Topical Bible: Servant: Joseph

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Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, known for his unwavering faithfulness and integrity as a servant of God. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. Joseph's life exemplifies the virtues of humility, perseverance, and divine providence, making him a model servant in the biblical tradition.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. This favoritism is evident in Genesis 37:3, where it is noted, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." This preferential treatment led to jealousy and animosity among his brothers.

Dreams and Betrayal

Joseph's early life was marked by prophetic dreams, which he shared with his family. In one dream, he saw his brothers' sheaves of grain bowing down to his sheaf, and in another, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him (Genesis 37:5-9). These dreams, indicating his future rise to prominence, fueled his brothers' envy, leading them to conspire against him. They sold Joseph into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Servitude in Egypt

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph served diligently, and the Lord was with him, causing all he did to prosper. Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant."

Joseph's integrity was further tested when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of impropriety, leading to his imprisonment (Genesis 39:20). Even in prison, Joseph remained faithful, and the Lord continued to bless him, granting him favor with the prison warden (Genesis 39:21-23).

Rise to Power

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams became his pathway to freedom and prominence. He accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while in prison (Genesis 40). Later, when Pharaoh himself was troubled by dreams, Joseph was summoned to interpret them. He revealed that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30).

Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, saying, "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" (Genesis 41:40).

Reconciliation and Legacy

During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking food, not recognizing him. Joseph tested their character and eventually revealed his identity, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation. He assured them of God's providential plan, saying, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph's life as a servant of God is a testament to divine sovereignty and faithfulness. His account illustrates how God can use even the most adverse circumstances to fulfill His purposes and bring about redemption. Joseph's legacy as a servant leader continues to inspire believers to trust in God's plan and remain faithful in all circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 37:26-28,36
And Judah said to his brothers, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
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Library

Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint.
... THE OLD TESTAMENT CHAPTER VII. JOSEPH, A SERVANT, A PRISONER, AND A SAINT.
The king of Egypt, where Joseph was taken by the Ishmaelites ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter vii joseph a servant.htm

Joseph's Forgiveness of his Brothers
... he also with whom the cup was found are my lord's slaves." But Joseph said, "Far ...
Then Judah came close to him and said, "Oh, my lord, let your servant, I beg ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/josephs forgiveness of his brothers.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... But presently a troop of horsemen encompassed them, and brought with them
Joseph's servant, who had put the cup into Benjamin's sack. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

What Things Befell Joseph in Prison.
... 3. But another servant there was of the king, who had been chief baker, and was
now bound in prison with the cupbearer; he also was in good hope, upon Joseph's ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 what things befell.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner
did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

How the Love of God Has Dominion Over Other Loves.
... Ismael was not co-heir with Isaac his younger brother, Esau was appointed to be
his younger brother's servant, Joseph was adored, not only by his brothers, but ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vi how the love.htm

To the Rev. Joseph Jowett
... Joseph Jowett. ... A convoy starts for Andalusia on the 13th, and I intend to avail myself
of it so far as to send therewith my servant Antonio with the horses and ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev joseph jowett 2.htm

Now Joseph was a Carpenter, and Used to Make Nothing Else of Wood ...
... long. And Joseph commanded his servant [1683] to cut the wood with an
iron saw, according to the measure which he had sent. But ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 37 now joseph was.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... We beseech thee that thou wilt forgive to thy father, servant of God, this wickedness.
Which when Joseph heard he wept bitterly, and his brethren came to him ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

Marriage Does not Cancel a Mutual Vow of Continence; There was ...
... could not surely have both been His parents, of that form of a servant, if they ... had
to be extended, as it is in fact, [2105] down rather to Joseph's name, that ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 xi marriage does not.htm