God always orchestrates redemptive outcomes through the power of His sovereign plan.
In this verse the psalmist recounts how “The king sent and released him, The ruler of peoples, and set him free” (v.20). This statement specifically recalls the moment in which Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of ancient Egypt, granted Joseph his freedom after a period of unjust imprisonment (Genesis 41:14). Egypt was historically located in the northeastern corner of Africa, alongside the fertile banks of the Nile River, and during Joseph’s time (approximately the 19th century BC), it was a prosperous civilization with an influential monarchy often referred to as the Pharaoh. The scriptural emphasis in Psalm 105 is on God’s hand orchestrating these events, highlighting how fleeting human power can be used to accomplish His redemptive plans.
By “sending and releasing him” (v.20), Pharaoh not only set Joseph free but elevated him to the position of second-in-command (Genesis 41:40). Historically, this exaltation represented a sudden reversal of misfortune and illustrated God’s providence at work in Joseph’s life. Joseph himself was part of the family line beginning with Abraham (around 2000 BC) and continuing on to Isaac, then Jacob, eventually crossing centuries to the time of Moses (likely 15th-13th century BC), demonstrating how God’s promises remain in motion across generations. Through Joseph’s leadership strategies, the whole region was saved from famine, displaying how God’s deliverance extends beyond personal benefit to bless entire communities.
In a broader biblical context, Joseph’s life prefigures the pattern of Christ’s suffering and subsequent exaltation (Philippians 2:8-9). Just as Joseph was once a captive in bondage yet later elevated to power, so Jesus humbly entered a fallen world, then rose in triumph as King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Psalm 105 encourages believers to see God’s firm control in every twist of life’s narrative, trusting that even seasons of hardship can be stepping stones for greater glory under the Lord’s guidance.
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Psalms 105:20 meaning
In this verse the psalmist recounts how “The king sent and released him, The ruler of peoples, and set him free” (v.20). This statement specifically recalls the moment in which Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of ancient Egypt, granted Joseph his freedom after a period of unjust imprisonment (Genesis 41:14). Egypt was historically located in the northeastern corner of Africa, alongside the fertile banks of the Nile River, and during Joseph’s time (approximately the 19th century BC), it was a prosperous civilization with an influential monarchy often referred to as the Pharaoh. The scriptural emphasis in Psalm 105 is on God’s hand orchestrating these events, highlighting how fleeting human power can be used to accomplish His redemptive plans.
By “sending and releasing him” (v.20), Pharaoh not only set Joseph free but elevated him to the position of second-in-command (Genesis 41:40). Historically, this exaltation represented a sudden reversal of misfortune and illustrated God’s providence at work in Joseph’s life. Joseph himself was part of the family line beginning with Abraham (around 2000 BC) and continuing on to Isaac, then Jacob, eventually crossing centuries to the time of Moses (likely 15th-13th century BC), demonstrating how God’s promises remain in motion across generations. Through Joseph’s leadership strategies, the whole region was saved from famine, displaying how God’s deliverance extends beyond personal benefit to bless entire communities.
In a broader biblical context, Joseph’s life prefigures the pattern of Christ’s suffering and subsequent exaltation (Philippians 2:8-9). Just as Joseph was once a captive in bondage yet later elevated to power, so Jesus humbly entered a fallen world, then rose in triumph as King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Psalm 105 encourages believers to see God’s firm control in every twist of life’s narrative, trusting that even seasons of hardship can be stepping stones for greater glory under the Lord’s guidance.