Topical Encyclopedia
The "Prayer of Joseph" is an ancient Jewish pseudepigraphal text, which is not included in the canonical Scriptures of the Bible. It is part of the broader collection of writings known as the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha. These texts, while not considered divinely inspired or authoritative in the same manner as the canonical books, provide historical and theological insights into Jewish thought and tradition during the Second Temple period.
Historical Context and AuthorshipThe "Prayer of Joseph" is believed to have been composed between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE. The exact authorship remains unknown, as is common with many pseudepigraphal works. The text is attributed to the patriarch Joseph, the son of Jacob, who is a significant figure in the Book of Genesis. Joseph is known for his unwavering faith in God, his ability to interpret dreams, and his rise to power in Egypt, which ultimately led to the preservation of the Israelites during a time of famine.
Content and ThemesThe "Prayer of Joseph" is primarily a narrative that presents Joseph as a figure of great spiritual insight and authority. The text is fragmentary, and much of its content is known only through references and quotations in other ancient writings. One of the central themes is the pre-existence of Joseph, a concept that aligns with certain Jewish mystical traditions. In this narrative, Joseph claims a heavenly origin and describes himself as an angelic being who descended to earth.
The text also emphasizes the themes of divine election and the special status of Israel. Joseph is portrayed as a mediator between God and humanity, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's covenantal relationship with the patriarchs and their descendants. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of Joseph as a man chosen by God to fulfill a specific purpose in the history of Israel.
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the "Prayer of Joseph" offers insight into Jewish beliefs about angels, pre-existence, and the nature of divine revelation. While these concepts are not explicitly detailed in the canonical Scriptures, they reflect the diverse theological landscape of Second Temple Judaism. The text underscores the belief in God's active involvement in the world and His communication with chosen individuals.
Relation to Canonical ScriptureIn the canonical Bible, Joseph is a model of faithfulness and integrity. His account, found in
Genesis 37-50, highlights themes of providence, forgiveness, and redemption. The "Prayer of Joseph," while not part of the biblical canon, complements these themes by exploring the spiritual dimensions of Joseph's character and his role in God's plan.
The Berean Standard Bible does not include the "Prayer of Joseph," as it is not part of the accepted biblical canon. However, the BSB provides a faithful translation of the canonical texts that recount Joseph's life and his significance in the history of Israel.
ConclusionThe "Prayer of Joseph" remains a fascinating piece of ancient literature that offers a glimpse into the theological and spiritual reflections of early Jewish communities. While not authoritative for doctrine, it enriches our understanding of the diverse beliefs and traditions that have shaped the faith of God's people throughout history.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Prayer of JosephPRAYER OF JOSEPH
See JOSEPH, PRAYER OF.
Library
Argument from the Prayer of Joseph, to Show that the Baptist May ...
... Book II. 25. Argument from the Prayer of Joseph, to Show that the Baptist
May Have Been an Angel Who Became a Man. As we are now ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/25 argument from the prayer.htm
The Early Life of St. Joseph
... [72] Joseph in his humility did not understand this, and gave himself up to continual
prayer, till he received the call to betake himself to Jerusalem to ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm
Dedicatory Prayer
... Dedicatory Prayer. MOST holy Mother of ... divine infancy? O great S. Joseph! Most
beloved spouse of the well-beloved Mother, ah! how often ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/dedicatory prayer.htm
Joseph Says: and Why do You Wonder that Jesus Has Risen? but it is ...
... Joseph, and Nicodemus, and Gamaliel, and others with them, and went away to Arimath??a,
and found those whom Joseph spoke of. They made prayer, therefore, and ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 1 17 joseph says .htm
Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... His Soul Was Sent from a Higher Region. 25. Argument from the Prayer of Joseph,
to Show that the Baptist May Have Been an Angel Who Became a Man. 26. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/
Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... of the high priest, Joseph now came, dressed in his best, to the Temple at Jerusalem.
He, too, had to hold a branch in his hand during the prayer and sacrifice ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm
The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus
... She Takes St. Joseph for Her Patron. Chapter VII. Lukewarmness. ... The Saint Ceases
Not to Pray. Prayer the Way to Recover What Is Lost. All Exhorted to Pray. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/
The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ...
... Joseph. ... She is a woman of great penance and prayer, and one to whom our Lord gave
many graces; and our Lady appeared to her, and commanded her to undertake ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxv the foundation of.htm
Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving
... "Dr. AJ Gordon describes the impression made upon his mind by intercourse with Joseph
Rabinowitz, whom Dr ... Prayer, praise and thanksgiving all go in company. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iv prayer praise and thanksgiving.htm
The Great Debt She Owed to Our Lord for his Mercy to Her. She ...
... Those who give themselves to prayer should in a special manner have always a devotion
to St. Joseph; for I know not how any man can think of the Queen of the ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter vi the great debt.htm
Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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