Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Sons Jointly Called Joseph

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Sons Jointly Called Joseph ►

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history. His life, marked by trials and triumphs, is detailed primarily in the Book of Genesis. Joseph's account is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness, as well as a foreshadowing of redemption and deliverance.

Background and Early Life

Joseph was born to Jacob in Paddan Aram, during Jacob's service to Laban. As Rachel's firstborn, Joseph was particularly cherished by Jacob, who favored him over his brothers. This favoritism was symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3), which incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers.

Dreams and Betrayal

Joseph's prophetic dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, 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 were perceived as arrogant assertions of superiority, leading his brothers to conspire against him.

Ultimately, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt. Despite this betrayal, God's hand remained upon him, guiding his journey and preparing him for a greater purpose.

Rise to Power in Egypt

In Egypt, Joseph's integrity and God's favor enabled him to rise from a slave to the overseer of Potiphar's household. However, after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph's leadership and ability to interpret dreams brought him to the attention of Pharaoh.

Interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reunion and Reconciliation

The famine eventually brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of grain. Unrecognized by them, Joseph tested their character and ultimately revealed his identity. In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Joseph forgave his brothers, acknowledging God's sovereignty in using their actions for good: "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).

Joseph's Sons: Ephraim and Manasseh

Joseph married Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, and had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Before Jacob's death, he blessed Joseph's sons, adopting them as his own and granting them an inheritance among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5-6). This act effectively elevated Joseph's lineage, as Ephraim and Manasseh were counted among the tribes, often collectively referred to as "Joseph."

Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh was significant, as he placed Ephraim, the younger, before Manasseh, the elder, indicating a reversal of the traditional birthright. This blessing foreshadowed the prominence of the tribe of Ephraim in the history of Israel.

Legacy

Joseph's life is a profound narrative of faith, resilience, and divine providence. His account illustrates the themes of suffering, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Through Joseph, God preserved the lineage of Israel, setting the stage for the eventual emergence of the nation and the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 33:13-17
And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,
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Library

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... he was, God said, "No, sure; it is not just that thou, Jacob, shouldst be ... preserved
by my providence; and it was I who conducted Joseph, thy son, whom thou ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... after the events of chapter 34, and Joseph was only ... It hardly seems likely that this
son's birth is contrasted ... sons in that he was born after Jacob became free ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Book iv. The Earlier Books of this Treatise, Written Some Time Ago ...
... recognised as the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. ... of God; but God Who
is Himself the Son of God ... the Angel of God, and the prayer for Joseph is that ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book iv the earlier books.htm

The First Delegated General Conference of 1812
... Burch, Christopher Frye, Enoch George, Jacob Gruber, Hamilton ... Henry Smith, James
Smith, Nicholas Snethen, Joseph Toy, Joshua ... the Father, and of the Son, and of ...
/.../chapter 1 the first delegated.htm

Chronology of the Life of Christ.
... that it was better to be Herod's swine than his son." [109] The ... the star that was
to rise out of Jacob" (Num.24 ... can be drawn from the journey of Joseph and Mary ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 16 chronology of the.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... Boyer, Samuel Dudley, William Cannan, Joseph Wyatt, Michael ... the ministry, and I believe
one grand son. ... of February, 1790, three preachers, Jacob Brush, George ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

Christian Behavior
... And as Jacob said concerning the cruelty of his two ... to allude to that of Solomon,
'My son, keep thy ... obedient children; yea, of Christ himself to Joseph and Mary ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Joseph Belcher ... At another time, to wit, when Jacob had that memorable visit from
God, in which ... Holy Ghost, who also is one with the Father and the Son, come to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... doth not see, neither doth the God of Jacob regard it ... Joseph's brethren did freely
purpose to slay Joseph; but they ... am not worthy to be called thy son; make me ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... from the death of Melancthon, the celebrated Joseph Mede published ... great, and shall
be called the Son of the ... shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm