Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sends for his Father

◄ Egypt: Israel in Joseph Sends for his Father ►

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In the narrative of Joseph, Egypt serves as a pivotal setting for the unfolding of God's providential plan for the family of Israel. The account, primarily found in the Book of Genesis, details how Joseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to a position of great authority in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. This remarkable turn of events is orchestrated by God to preserve the lineage of Israel during a time of severe famine.

Joseph's Rise to Power

Joseph's journey to Egypt begins with betrayal and hardship, as his brothers sell him to Ishmaelite traders (Genesis 37:28). Despite his initial suffering, Joseph's unwavering faith and integrity lead to his eventual rise to power. Interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph predicts seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as governor over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

The Famine and Joseph's Brothers

As the famine spreads, it affects not only Egypt but also the surrounding regions, including Canaan, where Jacob and his family reside. Hearing of the grain available in Egypt, Jacob sends his sons to procure food (Genesis 42:1-3). Unbeknownst to them, they are brought before Joseph, whom they do not recognize. Joseph, however, recognizes his brothers and, through a series of tests, discerns their repentance and change of heart (Genesis 42-44).

Joseph Reveals Himself

In a poignant moment, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, declaring, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!" (Genesis 45:4). He reassures them, attributing his presence in Egypt to God's sovereign plan: "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" (Genesis 45:5). Joseph's forgiveness and understanding of God's purpose highlight the theme of divine providence and reconciliation.

Joseph Sends for Jacob

Joseph instructs his brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father, Jacob, and their families to Egypt, where he will provide for them during the remaining years of famine (Genesis 45:9-11). Pharaoh, upon learning of Joseph's family, offers them the best of the land in Goshen (Genesis 45:17-18). Laden with gifts and provisions, the brothers return to Canaan to deliver the astonishing news to Jacob.

Jacob's Journey to Egypt

Initially incredulous, Jacob is convinced by the evidence of Joseph's survival and prosperity. God reassures Jacob in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there" (Genesis 46:3). With divine assurance, Jacob and his entire household journey to Egypt, marking the beginning of Israel's sojourn in a foreign land (Genesis 46:5-7).

Significance in Salvation History

The relocation of Jacob's family to Egypt sets the stage for the subsequent events in Israel's history, including their eventual enslavement and the Exodus. Joseph's account exemplifies God's ability to bring good out of evil and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Through Joseph, God preserves the nascent nation of Israel, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 45:9-11
Haste you, and go up to my father, and say to him, Thus said your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt: come down to me, tarry not:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xlv
... Hebrew narrative, "and the sons of Israel acted accordingly ... Incidentally Joseph gives
further tokens of his goodwill ... with the good things of Egypt" "the good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlv.htm

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God ... he was put in a coffin
in Egypt.'"Genesis 50 ... Joseph's answer is but the reiteration of his words at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

The History of Joseph the Carpenter.
... being dead, they returned into the land of Israel, and lived in ... the body of the blessed
old man Joseph had been ... on which he walked with me into Egypt, and that ...
/.../unknown/the history of joseph the carpenter/the history of joseph the.htm

Demonstration viii. --Of the Resurrection of the Dead.
... a treasure, (even) that of the bones of Joseph (that were ... not God Who brought them
up from Egypt by means ... And also again when the children of Israel cast a dead ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration viii of the resurrection of.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... Israel's past was not glorified at the expense of truth. ... of Joseph and the settlement
in Egypt (13 years ... over their treatment of their brother Joseph and over ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... Psalmist, "He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was ... Israel also came into
Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the ... church has to come up out of Egypt, and God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... When the children of Israel were in Egypt, the Egyptian ... here, and had in his house
Asenath (the daughter of Dinah of the Shechemites) whom Joseph married. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Heaven's Nurse Children
... he also called." This call is like Joseph's invitation to ... their masters, but the
strength of Egypt had been ... We will now leave the seed of Israel, and think of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/heavens nurse children.htm

The Children's Bible
... JOSEPH'S FORGIVENESS OF HIS BROTHERS. JOSEPH'S LOYALTY TO HIS FAMILY. ... THE ESCAPE
FROM EGYPT. GOD'S COMMANDS TO THE PEOPLE. ... HOW SOLOMON BECAME THE RULER OF ISRAEL. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And when to Egypt Israel drew near He sent before him ... His way to Goshen, which when
Joseph heard, Immediately ... he directly went, And to his father did himself ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm