Psalms 105:20

Psalm 105:20 KJV reads, "The king sent and loosed him; [even] the ruler of the people, and let him go free." This verse marks a pivotal moment in the life of Joseph, a central figure in the early history of Israel.

Context

Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, recounting God's faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, from Abraham through their deliverance from Egypt. Verses 17-19 detail the tribulations of Joseph: how he was sold into slavery, his feet hurt with fetters, and he was laid in iron until "the word of the LORD tried him." This particular verse, Psalm 105:20, describes the dramatic turnaround in Joseph's fortunes. After years of unjust imprisonment, the "king"—Pharaoh of Egypt—acted decisively. This action was prompted by Joseph's God-given ability to interpret Pharaoh's troubling dreams, as detailed in Genesis 41:14. The phrase "ruler of the people" further emphasizes Pharaoh's supreme authority and the official nature of Joseph's release.

Key Themes

• Divine Providence: This verse powerfully illustrates God's unseen hand working through human leaders to fulfill His ultimate purposes. Joseph's suffering was not arbitrary but part of God's grand design to preserve His people from famine, as Joseph himself later declared in Genesis 50:20.
• Deliverance and Exaltation: From the depths of a prison cell, Joseph is not just released but elevated to a position of immense power and influence. This transformation highlights God's ability to bring deliverance even in the most desperate circumstances.
• God's Faithfulness to His Covenant: The entire Psalm 105 underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph's release and subsequent rise were crucial steps in preparing for Israel's growth in Egypt before the Exodus.
• Sovereignty Over Rulers: Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth at the time, is shown acting under the divine impulse. God's sovereignty extends even over kings and nations, compelling them to serve His plans.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "[even]" in "the ruler of the people, [even] the ruler of the people" clarifies that "the king" and "the ruler of the people" refer to the same individual, Pharaoh. The Hebrew word for "loosed" is pathach (פָּתַח), meaning to open, set free, or release. It implies an authoritative command that broke the bonds of Joseph's imprisonment, emphasizing the immediate and complete nature of his liberation.

Practical Application

Psalm 105:20 offers profound encouragement for believers facing their own trials and periods of waiting. Just as God remembered Joseph and orchestrated his release through an unlikely source—a pagan king—He remains faithful to His people today. This verse reminds us to:

• Trust God's Timing: Deliverance may not come when or how we expect it, but God's timing is always perfect.
• Recognize God's Sovereignty: Even in situations beyond our control, God is at work, using all circumstances, even difficult ones, to achieve His good purposes.
• Hope in Ultimate Deliverance: The story of Joseph foreshadows God's greater deliverance for His people, culminating in the ultimate freedom offered through Christ, who frees us from the bondage of sin (John 8:36).