Topical Bible: Faith: Joseph

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Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life account is a profound testament to faith, divine providence, and redemption. Joseph's journey from favored son to a powerful leader in Egypt exemplifies unwavering trust in God's plan, despite facing numerous adversities.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. He was favored by his father, who gifted him a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as a "coat of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism bred jealousy among his brothers. Joseph's faith is first tested when he shares his prophetic dreams, which suggest that his family would one day bow to him (Genesis 37:5-11). These dreams, divinely inspired, foreshadow his future rise to power but also incite his brothers' hatred.

Betrayal and Slavery

Joseph's brothers conspired against him, selling him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Despite this betrayal, Joseph's faith in God remains steadfast. In Egypt, he is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Joseph's integrity and trust in God earn him favor, and he is put in charge of Potiphar's household (Genesis 39:4).

Imprisonment and Interpretation of Dreams

Joseph's faith is further tested when he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned (Genesis 39:20). Even in prison, Joseph's faith does not waver. He gains the trust of the prison warden and is put in charge of the other prisoners (Genesis 39:22). Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, becomes evident when he correctly interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:5-22).

Rise to Power

Joseph's faith and God-given wisdom eventually lead to his rise to power. When Pharaoh is troubled by dreams that none can interpret, the cupbearer remembers Joseph. Brought before Pharaoh, Joseph interprets the dreams as a divine warning of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Impressed by Joseph's insight and discernment, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt, tasked with preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reunion and Forgiveness

The famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt, seeking food. Unrecognized by them, Joseph tests their character and ultimately reveals his identity. His faith in God's sovereignty is evident in his response to his brothers' fear of retribution: "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 forgiveness and reconciliation with his family highlight his deep faith and understanding of God's redemptive plan.

Legacy of Faith

Joseph's life is a powerful example of faith in action. His unwavering trust in God amidst trials and tribulations demonstrates a profound belief in God's providence and purpose. Joseph's account is a testament to the truth that faith can transform adversity into opportunity, and that God's plans, though often mysterious, are ultimately for the good of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:22
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Joseph's Faith
... GENESIS JOSEPH'S FAITH. ... 'By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing
of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.'. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

Faith
... up Isaac;" "By faith Moses gave up the wealth of Egypt;" "By faith Isaac blessed
Jacob;" "By faith Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph;" "By faith Joseph, when he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... But it is in his death that the flame shoots up most brightly at the last. 'By faith
Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children
of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... We may be fairly sure that Joseph felt no inconsistency between his ancestral
faith, which had become his own in his trials, and this union. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... By faith, Joseph when he died made mention of the departing of the children
of Israel, and gave commandment concerning his bones.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

In Joseph's Tomb
... rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event
that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 80 in josephs tomb.htm

The Faith of Moses.
... He had already, in Egypt, learned the faith of Joseph and of Jacob. Now,
in Midian, he will imbibe the faith of Isaac and of Abraham. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

Contents
... 24). A CALM EVENING, PROMISING A BRIGHT MORNING (Genesis 50:14-26). JOSEPH'S
FAITH (Genesis 50:25). A COFFIN IN EGYPT (Genesis 50:26). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/contents.htm

The Old Catholics.
... as we have said, and have chosen and set up for themselves as their pseudo-bishop
a certain notorious apostate from the Catholic faith, Joseph Hubert Reinkens ...
/.../ 36 the old catholics.htm