Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Favorite Child

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Father's Favorite Child ►

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history as a central figure in the narrative of the patriarchs. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. Joseph's life is marked by divine providence, familial strife, and eventual rise to power in Egypt, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Birth and Early Life

Joseph was born in Paddan Aram, the son of Jacob's beloved wife, Rachel. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:22-24, where Rachel, after years of barrenness, conceives and gives birth to Joseph, saying, "God has taken away my disgrace." Joseph's name, meaning "May He add," reflects Rachel's hope for another son.

Jacob's Favorite

Joseph quickly became the favorite child of Jacob, a preference that was evident and caused tension within the family. Genesis 37:3 states, "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 special garment symbolized Jacob's favoritism and set Joseph apart from his brothers, sowing seeds of jealousy and discord.

Dreams and Jealousy

Joseph's dreams further fueled his brothers' envy. In Genesis 37:5-11, Joseph shares two dreams with his family, both suggesting that he would one day rule over them. In the first dream, his brothers' sheaves of grain bow down to his sheaf. In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow down to him. These dreams were prophetic, indicating Joseph's future rise to prominence, but they were met with scorn and increased animosity from his brothers.

Betrayal and Slavery

The brothers' jealousy culminated in a plot to rid themselves of Joseph. In Genesis 37:18-28, they conspired to kill him but ultimately decided to sell him into slavery. Joseph was sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver and taken to Egypt. The brothers deceived Jacob by dipping Joseph's robe in goat's blood, leading their father to believe that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal.

Life in Egypt

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph found favor in Potiphar's house due to the Lord's presence with him, as noted in Genesis 39:2-4: "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master." However, Joseph's integrity led to false accusations by Potiphar's wife, resulting in his imprisonment.

Rise to Power

Even in prison, Joseph's leadership qualities and divine favor were evident. He interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually led to his introduction to Pharaoh. In Genesis 41, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt, saying, "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands" (Genesis 41:40).

Reunion and Reconciliation

The famine brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of grain, setting the stage for a dramatic family reunion. Through a series of tests, Joseph discerned his brothers' repentance and revealed his identity to them. In Genesis 45:4-5, Joseph reassures them, saying, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

Legacy

Joseph's account concludes with the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt, where they settled in the land of Goshen. Joseph's life exemplifies themes of forgiveness, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises. His faithfulness amidst trials and his role in preserving the lineage of Israel underscore his importance in biblical history.

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Genesis 33:2
And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph last.
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Genesis 37:3,4,35
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.
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Genesis 48:22
Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
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1 Chronicles 5:2
For Judah prevailed above his brothers, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)
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John 4:5
Then comes he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
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Library

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus it ... hands on Joseph's hands, placing
his arms on Joseph's arms. ... the bow for him, saying, "there, my son, in this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles
... going to speak of the old patriarch Jacob, Abraham's grandson ... After the death of
Joseph and his brothers, their ... That is, he killed the eldest son in the house ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 9 on the holy.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... tone-master, Henry Smart, author of the oratorio of "Jacob." None, however ... Stennett
DD, the author of this hymn, was the son of Rev ... Joseph Stennett DD, who wrote ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... 9It was rivalry that caused Joseph to be ... 2For from Jacob there came all the ... 4For the
Lord disciplines the one he loves, and punishes every son he accepts ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... The author, John Cennick, like Joseph Hart, was led to ... The author, William Cowper,
son of a clergyman, was ... clouds withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iii hymns of christian.htm

A Chime of Gospel Bells.
... Prophets, did write"Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. ... that one personal interview
with the Son of God ... of us to see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob taking their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter viii a chime of.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... for, as the Son does not see the Father, so the Holy Spirit also does not see the
Son." If the ... he has left the secular life, and has turned his back upon ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /