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The perceived difficulty in Exodus 1:8 arises when it says, “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.” Some readers might wonder how it was possible for a Pharaoh to be ignorant of Joseph, considering his significant role in Egypt’s history. The answer to this question can be found by considering historical context and a deeper understanding of the term “know.”

In the Ancient Near East, including Egypt, the idea of “knowing” someone often implied more than mere intellectual awareness. Rather, it frequently involved a personal connection or relationship. To say that this Pharaoh “did not know” Joseph could suggest not that he was ignorant of Joseph’s existence or his historical significance, but rather that he didn’t acknowledge or respect the relationship and agreement that the previous Pharaoh had with Joseph and his people. In other words, this new Pharaoh chose not to “know” Joseph in a relational or covenantal sense.

Moreover, we should remember that time dims the memory of even the most significant figures and events. Joseph had risen to power during a time of great crisis in Egypt, and his wise administration had saved the country from a severe famine (Genesis 41:39-41). However, Exodus 1:8 could be referencing a time long after this crisis, when the memory of Joseph’s achievements had faded or had been intentionally diminished or forgotten.

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for new political leaders to disavow the policies and relationships of their predecessors, especially when there is a significant shift in the balance of power or in the ethnic or cultural identity of the ruling class. Ancient Egypt was not a static culture but was subject to many such changes over its long history.

Pithom, an Egyptian term meaning “House or Temple of Atum,” is one of the two storage cities purportedly constructed by the Israelites during their period of enslavement in Egypt – the other being Raamses, as referenced in Exodus 1:11. Despite numerous archaeological expeditions, no definitive identification of this ancient location has been successfully accomplished. The general consensus among archaeologists seems to be influenced by the widespread belief that the Pharaoh during the period of the Israelites’ oppression was Ramses II. However, upon close examination, this belief lacks substantial and cogent evidence to stand as an irrefutable fact.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).