Topical Encyclopedia Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis, known for his unwavering faithfulness to God and his exceptional wisdom. His life account, spanning Genesis chapters 37 to 50, serves as a testament to divine providence and the virtues of integrity and discernment.Early Life and Trials Joseph was the eleventh of Jacob's twelve sons and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. This favoritism is evident in Genesis 37:3 : "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." This preferential treatment, coupled with Joseph's dreams of future prominence (Genesis 37:5-11), incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers. Despite the animosity, Joseph remained faithful. His brothers' betrayal, selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:28), marked the beginning of a series of trials. Yet, even in adversity, Joseph's faith did not waver. In Potiphar's house, where he was sold as a slave, Joseph's integrity and God's favor were evident. Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did." Temptation and Imprisonment Joseph's faithfulness was further tested when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him. Joseph's response, recorded in Genesis 39:9 , highlights his commitment to righteousness: "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" His refusal led to false accusations and imprisonment, yet even in prison, Joseph's wisdom and God's presence were evident. Genesis 39:21 notes, "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Wisdom in Leadership Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, became his pathway to prominence. His interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:14-36) not only secured his release from prison but also elevated him to a position of power as the governor of Egypt. Joseph's strategic planning during the years of abundance and famine demonstrated his exceptional wisdom and administrative skills. Genesis 41:39-40 records Pharaoh's acknowledgment: "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands." Reconciliation and Legacy Joseph's wisdom extended beyond governance to personal relationships. When his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, Joseph tested their character but ultimately revealed his identity with grace and forgiveness. His declaration in Genesis 50:20 encapsulates his understanding of divine sovereignty: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Joseph's life is a profound example of faithfulness and wisdom undergirded by a deep trust in God's plan. His account illustrates how God can use trials to shape character and fulfill His purposes, making Joseph a model of integrity and discernment for believers throughout the ages. Subtopics Joseph: A Designation of the Ten Tribes of Israel Joseph: Also Called Barsabas, Surnamed Justus: One of the Two Persons Nominated in Place of Judas Joseph: Father of Igal, the Spy Joseph: Husband of Mary: An Angel Appears and Testifies to the Innocence of his Betrothed Joseph: Husband of Mary: Attends the Annual Feast at Jerusalem With his Family Joseph: Husband of Mary: Belongs to the Town of Bethlehem Joseph: Husband of Mary: Goes to Bethlehem to be Enrolled Joseph: Husband of Mary: His Genealogy Joseph: Husband of Mary: Jesus Born To Joseph: Husband of Mary: Lives at Nazareth Joseph: Husband of Mary: Presents Jesus in the Temple Joseph: Husband of Mary: Returns to Nazareth Joseph: Husband of Mary: Warned in a Dream to Escape to Egypt in Order to Save the Infant's Life Joseph: Husband of Mary: Warned in a Dream to Return to Nazareth Joseph: of Arimathaea: Begs for the Body of Jesus for Burial in his own Tomb Joseph: Sells the Stores of Food to the People of Egypt Joseph: Son of Jacob is Bought by Potiphar, an officer (Lxx Has "Eunuch") of Pharaoh Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Accused, and Thrown Into Prison Joseph: Son of Jacob is Falsely Reported to his Father As Killed by Wild Beasts Joseph: Son of Jacob is Promoted to Authority Next to Pharaoh at Thirty Years of Age Joseph: Son of Jacob is Prospered of God Joseph: Son of Jacob of Pharaoh Joseph: Son of Jacob of the Two Prisoners Joseph: Son of Jacob was a Prophet Joseph: Son of Jacob: Death of Joseph: Son of Jacob: Descendants of Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exacts a Pledge from his Brothers to Convey his Remains to Canaan Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exempts the Priests from the Exactions Joseph: Son of Jacob: Exports the Produce of Egypt to Other Countries Joseph: Son of Jacob: God's Providence With Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father Sends Down Into Egypt to Buy Corn (Grain) Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Favorite Child Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Partiality For, Excites the Jealousy of his Brethren Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Name is Changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Piety Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Prophetic Dreams of his Fortunes in Egypt Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Sons Jointly Called Joseph Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Two Sons Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom Joseph: Son of Jacob: Joseph's Integrity Joseph: Son of Jacob: Kindness of Heart Joseph: Son of Jacob: Marries the Daughter of the Priest of On Joseph: Son of Jacob: Mourns the Death of his Father Joseph: Son of Jacob: Personal Appearance of Joseph: Son of Jacob: Provides Against the Seven Years of Famine Joseph: Son of Jacob: Reveals Himself to his Brothers Joseph: Son of Jacob: Sold As a Slave Into Egypt Joseph: Three Ancestors of Joseph Select Readings: Joseph Revealing his Identity Related Terms |