Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the Genesis narrative, known for his prophetic dreams and his rise to power in Egypt. His account is primarily found in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph's life is marked by divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises through his dreams, which play a crucial role in his journey from a favored son to a powerful leader in Egypt.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph was born to Jacob in his old age, and he was deeply loved by his father, who made him a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as a "coat of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers. Joseph's prophetic dreams further fueled their animosity. In one dream, he saw himself and his brothers binding sheaves in the field, and his sheaf rose and stood upright while his brothers' sheaves gathered around and bowed down to his sheaf (Genesis 37:7). In another dream, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him (Genesis 37:9). These dreams indicated Joseph's future rise to prominence and authority, which his brothers and even his father found difficult to accept.

Betrayal and Slavery

The jealousy of Joseph's brothers culminated in their decision to sell him into slavery. They initially plotted to kill him but ultimately sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Joseph was then sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Despite his circumstances, Joseph found favor in Potiphar's house due to the Lord's presence with him, which led to his promotion as overseer of Potiphar's household (Genesis 39:4).

Imprisonment and Interpretation of Dreams

Joseph's integrity was tested when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempted assault, leading to his imprisonment (Genesis 39:20). Even in prison, the Lord was with Joseph, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden, who entrusted him with the care of other prisoners (Genesis 39:21-23). During his imprisonment, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, accurately predicting their respective fates (Genesis 40:12-19). His ability to interpret dreams would later become pivotal in his rise to power.

Rise to Power in Egypt

Two years after interpreting the dreams of the cupbearer and baker, Pharaoh himself had two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men could interpret. The cupbearer, remembering Joseph, recommended him to Pharaoh. Joseph, acknowledging that interpretations belong to God, explained that Pharaoh's dreams foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:16, 25-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, tasking him with preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Fulfillment of Dreams and Reconciliation

During the years of famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking grain, unknowingly fulfilling Joseph's earlier dreams as they bowed before him (Genesis 42:6). After a series of tests, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, leading to a poignant reconciliation. He assured them that what they intended for harm, God intended for good, to accomplish the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph's account is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, demonstrating how divine purposes are fulfilled through human events, even those marked by suffering and betrayal. His life exemplifies the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the providential unfolding of God's plan for His people.Genesis 37:5-11
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brothers: and they hated him yet the more.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis
... E); and "Jehovah adds to me another son" (J), Genesis ... the description of the prosperity
of Joseph (ie Ephraim ... or in the struggle of the mighty Jacob, who could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... not only such men as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea ... at Mount Sinai; [1344] the
children of Jacob at their ... night visions, and, behold, One like the Son of Man ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Gen.1.20, end of the story of Joseph: "And as ... though prepared to chastise the posterity
of Jacob severely, could ... seer, this time a priest, Hosea, son of Beeri ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... He is thus characterised in the Blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49:27). ... in the defeat
of the house of Joseph, a number ... And he said, How went the matter, my son? ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | GotQuestions.org

How long was Joseph in prison? | GotQuestions.org

Joseph: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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