Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, holds a significant place in biblical history, not only as an individual but also as a representative of the ten tribes of Israel. The tribes of Israel are often collectively referred to as "Joseph" due to the prominence of his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were adopted by Jacob and given a special blessing. This entry explores the biblical and historical context of Joseph as a designation for the ten tribes of Israel.

Biblical Background

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the Book of Genesis. His account, marked by betrayal, slavery, and eventual rise to power in Egypt, is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness. Joseph's life is detailed in Genesis chapters 37-50, where his journey from favored son to Egyptian vizier unfolds.

Jacob's special affection for Joseph is evident in Genesis 37:3, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." This favoritism, however, led to jealousy and strife among his brothers, culminating in Joseph's sale into slavery.

Despite his trials, Joseph's faithfulness to God and his ability to interpret dreams eventually led to his elevation in Egypt, where he saved the nation from famine. His reconciliation with his brothers and the subsequent migration of Jacob's family to Egypt set the stage for the future formation of the tribes of Israel.

Ephraim and Manasseh

Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were born in Egypt to his wife Asenath. In Genesis 48, Jacob adopts them as his own, effectively granting Joseph a double portion of inheritance. Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh is significant: "But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, although Manasseh was the firstborn" (Genesis 48:14). This act established Ephraim as the leading tribe, despite being the younger son.

The Ten Tribes of Israel

The designation of "Joseph" for the ten tribes of Israel arises from the prominence of Ephraim and Manasseh among the northern tribes. After the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign, the northern kingdom, often referred to as Israel, consisted of ten tribes. These tribes were distinct from the southern kingdom of Judah, which included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.

The prophet Hosea frequently uses "Ephraim" as a synonym for the northern kingdom, highlighting its leading role among the ten tribes. For instance, Hosea 11:8 states, "How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel?" This usage underscores the centrality of Joseph's lineage in the identity of the northern tribes.

Historical and Theological Significance

The ten tribes, collectively known as "Joseph" or "Ephraim," played a crucial role in the history of Israel. Their eventual exile by the Assyrians in 722 BC marked a significant turning point, leading to their dispersion and the enduring mystery of the "lost tribes of Israel."

Theologically, the account of Joseph and his descendants serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. Joseph's rise from slavery to leadership foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who brings reconciliation and restoration to His people.

In summary, Joseph's legacy extends beyond his personal narrative to encompass the identity and destiny of the ten tribes of Israel. Through Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's influence is woven into the fabric of Israel's history, symbolizing both the blessings and challenges faced by God's chosen people.Amos 5:6
Seek the LORD, and you shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel.
Nave's Topical Index

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
... Joseph, to whose damage, according to ver.18, this ... the whole mass of the ten tribes,
carried away ... known, is mentioned as a particularizing designation of the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophecy of obadiah.htm

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
... as is evidently shown by the designation "Son of God ... circumstances which are mentioned,
viz., that Joseph had the ... the sons of Israel, the ten tribes, unless the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the quotation in matt ii.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... and in 2 Samuel 5:2, when the ten tribes acknowledged [Pg ... Joseph, according to Genesis
46:31, goes up to ... the lioness," but only the poetical designation of the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... understood as speaking of the ten tribes, he speaks of Joseph and Samaria. ... vii.9,
16), which were quite uncommon as a designation of the ten tribes,[3] [Pg ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ...
... some of the descendants of the ten tribes, whether mixed ... associations of Abraham,
Jacob, and Joseph, which became ... terms casts light on the designation of the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in judaea and.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... Sch??ttgen conjectures that the Talmudic designation of heels ... second Messiah, the
son of Joseph]; My Righteousness ... being understood of the ten tribes, who had ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

The Apocalypse.
... [1271] The official designation of the ... 1559), Bullinger (1557), David Pareus (1618),
Joseph Mede (the ... which destroyed the kingdom of the ten tribes, and then ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... gives Joseph Christ's body, 615, 616. Pollio, i.128. ... Samaritans, meaning of the
designation in Jewish writings, i.399, 400; ... Ten Tribes, seat of, i.14, 15; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... curious passage dominion is ascribed to ten kings,' the ... objection, that the account
of Joseph and Mary's ... marriage is inconsistent with the designation of Mary ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

The Alleged Discrepancy in the Gospels in Regard to the Genealogy ...
... was the real son of Joseph, and therefore Joseph's lineage was ... The Greek, as we have
it, runs: kai ten prokeimenen genealogian ?k te ... designation, Paraleipomenon ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii the alleged discrepancy in.htm

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