Topical Bible: Children: Joseph

◄ Children: Joseph ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Joseph, a prominent figure in the Bible, is the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel. His life account, filled with trials and triumphs, is primarily recorded in the Book of Genesis. Joseph's narrative is a testament to God's providence, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of His promises.

Early Life:
Joseph was born in Paddan Aram, the favored son of Jacob, which led to tension and jealousy among his brothers. Jacob's preferential treatment of Joseph is symbolized by the "richly ornamented robe" (Genesis 37:3) he gave him. Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, further fueled his brothers' envy.

Betrayal and Slavery:
At the age of seventeen, Joseph's brothers conspired against him. They initially planned to kill him but ultimately sold him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). This act of betrayal set the stage for God's greater plan for Joseph's life.

Life in Egypt:
In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph found favor in Potiphar's eyes and was entrusted with the management of his household. However, Potiphar's wife falsely accused Joseph of misconduct, leading to his imprisonment (Genesis 39:20).

Rise to Power:
While in prison, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams came to the forefront. He accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually led to his introduction to Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as the second-in-command over Egypt, responsible for managing the land's resources during the years of famine (Genesis 41:41).

Reunion with His Family:
The famine affected not only Egypt but also Canaan, where Joseph's family resided. Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain, unknowingly setting the stage for a dramatic reunion with Joseph. After a series of tests to discern his brothers' character, Joseph revealed his identity to them, expressing forgiveness and understanding of God's purpose in their actions: "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).

Legacy:
Joseph's account is a powerful example of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. Through Joseph, God preserved the lineage of Israel, setting the stage for the future nation. Joseph's faithfulness, integrity, and forgiveness serve as enduring lessons for believers. His life exemplifies how God can use adversity to bring about His divine purposes and blessings.

References in the New Testament:
Joseph is mentioned in the New Testament as an ancestor of Jesus Christ, highlighting his significance in the lineage of the Messiah (Matthew 1:2). His account is also referenced in Acts 7:9-14, where Stephen recounts the history of Israel before the Sanhedrin.

Conclusion:
Joseph's life is a testament to God's providential care and the power of forgiveness. His journey from favored son to a slave, and ultimately to a ruler in Egypt, illustrates the unfolding of God's plan and the importance of trusting in His timing and purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 45:9-13
Haste you, and go up to my father, and say to him, Thus said your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt: come down to me, tarry not:
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 46:29
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself to him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 47:11,12
And Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 48:12
And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 50:1-13
And Joseph fell on his father's face, and wept on him, and kissed him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Then said Jacob their father: Ye have made me without children. Joseph is gone and
lost, Simeon is bounden in prison, and Benjamin ye will take away from me ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Testing of Joseph's Brothers
... to one another with the question, "What is this that God has done to us?" Jacob
their father said to them, "You have robbed me of my children: Joseph is no ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the testing of josephs brothers.htm

Nicodemus Says: O Children of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem...
... therefore, they wrote to him a letter to the following effect:"O father Joseph,
peace be ... On account of this, we entreat thee to come here to us thy children. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 15 nicodemus says o.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph
is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Joseph's Loyalty to his Family
... Joseph also provided food for his father and his brothers and all his father's
family according to the number of the little children. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs loyalty to his family.htm

Joseph's Forgiveness of his Brothers
... "Go up quickly to my father and say to him, 'Your son Joseph says: God ... shall live
in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me with your children and your ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs forgiveness of his brothers.htm

The Early Life of St. Joseph
... They tended little gardens near their dwellings and taught the children of other
Essenes. Little Joseph went to visit these women, and I often used to see him ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... When he was about to die he called his sons and his brethren together, and said
to them: My children and brethren, hearken to Joseph the beloved of Israel ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Joseph's Eagerness to Help Others
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE OLD TESTAMENT JOSEPH'S EAGERNESS TO
HELP OTHERS. Joseph was taken down to Egypt, and Potiphar ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs eagerness to help others.htm

The Children were Delighted with the Story, and Made Many Amusing ...
... to Diamond's father, but for which he had reasons"-namely, that Joseph should have ...
hospital, and provide for her as one of his own children, neither better ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 29 the children were.htm