Topical Bible: Faith: Joseph, Concerning God's Providence in his Being Sold Into Egypt

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the narrative of Genesis, particularly in the context of divine providence and faith. His account, spanning Genesis 37 to 50, illustrates the intricate workings of God's sovereign plan, even amidst human treachery and suffering.

Background and Betrayal

Joseph was favored by his father Jacob, who gifted him a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as a "coat of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph's dreams that foretold his future ascendancy over his family (Genesis 37:5-11), incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers. Their animosity culminated in a plot to kill him, which was altered by Reuben's intervention, leading instead to Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:26-28).

Divine Providence in Egypt

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, "the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man" (Genesis 39:2). His faithfulness and integrity were evident as he rose to a position of trust in Potiphar's household. However, after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was imprisoned. Even in prison, "the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him" (Genesis 39:21), granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, became the catalyst for his rise to power. He accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, and later, Pharaoh's own dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:14-30). Recognizing the Spirit of God in Joseph, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reconciliation and Recognition of God's Plan

The famine that Joseph had predicted affected not only Egypt but also Canaan, where his family resided. This led his brothers to journey to Egypt in search of grain. Unbeknownst to them, they stood before Joseph, who recognized them but chose to conceal his identity initially. Through a series of tests, Joseph discerned the change in his brothers' hearts, particularly Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself for Benjamin (Genesis 44:33-34).

Joseph's eventual revelation to his brothers is a profound moment of forgiveness and acknowledgment of divine providence. He reassured them, saying, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5). Joseph's perspective on his suffering and subsequent rise to power underscores a deep faith in God's overarching plan: "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).

Theological Implications

Joseph's account is a testament to the belief in God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. His unwavering faith and integrity amidst trials serve as an exemplar for believers, illustrating that God's purposes transcend human intentions and that He is sovereign over all events. Joseph's life encourages trust in God's timing and His ability to bring about good from evil, reinforcing the biblical theme that God is always at work for the benefit of His people and the fulfillment of His divine will.

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Genesis 50:20
But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it to good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
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Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
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Library

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... let us cultivate the habit of looking behind men to God. ... 'By faith Joseph, when he ...
of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.' He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

The Providence of God
... be hard to see the acting of men's faith. ... the prophet, and give charge concerning
him that ... For instance, Joseph being sold into Egypt by his brethren was evil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... history is marvelously displayed to the eyes of faith. ... The Lord was not informing
Joseph concerning things that would come to pass, yet God so controlled ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Providence
... You know Reuben intended to fetch Joseph out of the ... born at Bethlehem, and our very
faith in the ... had some half-miracle to tell, concerning his own deliverance ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/providence.htm

Jesus and his Brethren
... near to Him now by an act of faith, and trust ... like as you are." Do not imagine,
concerning the Lord ... Last of all, Joseph was not satisfied with thus revealing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 43 1897/jesus and his brethren.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... indicated would seem to point to his faith in God. ... Jacob we have also the lessons
concerning Esau ... humiliation, sufferings and exaltation of Joseph correspond to ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... bow, and he did not lose that; his faith was his ... the mighty God of Jacob." First,
notice, concerning his strength, that ... there is no muscle; but of Joseph it is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

God's Providence
... begin to be lost in the vastness of your conceptions concerning the greatness ... "O!"
said Joseph, "not so ... he cannot change; and I feel a constancy of faith, and a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... Yet another remark concerning the council ... his purpose all the while: he was sending
Joseph before them ... his people: he burst out with an air of surprise, "Faith! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... many counsels concerning this world and concerning man, and ... by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ... just in time to prevent Joseph being murdered, for ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm