Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Piety

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Piety ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life is a testament to unwavering faith and piety amidst trials and tribulations. Joseph's account, spanning Genesis chapters 37 to 50, illustrates his steadfast devotion to God and his moral integrity.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph's piety is evident from his youth. He was favored by his father, Jacob, which incited jealousy among his brothers. Despite this familial discord, Joseph remained faithful to God. His dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, were divinely inspired and demonstrated his unique relationship with God. Genesis 37:5-7 recounts one of these dreams: "Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, 'Please listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.'"

Integrity in Adversity

Joseph's piety is further highlighted during his time in Egypt. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful and was entrusted with great responsibility in Potiphar's house. His integrity was tested when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him. Joseph's response, as recorded in Genesis 39:9 , underscores his commitment to righteousness: "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" His refusal to succumb to temptation resulted in false accusations and imprisonment, yet Joseph's faith did not waver.

Faithfulness in Prison

Even in prison, Joseph's piety shone through. He found favor with the prison warden and was put in charge of all the prisoners. His ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, became known when he accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. Joseph's reliance on God for wisdom is evident in Genesis 40:8 , where he states, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell me your dreams."

Elevation and Forgiveness

Joseph's piety ultimately led to his elevation to a position of power in Egypt. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, Joseph was appointed as second-in-command over Egypt. His leadership during the famine not only saved Egypt but also his own family, who came seeking food. Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers, who had wronged him, is a profound demonstration of his godly character. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph reassures his brothers, saying, "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."

Legacy of Piety

Joseph's life is a powerful example of piety, characterized by faith, integrity, and forgiveness. His unwavering trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity, serves as an enduring model of righteousness and devotion. Through his trials, Joseph's life illustrates the providence of God and the fulfillment of His promises.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:51
And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, has made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ...
... As the case stands now, however,"the one evangelist saying that "Jacob begat Joseph,"
and the other speaking of "Joseph who was the son of Heli ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter iii a statement of the.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... as Rebekah afterwards, on another occasion, advised Jacob to flee ... now alternately
between the father and the son! Joseph records a pathetic speech made by each ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

Jacob and Esau
... old age in Egypt, let him find his son Joseph again in ... So God rewarded Jacob by giving
him more light: by not leaving him to himself, and his own darkness ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

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

Recognition and Reconciliation
... The message to Jacob is sent from 'thy son Joseph,' in token that the
powerful ruler lays his dignity at his father's feet. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... in Genesis 44:15, mentioned above, is intended to secure Joseph from the ... for Esau
and learns to regard Jacob as his true son and heir; so Jacob in late ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Letter xxxi. To Pulcheria Augusta .
... the lines of His ancestry down to Joseph to whom ... No doubt the Almighty Son of God
could have ... in a struggle, and entered into conversation (with Jacob), or when ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xxxi to pulcheria augusta.htm

The Return of the Holy Family from Egypt
... of the Blessed Virgin, been granted this son by God ... Jesus passing through Egypt on
His way to Jacob's well after ... As soon as Joseph had packed on the donkey all ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvii the return of the.htm

Concerning the Afflictions that Befell the Hebrews in Egypt ...
... length of time, forgotten the benefits they had received from Joseph, particularly
the ... was the son of Caath, whose father Levi was the son of Jacob, who was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the afflictions.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... He should "raise up the tribes of Jacob," and "restore ... Jesus as the heir of David's
throne, Joseph desired to ... against Christ might be carried out by the son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm