiphera, Priest of On, to be his wife.
  • “On” is the center of solar worship in Egypt. The main god is Ra or Re.
  • Scholars think Pharaoh makes Joseph Vizier of Egypt, giving him ultimate responsibility.
  • With Joseph in charge, the Pharaoh can go about his daily life.
  • Servants clean and dress Pharaoh every morning.
  • He wears fine linens or kilts. His clothes set him apart from his subjects.
  • On his feet are sandals oftentimes made of feathers.
  • They adorn him with jewelry comprised of large gold necklaces.
  • He also wears a large headdress.
  • He wears his hair short, though some wear wigs made out of human hair.
  • He wears black makeup on his eyelids. It is made from a type of black paint called kohl.
  • His arms are rubbed with scented oils and perfumes.
  • His morning meal consists of bread and fruit.
  • His cupbearer tastes everything before he starts to eat.
  • Often, he eats with his wife and family.
  • His day is filled with meetings. People come and kneel before him.
  • Foreign rulers shower him with gifts.
  • After a full day, Pharaoh goes to give thanks to his god.
  • He talks to his god, asking questions, and getting inspired answers.
  • Then, in a show of gratitude, he sacrifices a bull to the god.
  • As Pharaoh, he eats a rich diet – including vegetables, meat, fowl, and lots of wine.
  • Later in the day, he walks among the people and oversees the construction of new buildings built to honor him.
  • When he dies, he will be buried in a pyramid.
  • He will spend years planning the items that will be buried with him.
  • These will include items that interested him in life and amulets that will ward off harmful spirits. There might also be some tools, furniture, games – anything that might be helpful in the transition to the afterlife.