Topical Bible: Faithfulness: 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 is a profound testament to faithfulness, both in his relationship with God and in his dealings with others. Joseph's account is a vivid illustration of unwavering trust in God's providence, even amidst adversity.

Early Life and Trials

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. From a young age, Joseph was set apart by his father, who loved him more than his other sons and gave him a richly ornamented robe (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph's dreams of future prominence, incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers. In a moment of betrayal, they sold him into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Faithfulness in Potiphar's House

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph remained faithful to God, and the Lord was with him, causing all he did to prosper (Genesis 39:2-3). Potiphar recognized Joseph's integrity and success, entrusting him with the management of his entire household. However, Joseph's faithfulness was tested when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him. Joseph refused, saying, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His commitment to righteousness led to false accusations and imprisonment, yet Joseph remained steadfast.

Faithfulness in Prison

Even in prison, Joseph's faithfulness did not waver. The Lord continued to show him favor, granting him success in all he did (Genesis 39:21-23). Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, eventually brought him to the attention of Pharaoh. When Pharaoh was troubled by dreams that none could interpret, Joseph was summoned. He humbly acknowledged that interpretations belong to God and provided the meaning of Pharaoh's dreams, foretelling seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:16).

Elevation and Stewardship

Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41). Joseph's faithfulness in this role not only saved Egypt but also preserved his own family, who came to Egypt seeking food during the famine. In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, attributing his journey to God's sovereign plan: "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).

Legacy of Faithfulness

Joseph's life exemplifies the virtue of faithfulness in various dimensions. His steadfastness in the face of betrayal, temptation, and injustice highlights a deep trust in God's purposes. Joseph's account encourages believers to remain faithful, trusting that God is at work even in the most challenging circumstances. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the blessings that flow from a life committed to faithfulness and integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 39:22,23
And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatever they did there, he was the doer of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Marriage of Mary and Joseph There were all the Blessings of ...
... of these parents of Christ: there was offspring, there was faithfulness, there was ...
they cease by mutual consent from cohabitation; seeing that Joseph and Mary ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 13 in the marriage of.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... out, clear and full, the witness it bears to God's faithfulness, and to His ... Joseph's
thirteen years of trial, crowned with sudden prosperity, may read all of us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Joseph and Nicodemus
... Joseph of Arimathea is described by two of the Evangelists as 'a disciple'; by ... So
it is with the ridicule which out-and- out Christian faithfulness may bring ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/joseph and nicodemus.htm

Goodness in a Dungeon
... Many a prisoner for God since Joseph's time has had his experience repeated, and ...
We may all be sure that, if ever faithfulness to conscience involves us in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/goodness in a dungeon.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... Jacob, dying in a strange land, blessed the sons of Joseph, distinguishing wittingly ...
foretell what was to come from a remembrance of God's faithfulness in the ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Chapter xxxix
... His administrative ability is recognized, and Joseph puts it to use with
the same faithfulness as when he was outside of the prison. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxix.htm

Home as a Stewardship.
... Such was Eliezer in the house of Abraham; and such was Joseph in the house of
Potiphar. ... Faithfulness to God is faithfulness to our own souls. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter vi home as a.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... promotions by means of armor or conquests of power but by faithfulness to those ... to
so earnestly promote the interests of a heathen sovereign as Joseph did in ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

Fourth Day. Forgiveness of Injuries.
... are not so willing to forget or forgive heartless faithfulness, or unrequited ... Even
Joseph, (the Old Testament type and pattern of generous forgiveness,) when ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/fourth day forgiveness of injuries.htm

Chapter xlvii
... his son Joseph and said to him: If now I have found favour in thy sight, place thy
hand under my thigh, that thou wilt show kindness and faithfulness toward me ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm