Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis. His life is a testament to unwavering integrity and faithfulness to God, even amidst severe trials and temptations. Joseph's account, primarily found in Genesis chapters 37-50, illustrates his moral fortitude and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Betrayal

Joseph's integrity is first tested by his own family. Favored by his father Jacob, Joseph receives a richly ornamented robe, which incites jealousy among his brothers (Genesis 37:3-4). Despite their animosity, Joseph remains honest and dutiful, even when sharing his dreams that foretold his future prominence (Genesis 37:5-11). His brothers' jealousy culminates in their betrayal, as they sell him into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Throughout this ordeal, Joseph maintains his integrity, trusting in God's providence.

Integrity in Potiphar's House

In Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The Lord blesses Joseph, and he prospers in Potiphar's house, eventually being put in charge of all that Potiphar owns (Genesis 39:2-4). Joseph's integrity is severely tested when Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce him. Joseph refuses her advances, declaring, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His commitment to righteousness leads to false accusations and imprisonment, yet Joseph remains faithful to God.

Integrity in Prison

Even in prison, Joseph's integrity shines. The Lord is with him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden, who entrusts Joseph with responsibility over all the prisoners (Genesis 39:21-23). Joseph's character and trustworthiness are evident as he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, accurately predicting their futures (Genesis 40:5-22). Despite being forgotten by the cupbearer for two years, Joseph continues to trust in God's timing.

Integrity in Leadership

Joseph's integrity ultimately leads to his rise to power. When Pharaoh is troubled by dreams, Joseph is remembered and brought before him. Acknowledging God as the source of his wisdom, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and advises him on how to prepare for the coming famine (Genesis 41:16, 25-36). Impressed by Joseph's discernment and integrity, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41).

During the years of abundance and famine, Joseph administers Egypt's resources with wisdom and fairness. His integrity is further demonstrated when his brothers come to Egypt seeking food. Joseph tests their character but ultimately reveals his identity, forgiving them and attributing their actions to God's greater plan for the preservation of life (Genesis 45:4-8).

Legacy of Integrity

Joseph's life is a profound example of integrity rooted in faith. His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in the face of betrayal, temptation, and injustice, serves as a model for believers. Joseph's account underscores the belief that God honors and blesses those who remain faithful to Him, regardless of their circumstances.Genesis 39:7-12
And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Nave's Topical Index

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

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogical Difficulty and Insists that ...
... Then he accuses Jacob of there being a daily quarrel among ... In this way, by the marriage
of Joseph's daughter in the ... of a virgin, does not make the Son of God ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogical.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... In Jacob's blessing on his sons and in Joseph's prophecy ... Isaac is an only son, is
offered in sacrifice, has ... But Joseph is perhaps more highly figurative of the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... and their old father were afraid; And to his sons afflicted Jacob said, You of ... his
eyes, He rais'd himself, and said, It doth suffice; Joseph my son is yet ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... For the present, no matter how strongly Jacob's sons may ... over their treatment of
their brother Joseph and over ... right neither for Judah nor for his son to have ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... of God, to have his own Son as a ... The arguments for this malignity were, Joseph's
accusation, by ... his brethren, the peculiar regard which Jacob entertained for ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... Tamar, as he was also the Son of David ... to will his murder: these were"Joseph's
accusation, by ... his brethren, the peculiar affection which Jacob cherished for ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... Owing to Jacob's partiality for Joseph his brethren "hated him ... we are told "But the
LORD was with Joseph, and showed ... A certain Levite had a son born to him who ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The First Commandment
... objects to set his heart upon, and says as Jacob, The Lord ... Joseph's imprisonment
was a means for his advancement ... If thy brother, or thy son, or the wife of thy ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... the principal; and if both Father and Son freely offer ... down with Abraham, and Isaac,
and Jacob, in the ... Noah enjoying the end of his singularity; Joseph of his ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

Who was Joseph of Arimathea? | GotQuestions.org

What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.org

Where was Joseph when Jesus was an adult? | GotQuestions.org

Joseph: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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