12:43
The king (of Egypt) said: “I do see (in a vision) seven fat kine, whom seven lean ones devour, and seven green ears of corn, and seven (others) withered. O ye chiefs! Expound to me my vision if it be that ye can interpret visions.”
Some historians suggest that the king mentioned in the narrative of Prophet Yūsuf (Joseph) may have been one of the Hyksos rulers who governed Egypt approximately between 1700 and 1550 BCE. The Hyksos are generally described as a group of northwestern Semitic or mixed Arab-Asiatic peoples who entered Egypt around the early eighteenth century BCE and eventually established control over the region during the period following the decline of the Middle Kingdom. Rather than ruling from the traditional Egyptian capital of Thebes, the Hyksos established their administrative center in the Nile Delta, particularly at Avaris–Tanis.
During their rule, which lasted for more than a century, the Hyksos developed a powerful political entity that extended its influence into regions such as Syria and Palestine. Historical accounts suggest that this period was characterized by relative stability and economic prosperity across their territories. Within this context, the biblical and Qur’anic narratives associate the governance of Egypt during this time with the story of Prophet Yūsuf, who is depicted as playing a significant role in the administration and economic planning of the kingdom.
The Hyksos are also known for introducing several military and technological innovations into Egypt, including the use of horse-drawn chariots and composite bows. Their military successes were further supported by distinctive defensive structures, such as rectangular earthen fortifications used as strongholds. Archaeological excavations have identified examples of these fortified structures at sites including Jericho, Shechem, and Lachish, providing evidence of the broader military and political influence associated with Hyksos expansion
References:
Unal, Ali (2006). The Quran with Annotated Interpretation in Modern English. (surah 12verse 43)