Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Wisdom ►

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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 divine providence and human wisdom, as he navigates a series of personal and political challenges with discernment and insight.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph's wisdom is first evident in his early life through his dreams, which foreshadow his future rise to power. At the age of seventeen, Joseph shares two dreams with his family, indicating that he will one day rule over them (Genesis 37:5-11). While his brothers react with jealousy and hostility, Joseph's ability to receive and interpret these dreams demonstrates a unique spiritual insight and a connection to God's plans.

Wisdom in Adversity

Joseph's wisdom is further revealed during his time in Egypt. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph's integrity and prudence earn him favor, and he is entrusted with the management of Potiphar's household (Genesis 39:2-6). When faced with temptation from Potiphar's wife, Joseph wisely refuses her advances, saying, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His decision to flee from sin, even at great personal cost, underscores his moral and spiritual wisdom.

Interpreting Dreams in Prison

Joseph's wisdom is again highlighted during his unjust imprisonment. While in prison, he accurately interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, attributing his ability to God: "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams" (Genesis 40:8). His interpretations come to pass, demonstrating his reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding.

Rise to Power and Administrative Wisdom

Joseph's most significant display of wisdom occurs when he is brought before Pharaoh to interpret his troubling dreams. Joseph explains that the dreams foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He advises Pharaoh to appoint a wise and discerning man to oversee the collection and storage of grain during the years of plenty (Genesis 41:33-36). Impressed by Joseph's insight and the Spirit of God within him, Pharaoh appoints Joseph as second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41).

Joseph's administrative wisdom is evident in his effective management of Egypt's resources. He implements a plan to store surplus grain during the years of abundance, ensuring that the nation is prepared for the impending famine. His strategic foresight not only saves Egypt but also provides for surrounding nations, including his own family, who come to Egypt seeking food (Genesis 41:47-57).

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Joseph's wisdom is also manifest in his dealings with his brothers when they come to Egypt to buy grain. Recognizing them, Joseph tests their character and ultimately reveals his identity. His response to their fear of retribution is marked by profound wisdom and forgiveness: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph's ability to see God's hand in his life's events and to forgive his brothers reflects a deep understanding of divine sovereignty and grace.

Throughout his life, Joseph exemplifies wisdom in various forms—spiritual insight, moral integrity, administrative acumen, and relational discernment. His account serves as a powerful illustration of how God can use an individual's wisdom to fulfill His purposes and bring about His plans for redemption and provision.

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Genesis 41:33-57
Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
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Library

Joseph and his Brethren.
... Jacob could not at first believe the good news his sons brought; but when he ... to carry
him and the little ones, he said, "It is enough; Joseph my son is yet ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joseph and his brethren.htm

Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ...
... Joseph, therefore, is by nature the son of Jacob, of the line ... a virgin shall conceive
and bare a Son and shall ... the maiden is given in marriage to Joseph by the ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiv concerning our lords genealogy.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... Joseph is gone, and Simeon is gone, and now you would take Benjamin ... in case I do
not bring Benjamin back to you." But Jacob said: "My youngest son shall not ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

The History of Joseph the Carpenter.
... Joseph then inscribed his name in the list; for Joseph the son of David ... in a cave
near the tomb of Rachel the wife of the patriarch Jacob, the mother of ...
/.../unknown/the history of joseph the carpenter/the history of joseph the.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... After some time Rachel had a son, named Joseph, which signified ... 9. Now Jacob fed
the flocks of Laban his father-in-law all this time, being twenty years ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

In what Sense Christ is [Called] Jacob, and Israel, and Son of Man ...
... proved that it is not in the blessing of Joseph and Judah ... of God, and since we call
Him the Son, we have ... a Sword, and a Stone, and a Rod, and Jacob, and Israel ...
/.../chapter c in what sense christ.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... for him; and said he would either bring his son back to ... with his, lose his own life."
So that Jacob was at ... corn doubled; he also sent presents to Joseph of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... Joseph, the much-loved son of Jacob, who in an earlier age of the Church, was a
type of Christ in His kingdom, was in power and favour eighty years ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

Joseph, the Pardoner and Preserver
... Joseph had none of that baseness ... He was 'my father,' and his son knows no better
use to make of his dignity than to compel reverence for Jacob's grey hairs ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the pardoner and preserver.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... out of doors, his superhuman knowledge and dignity, and his surpassing wisdom of
parabolic ... Near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm