Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the narrative of Genesis, particularly in the account of his rise to power in Egypt and his role in averting a catastrophic famine. His account is a testament to divine providence, wisdom, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Background and Rise to Power

Joseph's journey from favored son to Egyptian vizier is marked by trials and divine favor. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph eventually finds himself in Egypt, where he rises to prominence due to his ability to interpret dreams—a gift attributed to God. His interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine, is pivotal to his ascent. As recorded in Genesis 41:39-40 , Pharaoh acknowledges Joseph's divine insight: "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.'"

Preparation for the Famine

Joseph's strategic foresight and administrative acumen are evident in his preparation for the impending famine. He implements a plan to store surplus grain during the seven years of plenty, ensuring that Egypt would not only survive the famine but also become a source of sustenance for surrounding nations. Genesis 41:48-49 describes this effort: "During the seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. So Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. Joseph stored up grain in such abundance—like the sand of the sea—that he stopped keeping track, because it was beyond measure."

Impact and Legacy

The famine, as predicted, strikes with severity, affecting not only Egypt but also the broader region, including Canaan, where Joseph's family resides. Joseph's prudent management ensures that Egypt becomes a center of relief, drawing people from various lands to buy grain. This period of crisis becomes a divine instrument for reuniting Joseph with his estranged family, as his brothers come to Egypt seeking food. In a profound moment of reconciliation and divine purpose, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, affirming God's sovereign plan in Genesis 45:5-7 : "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

Joseph's actions not only preserve the lineage of Israel but also exemplify the virtues of faithfulness, forgiveness, and stewardship. His life serves as a powerful narrative of God's providential care and the fulfillment of His promises through human agency.Genesis 41:46-57
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxvi
... by his own sons in the case of the sale of Joseph and the ... her elder son, were told
to Rebekah, and she sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... Lion," [791]491; under our sins figured by Jacob, [792]492 ... a sin, [1149]244; easy
to talk against, [1150]348 ... space of, between the Father and the Son, [1159]371. ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

part ii
... from the earth is tried, and purified seven times in ... Forgive them that trespass against
you with joy, as a ... Father over His lost and found prodigal son is so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.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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