Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: Kindness of Heart

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: Kindness of Heart ►

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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 the virtues of forgiveness, compassion, and kindness, even in the face of adversity and betrayal. Joseph's account unfolds primarily in Genesis chapters 37-50, where his journey from favored son to a powerful leader in Egypt is detailed.

Joseph's kindness of heart is first evident in his relationship with his brothers. Despite being sold into slavery by them out of jealousy (Genesis 37:28), Joseph harbors no lasting resentment. When he rises to power in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, he encounters his brothers again during a severe famine. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph chooses a path of reconciliation and forgiveness. In Genesis 45:4-5 , Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, saying, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 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."

Joseph's ability to see God's providence in his suffering exemplifies his gracious spirit. He recognizes that his trials were part of a divine plan to preserve his family and many others during the famine. This perspective allows him to extend grace and mercy to those who wronged him, demonstrating a profound kindness of heart.

Furthermore, Joseph's kindness is evident in his dealings with the Egyptian people during the famine. As the administrator of Egypt's grain supplies, Joseph implements a plan to store surplus grain during the years of abundance, ensuring that the nation and surrounding regions have sustenance during the years of scarcity (Genesis 41:48-49). His wise and compassionate leadership not only saves countless lives but also strengthens Egypt's position in the ancient world.

Joseph's kindness is also reflected in his relationship with his father, Jacob. After revealing himself to his brothers, Joseph arranges for his entire family to move to Egypt, providing them with the best land in Goshen (Genesis 47:11). He ensures that his father spends his final years in comfort and peace, surrounded by his family.

In his final act of kindness, Joseph reassures his brothers after Jacob's death. Fearing retribution, they plead for forgiveness. Joseph responds with compassion, saying in Genesis 50:19-21 , "Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. So then, do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones." This declaration underscores Joseph's enduring kindness and his unwavering trust in God's sovereignty.

Joseph's life is a powerful example of how kindness, rooted in faith and forgiveness, can transform relationships and bring about God's purposes. His account continues to inspire believers to emulate his virtues, trusting in God's plan and extending grace to others.

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Genesis 40:7,8
And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Why look you so sadly to day?
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Library

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... to them: My children and brethren, hearken to Joseph the beloved ... we have learnt that
thou art the son of a ... beauty, because I was like in all things to Jacob. ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... "It is enough: Joseph my son is yet ... At Beersheba Jacob stopped and worshiped God,
where his father had built an altar years before; and God told him in the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

The Story of Joseph
... But Jacob would not hear of parting with his youngest son. Had he not lost
two sons already, first his beloved Joseph, and now Simeon? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/joseph the dreamer/the story of joseph.htm

Recognition and Reconciliation
... The wisest pardoning kindness seeks the assurance of sorrow and change in the offender ...
The message to Jacob is sent from 'thy son Joseph,' in token that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.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 ... their hearts were as untouched by Joseph's years of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their
father revived: and Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

A Man Expects to Reap the Same Kind as He Sows.
... One morning Joseph, in the innocence of his heart, tells a dream in which ... Jacob found
that out. ... heart when he said, "Oh, my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter iv a man expects.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

The Story of Benjamin.
... Jacob was glad to see them again, but he would not ... to let them have Benjamin, for
he said that Joseph was once ... the same fate would befall the other son of his ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... and pasturage, was the large family of Jacob"his sons ... His successor cared neither
for Joseph nor his countrymen ... His son, Amon, became the sovereign under the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm