Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob was a Prophet

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life account, marked by trials and triumphs, is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Joseph is often regarded as a prophet due to his God-given ability to interpret dreams and his role in the unfolding of God's plan for the Israelites.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Joseph was born in Paddan Aram, the favored son of Jacob, which led to tension and jealousy among his brothers. Jacob's preferential treatment of Joseph, symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3), exacerbated these tensions. Joseph's early dreams, which he shared with his family, further fueled their 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 prophetic, foreshadowing his future rise to power and the eventual submission of his family.

Betrayal and Rise to Power

Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy, sold him into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Despite this betrayal, God's favor remained with Joseph. In Egypt, he served in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, where he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams came to the forefront. He accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually led to his introduction to Pharaoh (Genesis 40:5-23).

Pharaoh's own dreams, which troubled him deeply, were interpreted by Joseph as a divine revelation of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Recognizing Joseph's wisdom and the Spirit of God within him, Pharaoh appointed him as the second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Role as a Prophet

Joseph's prophetic role is evident in his ability to interpret dreams, a gift attributed to divine revelation. His interpretations were not mere predictions but were integral to God's plan for the preservation of Jacob's family and the future nation of Israel. Joseph's insight and leadership during the famine not only saved Egypt but also provided a refuge for his family, who came to Egypt seeking sustenance (Genesis 42:1-3).

Reconciliation and Legacy

The narrative of Joseph culminates in a powerful account of reconciliation. When his brothers came to Egypt, Joseph initially concealed his identity, testing their character and repentance. Eventually, he revealed himself, forgiving them and attributing their actions to God's sovereign plan: "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 life is a profound example of faith, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. His account is a precursor to the Exodus, setting the stage for the Israelites' eventual departure from Egypt. Joseph's bones, as per his request, were carried out of Egypt during the Exodus, symbolizing the enduring hope of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19).

Significance in Biblical Theology

Joseph's narrative is rich with theological themes, including divine providence, redemption, and the sovereignty of God. His life exemplifies how God can use human actions, even those intended for harm, to bring about His divine purposes. Joseph's account is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of trusting in His plan, even amidst adversity.

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Genesis 41:38,39
And Pharaoh said to his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
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Genesis 50:25
And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from hence.
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Exodus 13:19
And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straightly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and you shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
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Library

Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ...
... Joseph, therefore, is by nature the son of Jacob, of the ... wisdom, the maiden is given
in marriage to Joseph by the ... that He was fashioned, and to the Son of God ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiv concerning our lords genealogy.htm

Joseph --The Savior of his People.
... "It is enough: Joseph my son is yet ... When Jacob was near his end, Joseph brought his
two little sons ... Jacob was an hundred and forty-seven years old when he died ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter viii josephthe savior of.htm

Jesus at the Well.
... greatness of the stranger. It was from Joseph, the son of Jacob, that
the Samaritans claimed descent. Jesus spoke of giving ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus at the well.htm

Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists?
... son, but by law was accounted the son of Heli ... Wherefore Matthew says "Jacob begot
Joseph": whereas Luke, who ... Blessed Virgin Mary was connected with Joseph in as ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs genealogy is suitably.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... Nephi, the son of Lehi, who was also a prophet, and their pilot, or leader, in the ...
"Lehi had six sons, Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, Sam, Jacob, and Joseph. ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob'
... of poetry in the Bible"the dying Jacob's prophetic blessing ... Judah the ancestor of
the royal tribe, and Joseph. ... of these two, the blessing on the 'son who was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hands of the mighty.htm

At Jacob's Well.
... of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph: and Jacob's ... Art thou greater than our
father Jacob, who gave us the ... him, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/at jacobs well.htm

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise...
... [192] And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she ... [41] [225] And Joseph and
his ... it is strictly parallel in construction, reads thus: "Jacob begat Joseph ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ii the birth of.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... Joseph, the much-loved son of Jacob, who in an earlier age of the Church, was a
type of Christ in His kingdom, was in power and favour eighty years ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
... O thou Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a ... Son but the Father, nor
the Father but the Son. Jacob endured, Moses meditated"and David wrought. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvi the shepherd of.htm