Genesis 41:33 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Now therefore let Pharaoh, &c.— It was the Spirit of God, and not his own ambition, which inspired Joseph to give this counsel to Pharaoh. He was ignorant himself whom GOD would destine to the charge; and how could he flatter himself that he should be elevated to such a station, who came out of prison, and was among the AEgyptians only as an obscure man, sold as a common slave? In following ages, the Romans created a magistrate upon this model, under the title of praefectus annonae, whose business it was to supply the city with provisions. A terrible famine occasioned that appointment; L. Minutius was the first who held the office, which afterwards became so considerable, that Pompey the Great, when he was loaded with honours, thought this not beneath him.