Psalms 105:20 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:20 mean?

Psalms 105:20 describes how a king sent for Joseph and released him from prison, allowing him to go free. The verse highlights the moment when Joseph’s fortunes changed dramatically because of the king’s command.

This verse is part of a psalm recounting God’s faithfulness to Israel, specifically recalling the story of Joseph in Egypt. The psalmist is telling how Joseph, once imprisoned, was set free by the order of the Egyptian king (Pharaoh), showing a turning point in Joseph’s life and God’s providence over His people.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:20

• "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek): Refers to the Pharaoh, the highest authority in Egypt, emphasizing the power behind Joseph’s release.
• "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): Means to send or dispatch, showing that Joseph’s release was initiated by the king’s direct order, not by chance or lower officials.
• "loosed" (פָּתַר, pathar): Often understood as to release or set free, underlining the act of removing Joseph’s physical restraints and changing his status.
• "ruler" (מָשַׁל, mashal): Points to the king’s role as the one who governs the people, reinforcing the authority involved in Joseph’s release.
• "people" (עָם, am): Refers to the Egyptian nation, situating the event within a broader national context.
• "free" (פָּתַח, pathach): Means to open or set free, highlighting the completeness of Joseph’s liberation—not just from prison, but into a new role.

Why Psalms 105:20 matters

• This verse clears up that Joseph’s release was not accidental or the result of human effort alone, but came from the highest authority in the land, showing God’s hand at work through rulers.
• The verse emphasizes a dramatic reversal in Joseph’s life, connecting to the wider theme of God’s faithfulness and ability to change circumstances suddenly.
• By recalling Joseph’s story, the psalmist encourages the audience to remember how God can use even powerful rulers to fulfill His promises to His people.