Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionEgypt holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the narrative of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The account of Joseph's journey to Egypt is a pivotal event that sets the stage for the later enslavement and eventual exodus of the Israelites. This entry explores the circumstances surrounding Joseph's sale into Egypt, his rise to power, and the implications for the nation of Israel. Joseph's Sale into Egypt The account of Joseph being sold into Egypt is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37 and 39-50. Joseph, favored by his father Jacob, was envied by his brothers, who plotted against him. Their jealousy was fueled by Joseph's dreams, which suggested that he would one day rule over them. In Genesis 37:28 , it is recorded: "So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." Joseph's Rise to Power Upon arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite facing false accusations and imprisonment, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams brought him to the attention of Pharaoh. In Genesis 41:39-40 , Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph's wisdom: "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.'" Joseph's rise to power was instrumental in saving Egypt and surrounding nations from a severe famine. His strategic management of resources not only preserved the Egyptian people but also provided a means for his own family to survive. The Arrival of Jacob's Family The famine that struck the region eventually brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of food. Unbeknownst to them, the brother they had sold into slavery was now the governor of the land. After a series of tests to discern their character, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. In Genesis 45:4-5 , Joseph reassures them: "Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come near me.' And they did so. 'I am Joseph, your brother,' he said, 'the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.'" Joseph's invitation to his family to settle in Egypt led to the migration of Jacob and his household, numbering seventy persons, to the land of Goshen. This move set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement, as described in the opening chapters of Exodus. Theological Implications The narrative of Joseph's sale into Egypt and his subsequent rise to power is rich with theological significance. It demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence, as He uses even the sinful actions of Joseph's brothers to fulfill His divine purposes. Joseph's account is a testament to God's ability to bring good out of evil, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Moreover, Joseph's experience in Egypt prefigures the later deliverance of the Israelites from bondage, highlighting themes of redemption and divine intervention. The account serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the survival and growth of the nation of Israel despite adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 37:28Then there passed by Midianites merchants; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 39:1 Library Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren Joseph and his Brethren The Mystery of the Lost Brother Joseph Attacked by the Archers Whether the Grace of God Precedes or Follows Our Good Will. The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors Chapter xxxvii Joseph, the Prime Minister Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. Psalm LXXXI. Resources What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org How many Israelites left Egypt in the exodus? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Egypt: A Small Stream Flowing Into the Mediterranean Sea Egypt: As a Power Was: Ambitious of Conquests Egypt: As a Power Was: Pompous Egypt: As a Power Was: Proud and Arrogant Egypt: As a Power Was: Treacherous Egypt: Called: House of Bondmen Egypt: Called: The Land of Ham Egypt: Celebrated For: Commerce Egypt: Celebrated For: Fertility Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Horses Egypt: Celebrated For: Fine Linen Egypt: Celebrated For: Literature Egypt: had Princes and Counsellors Egypt: Idolatry of, Followed by Israel Egypt: Inhabitants of Abhorred Shepherds Egypt: Inhabitants of Abhorred the Sacrifice of Oxen Egypt: Inhabitants of Hospitable Egypt: Inhabitants of Might be Received Into the Congregation in the Third Egypt: Inhabitants of not to be Abhorred by Israel Egypt: Inhabitants of Often Intermarried With Strangers Egypt: Inhabitants of Superstitious Egypt: Inundations of, Alluded To Egypt: Israel in Benjamin Brought Egypt: Israel in Date of the Exodus Egypt: Israel in Destruction of the First-Born Egypt: Israel in Egypt is Plagued for Pharaoh's Obstinacy Egypt: Israel in Israel Driven out of Egypt: Israel in Israel Increases and are Oppressed Egypt: Israel in Israel Placed in the Land of Goshen Egypt: Israel in Israel Spoils the Egyptians Egypt: Israel in Jacob Presented to Pharaoh Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Death and Burial Egypt: Israel in Jacob's Journey Egypt: Israel in Joseph Counsels Pharaoh Egypt: Israel in Joseph Enriches the King Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams Egypt: Israel in Joseph Interprets the Chief Baker's and the Chief Butler's Egypt: Israel in Joseph Made Governor Egypt: Israel in Joseph Makes Himself Known to his Brethren Egypt: Israel in Joseph Recognizes his Brethren Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sends for his Father Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sold Into Egypt: Israel in Joseph Unjustly Cast Into Prison Egypt: Israel in Joseph's Successful Provision Against the Years of Famine Egypt: Israel in Joseph's Ten Brethren Arrive Egypt: Israel in Male Children Destroyed Egypt: Israel in Moses Adopted and Brought up by Pharaoh's Daughter Egypt: Israel in Moses Born and Hid for Three Months Egypt: Israel in Moses Exposed on the Nile Egypt: Israel in Moses Flies to Midian Egypt: Israel in Moses Proves his Divine Mission by Miracles Egypt: Israel in Moses Sent to Pharaoh Egypt: Israel in Moses Slays an Egyptian Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Increases Their Affliction Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Invites Jacob Into Egypt: Israel in Pharaoh Pursues Israel and is Miraculously Destroyed Egypt: Israel in Potiphar Blessed for Joseph's Sake Egypt: Israel in The Passover Instituted Egypt: Israel in Their Sojourn in It, Foretold Egypt: Mode of Entertaining In Egypt: Often a Refuge to Strangers Egypt: Peopled by Mizraim's Posterity Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Allies to Share Its Misfortunes Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Armies Destroyed by Babylon Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Captivity of Its People Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Christ to be Called out of Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Civil War and Domestic Strife Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Conversion of Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Cities Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Idols Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Power Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Dismay of Its Inhabitants Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Ever to be a Base Kingdom Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Failure of Internal Resources Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Infatuation of Its Princes Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Invasion by Babylon Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Prophetic Illustration of Its Destruction Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Spoil of, a Reward to Babylon for Services Against Tyre Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Terror Occasioned by Its Fall Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: The Jews Who Practised Its Idolatry to Share Its Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: To be Numbered and Blessed Along With Israel Egypt: Prophecies Respecting: Utter Desolation of, for Forty Years Egypt: Religion of, Idolatrous Egypt: Ruled by Kings Who Assumed the Name of Pharaoh Egypt: Sometimes Visited by Famine Egypt: The Armies of Assistance of, Sought by Judah Against the Chaldees Egypt: The Armies of Besieged and Plundered Jerusalem in Rehoboam's Time Egypt: The Armies of Captured and Burned Gezer Egypt: The Armies of Deposed Jehoahaz and Made Judea Tributary Egypt: The Armies of Described Egypt: The Armies of Destroyed in the Red Sea Egypt: The Armies of Invaded Assyria and Killed Josiah Who Assisted It Egypt: The Country of: Abraham Lives In Egypt: The Country of: Armies of Egypt: The Country of: Army of Destroyed in the Red Sea Egypt: The Country of: Called Rahab Egypt: The Country of: Civil War In Egypt: The Country of: Exports of Egypt: The Country of: Famine In Egypt: The Country of: Fertility of Egypt: The Country of: Idols of Egypt: The Country of: Imports of Egypt: The Country of: Irrigation Employed In Egypt: The Country of: Joseph Takes Jesus To Egypt: The Country of: Land of Ham Egypt: The Country of: Limits of Egypt: The Country of: Magi of Egypt: The Country of: of Horses Egypt: The Country of: Overflowed by the Nile River Egypt: The Country of: Priests of Egypt: The Country of: Productions of Egypt: The Country of: Prophecies Against Egypt: The Country of: Symbolical Egypt: The Country of: The King Acquires Title to Land of Related Terms Chushanrishathaim (2 Occurrences) Chushan-rishathaim (2 Occurrences) |