Topical Bible: Joseph: A Returned Exile

◄ Joseph: A Returned Exile ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph, a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, is mentioned in the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian captivity. This Joseph is distinct from other biblical figures bearing the same name, such as Joseph, the son of Jacob, and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. His role is primarily associated with the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Historical Context

The return from exile occurred after the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This period is documented in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the challenges and triumphs faced by the returning exiles as they sought to reestablish their religious and communal life.

Biblical References

Joseph is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, which provides a detailed account of the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the city. In Nehemiah 12:14, Joseph is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The verse states: "of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph" . This listing indicates Joseph's priestly lineage and his involvement in the religious leadership during this critical period of restoration.

Role and Significance

As a priest, Joseph would have played a crucial role in the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. The priests were responsible for maintaining the temple services, teaching the Law, and guiding the community in worship and obedience to God. Joseph's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of maintaining the continuity of the priestly line, which was essential for the proper functioning of the temple and the religious life of the nation.

The return from exile was not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual reawakening. The priests, including Joseph, were instrumental in leading the people back to a covenantal relationship with God. This period saw the reestablishment of the sacrificial system, the observance of the feasts, and the public reading of the Law, as described in Nehemiah 8.

Challenges Faced

The returned exiles, including Joseph, faced numerous challenges. They encountered opposition from surrounding peoples, internal strife, and the daunting task of rebuilding a city that lay in ruins. Despite these obstacles, the leadership of figures like Nehemiah, Ezra, and the priests ensured the successful restoration of Jerusalem and the temple.

Legacy

Joseph's legacy, as part of the priestly contingent that returned from exile, is a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and His promises. The restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem set the stage for the coming of the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies and promises made to the patriarchs and the nation of Israel.

In summary, Joseph, a returned exile, represents the continuity of God's covenantal faithfulness through the priestly line and the spiritual renewal of His people during a pivotal moment in Israel's history. His role, though briefly mentioned, is integral to the narrative of restoration and hope that characterizes the post-exilic period.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 10:42
Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

S. Joseph of the Studium.
... opens with its most voluminous writer, S. Joseph of the ... and having obtained his liberty,
and returned to the ... then of Photius, whom he accompanied into exile. ...
/.../neale/hymns of the eastern church/s joseph of the studium.htm

Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
... Herod died during this brief exile, and yet his ... the intelligence had not meanwhile
reached Joseph by the ... the presentation in the temple, "returned into the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/supplementary note to chapter ii.htm

The Woman of Samaria.
... a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to
his son Joseph: and Jacob's ... When the Jews returned from exile and began ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/ix the woman of samaria.htm

The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
... of him, as she had been of Joseph, Salome denounced ... the son of Doris, was recalled
from exile, and sent ... But Antipater now returned to Plaestine, and joined his ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the personal history.htm

Prologue: the Parentage and Birth of Marie Francoise Therese ...
... Louis Joseph Stanislaus Martin was the pilgrim's name ... He set out for home"for exile
he would have said ... God wanted her in the world, and so she returned to her ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/prologue the parentage & birth.htm

Prologue: the Parentage and Birth of Marie Fran??oise Therese ...
... Louis Joseph Stanislaus Martin was the pilgrim's name ... He set out for home"for exile
he would have said ... God wanted her in the world, and so she returned to her ...
/.../therese/story of a soul/prologue the parentage & birth.htm

The Congregationalists.
... Comp. Reply to the above, by Joseph B. Felt. ... After suffering persecution and exile
(he was imprisoned about thirty times), he returned to the ...
/.../ 101 the congregationalists.htm

Of Mavia, Queen of the Saracens, and the Ordination of Moses the ...
... of the right worthy faith Moses returned to the ... it is used of the appointment of
Joseph as governor ... Lucius with condemning the orthodox to exile, beasts, and ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xx of mavia queen of.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... the keys to Simon, and ascended and returned to Him ... Pharaoh by the mouth of the
persecuted Joseph; and the ... Jacob was persecuted, and fled and became an exile. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Home Occupations and Travels in England and Wales.
... again meet thine in this land of exile, I should ... so closely united in this long journey,
and returned to Burton ... in the gospel labors of his friend Joseph Wood ...
/.../chapter x home occupations and.htm