Topical Encyclopedia
Background and ContextThe narrative of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel), is a significant episode in the biblical account of the Israelites' early history. Joseph's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. His journey from favored son to a slave, and eventually to a powerful leader in Egypt, is marked by divine providence and personal integrity. Joseph's unjust imprisonment is a pivotal moment that demonstrates his unwavering faith and God's sovereign plan.
Joseph's Arrival in EgyptJoseph's journey to Egypt began with betrayal by his brothers, who, out of jealousy, sold him to Ishmaelite traders. These traders brought Joseph to Egypt, where he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard (
Genesis 37:28, 36). Despite his circumstances, Joseph found favor in Potiphar's house due to his diligence and the Lord's blessing upon him (
Genesis 39:2-4).
The Incident with Potiphar's WifeJoseph's integrity was tested when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him. Joseph refused her advances, declaring, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (
Genesis 39:9). His steadfastness in maintaining his moral and spiritual convictions, even in a foreign land, highlights his character and faithfulness to God.
Unjust ImprisonmentDespite his innocence, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife after she orchestrated a situation to make it appear as though Joseph had attempted to assault her. Potiphar, in anger, placed Joseph in the prison where the king's prisoners were confined (
Genesis 39:19-20). This unjust imprisonment was a severe trial for Joseph, yet it was also a crucial step in God's plan for his life and the future of Israel.
Joseph's Faithfulness in PrisonEven in prison, Joseph's character and God's favor did not go unnoticed. The Lord was with Joseph, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden, who entrusted him with significant responsibilities (
Genesis 39:21-23). Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, would soon become instrumental in his rise to power.
Divine Providence and PreparationJoseph's time in prison was not wasted; it was a period of preparation for the role he would eventually play in saving Egypt and his own family from famine. His interpretation of the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40) set the stage for his introduction to Pharaoh, leading to his eventual elevation to a position of authority in Egypt.
Significance in the Biblical NarrativeJoseph's unjust imprisonment is a testament to the themes of suffering, perseverance, and divine providence. It underscores the belief that God can use even the most adverse circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's account is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity, regardless of one's situation, and it foreshadows the deliverance and preservation of the Israelite people through God's sovereign plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 39:7-20And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... of the descendants of Jacob in the land of Egypt when, after ... arose up a new king
who knew not Joseph"; and in his days the children of Israel had "increased ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm
The Treasure Cave
... days was not more vigilantly, jealously fanatical than Egypt. ... not fear the dead whom,
living, Joseph rebuked. ... If thou art successful, Israel will rise up and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm
Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... xii.5.1), as the adherents of Joseph were called ... When checked in his advance against
Egypt, by the ... earlier' Chasidim represented the pious' in Israel - of course ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm
Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... after Judah's, and seventy years after Israel's captivity, when ... he made willing to
acknowledge, as Joseph's brethren did ... not as the King of Egypt commanded them ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm
Matt. Ii. 16
... Joseph therefore comes to Nazareth, partly to avoid the danger ... and that then they
should go down to Egypt. ... are not all Israel, which are of Israel; neither they ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily ix matt ii 16.htm
"Jesus or Barabbas. "
... Oh, how otherwise once 'fore the Egyptian folk Joseph! ... said, "We will keep this Passover
with joy, as did our fathers in Egypt.". ... Now joy will return to Israel! ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter viii jesus or barabbas.htm
Psalm LXII.
... men are tortured: now that spiritual Joseph, after his ... after his removal from his
home into Egypt as though ... City Jerusalem, of which the people Israel was a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm
Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... but as having been the son of Joseph and Mary ... Valentinus himself was a native of
Egypt, and probably educated at ... it was not permitted them to cast forth their ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm
Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... in North Africa, there occurred in Egypt and Palestine ... key; you see what key: "Men
of Israel, let what ... free from the accident of being angry unjustly and after ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm
A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... blasphemy (such as endangereth the souls of thousands) I had cast by this ... It brings
into due subjection ... p.8).2. 'Because it is a base thing to do unjustly' (p.11 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm
Resources
Is there extra-biblical evidence of the ten plagues in Egypt? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send the Israelites to Egypt for 400 years (Genesis 15:13)? | GotQuestions.orgIs “out of Egypt I called my son” in Hosea 11:1 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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