Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the Genesis narrative. His life is marked by a series of dramatic events, including his rise from slavery to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. One significant aspect of Joseph's life is his marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On.

Background and Context

Joseph's journey to Egypt began with his brothers' betrayal, selling him into slavery due to their jealousy of his favored status with their father, Jacob, and his prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:3-11). After being sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, Joseph's integrity and God's favor led him to become overseer of Potiphar's house. However, a false accusation by Potiphar's wife resulted in Joseph's imprisonment (Genesis 39).

While in prison, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams brought him to the attention of Pharaoh, who was troubled by his own dreams. Joseph, attributing his gift to God, interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as a divine warning of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:14-32). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as governor over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:39-41).

Marriage to Asenath

As part of his new status, Pharaoh gave Joseph a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:45). On, also known as Heliopolis, was a major center of worship for the sun god Ra in ancient Egypt. The marriage to Asenath symbolized Joseph's integration into Egyptian society and his acceptance by the Egyptian elite.

The union between Joseph and Asenath produced two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh, meaning "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house," and his second son Ephraim, meaning "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction" (Genesis 41:51-52). These names reflect Joseph's journey from suffering to prosperity and his acknowledgment of God's providence in his life.

Significance

Joseph's marriage to Asenath is significant for several reasons. It highlights the cultural and religious integration that Joseph experienced in Egypt, serving as a bridge between his Hebrew heritage and his Egyptian environment. Despite his high position and marriage into a prominent Egyptian family, Joseph remained faithful to the God of his fathers, as evidenced by his continued reliance on God for wisdom and guidance.

Furthermore, the marriage and subsequent birth of Manasseh and Ephraim have lasting implications for the tribes of Israel. Jacob later adopts Joseph's sons as his own, granting them inheritance rights alongside his other sons (Genesis 48:5-6). This act effectively elevates Joseph's line to a double portion among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promise of blessing and multiplication.

Joseph's account, including his marriage to Asenath, serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness, demonstrating how God can use even the most unlikely circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes.Genesis 41:45
And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

The Book of Jubilees
... in Genesis 44:15, mentioned above, is intended to secure Joseph from the ... for Esau
and learns to regard Jacob as his true son and heir; so Jacob in late ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.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

Index i. Of Subjects
... Christ at Jacob's Well at Sychar: the teaching of the woman, 395-420; ... Joseph, brother
of Herod, i.124. ... Joshua, son of Gamla, establishes schools, i.231. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Esau inquired, "Who are those with thee?" Jacob replied, "The ... as did Rachel, the
mother of Joseph, and Mary ... that is the life you fondly picture for your son. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... Eucherius, son of Stilicho, [3152]421; death, [3153]422. ... Jacob, predicted coming
of Christ, [3457]239. ... Joseph, husband of Mary, [3485]343. ...
/.../general index to sozomens ecclesiastical.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... shew me then in the same way that Joshua the son of Nun had ... by them are reckoned
the years of [4380] Jacob's service, [4381] the price of Joseph, and [4382 ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Joseph and his brothers? | GotQuestions.org

How long was Joseph in prison? | GotQuestions.org

Joseph: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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