Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: God's Providence With

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: God's Providence With ►

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the narrative of Genesis, chapters 37-50. His life account is a profound testament to God's providence and sovereignty, illustrating how divine purposes are fulfilled through human events, even those marked by suffering and injustice.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Joseph was born into a family fraught with tension and favoritism. Jacob, his father, loved Joseph more than his other sons, as he was the son of his old age and the firstborn of his beloved wife, Rachel. This favoritism was symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave to Joseph, which incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers.

Dreams and Betrayal

Joseph's prophetic dreams further fueled his brothers' animosity. In one dream, Joseph saw sheaves of grain bowing to his sheaf, and in another, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him (Genesis 37:5-9). These dreams, indicating his future rise to prominence, were perceived as arrogance by his brothers.

Their jealousy culminated in a plot to kill Joseph, but Reuben, the eldest, intervened, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead. Eventually, Joseph was sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver and taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Life in Egypt: Trials and Triumphs

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 integrity and God's favor led to his promotion as overseer of Potiphar's house. However, Joseph's refusal to succumb to the advances of Potiphar's wife resulted in false accusations and imprisonment (Genesis 39:7-20).

Even in prison, God's providence was evident. Joseph found favor with the prison warden and was put in charge of all the prisoners (Genesis 39:21-23). His ability to interpret dreams came to the fore when he accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, predicting their respective fates (Genesis 40:5-22).

Rise to Power

Two years later, Pharaoh himself had troubling dreams that none could interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph, who was summoned to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph revealed that the dreams foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:14-30). Recognizing Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, tasking him with preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reunion and Reconciliation

The famine affected not only Egypt but also Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided. This led Joseph's brothers to Egypt to buy grain. Unrecognized by them, Joseph tested his brothers to see if they had changed. Eventually, he revealed his identity, expressing forgiveness and understanding of God's providential plan: "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 family was invited to settle in Egypt, in the land of Goshen, where they prospered under his protection (Genesis 47:11-12).

Legacy

Joseph's life is a powerful narrative of God's providence, demonstrating how God can use human actions, even those intended for harm, to accomplish His divine purposes. His account is a testament to faith, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of God's promises, serving as an enduring example of trust in God's sovereign plan.

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Genesis 39:2-5
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
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Psalm 105:17-22
He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
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Library

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... No doubt the loss of Joseph had taken away the one gentle and true son on whom ... looking
at gets no lighter or brighter tints from the demeanour of Jacob. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... The evidence brought before Jacob was sufficient to convince him; he said "It is
enough." Oh, that you also ... "Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

Recognition and Reconciliation
... 4. The second part of Joseph's address is occupied with his message to Jacob, and
shows ... haste, as indicating the impatient love of a long-absent son. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

Jacob and Esau
... and do my prophet no harm." And when a famine comes over the land, God has sent ... And
see the happy end of Jacob"" I shall see my son Joseph before I die ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/jacob and esau.htm

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... Jacob knew his son better, and trusted him more ... the mention of their relationship
into Jacob's mouth, and ... Joseph's answer is but the reiteration of his words ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... him; and said he would either bring his son back to ... as he was bidden, the sons of
Jacob, knowing nothing ... took Benjamin and brought him to Joseph, his brethren ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... appeared to him as he did to his father Jacob, or to ... himself is idealized as no other
patriarchal personality is"(Joseph) is the ideal son, the ideal ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Providence
... He was his darling son; he loved him better than all ... have happened at that particular
time, that Jacob should want ... How is it that Joseph interprets the dreams? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/providence.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." Thus it ... hands on Joseph's hands, placing
his arms on Joseph's arms. ... the bow for him, saying, "there, my son, in this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Chapter xlviii
... Who can blame Jacob for lapsing into reminiscences? ... to catch even a passing glimpse
of Joseph's face, and he ... by God's providence to be in his son's company and ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm