Genesis 45:8

Hath made me a father to Pharaoh— i.e.. God has given me as much authority in the court of Pharaoh, as if I were really the king's father; so that he undertakes nothing without my advice, and executes nothing without my orders. And what wonder? since the wisdom of Joseph was so great and experienced, that "the words of his mouth were generally received, not as coming from man, but from God," says Justin, in book 36: chap. 2. of his history. Princes usually conferred this title of father upon their favourite counsellors. He had so far obtained our favour, that he was called our FATHER, says Artaxerxes of Haman, Apoc. Esth. xvi. 11. Hence the Hebrews. Hence the Hebrews (and it was the same among the Greeks) gave this title to old men in their salutations, Exodus 2:12 and hence too the Roman senators were styled fathers. Calmet says, that the quality of father of the king; was a name of dignity in the court of AEgypt; and that among the Phoenicians, Persians, and Arabians, this name was given to certain grand officers. The Caliphs give the same name to their first ministers.