Topical Bible: Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph

◄ Mercy: The Prison Keeper, to Joseph ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of mercy is vividly illustrated in the life of Joseph, particularly during his time in prison. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and eventually found himself in Egypt. Despite his hardships, Joseph's life is a testament to the divine mercy that guided and sustained him through his trials.

Joseph's Imprisonment

Joseph's journey to prison began after he was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife of attempting to assault her. As a result, he was cast into the king's prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined (Genesis 39:20). Despite the injustice he faced, Joseph's response to his circumstances was marked by faithfulness and integrity.

Divine Favor and Mercy

The Berean Standard Bible highlights the mercy Joseph received even in the depths of his imprisonment: "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden" (Genesis 39:21). This verse underscores the divine mercy that accompanied Joseph, manifesting in the form of favor and kindness from those in authority over him.

Role of the Prison Keeper

The prison keeper, recognizing the exceptional character and abilities of Joseph, entrusted him with significant responsibilities. "The warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, and he was responsible for all that was done there" (Genesis 39:22). This trust placed in Joseph by the prison keeper is a reflection of the mercy and providence of God, who orchestrated circumstances to prepare Joseph for his future role in Egypt.

Mercy in Adversity

Joseph's experience in prison serves as a profound example of how God's mercy can transform adverse situations. Despite being in a place of confinement, Joseph's leadership and administrative skills were honed, and he continued to rely on God's guidance. The mercy shown to him by the prison keeper was a crucial element in God's plan, ultimately leading to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

Joseph's Faithfulness and God's Mercy

Throughout his ordeal, Joseph remained faithful to God, and in turn, God's mercy was evident in every aspect of his life. The narrative of Joseph in prison is a powerful reminder of how divine mercy can manifest through human agents, such as the prison keeper, and how it can lead to redemption and restoration.

In summary, the account of Joseph and the mercy he received from the prison keeper is a testament to the enduring presence of God's mercy, even in the most challenging circumstances. It highlights the transformative power of divine favor and the importance of remaining faithful to God's purposes, trusting that His mercy will prevail.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 39:21-23
But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Goodness in a Dungeon
... prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him
favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/goodness in a dungeon.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... with Joseph, and had mercy on him, and made him in the favor and grace of the chief
keeper of the prison, in so much that he delivered to Joseph the keeping of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... The keeper of the prison scarcely looked into the prison at ... So Joseph put all the
ten men in prison, and kept ... into the pit, and we would not have mercy on him. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that ... of your brethren be bound in
your prison house; but ... the man: and God Almighty give you mercy before the ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

A Successful Man of Affairs.
... of the keeper of the prison, so that the keeper of the ... all the prisoners who were
in the prison, and for ... They were completely at his mercy and he had abundant ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study vii a successful man.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... cast into prison, we are told "But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy,
and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison" (Gen.39:21 ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Story of Benjamin.
... soon came that they must go before the keeper; and they ... city, they said, and all
go to prison together rather ... Holding up his hands for mercy, he told the story ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

Book iii.
... not by any natural quality"but by the condescension of God, Who had mercy. ... Joseph
in Egypt was shut up in prison, and we next hear that the keeper of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... a gracious God I know, Of tender mercy, and to ... that were there: All were committed
unto Joseph's hand, And ... The prison-keeper took no care at all, Of ought that ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... "The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord ... They have opened prison doors, and set free the
servants of the Lord ... The Lord delights in mercy; and for the sake of a few who ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm