Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis. His life account, spanning Genesis 37 to 50, is a testament to faithfulness, integrity, and divine providence. Joseph's narrative is often highlighted as an example of a good child who remains steadfast in his faith and moral convictions despite facing numerous adversities.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Joseph was born into a family marked by complex relationships and favoritism. Jacob, his father, loved Joseph more than his other sons, as he was the son of his old age and the firstborn of his beloved wife, Rachel. This favoritism was symbolized by the "richly ornamented robe" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave to Joseph, which fueled jealousy and animosity among his brothers.

Dreams and Betrayal

Joseph's early life was marked by prophetic dreams, which he shared with his family. In one dream, he saw his brothers' sheaves of grain bowing down to his sheaf, and in another, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him (Genesis 37:5-9). These dreams, indicating his future rise to prominence, further incited his brothers' envy.

The brothers' jealousy culminated in a plot to kill Joseph, but they ultimately sold him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). They deceived their father, Jacob, by dipping Joseph's robe in goat's blood, leading him to believe that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal.

Life in Egypt

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, granting him success in all he did (Genesis 39:2). Potiphar recognized Joseph's abilities and entrusted him with the management of his household.

Joseph'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 led to false accusations and imprisonment, yet even in prison, the Lord's favor was upon him, and he was put in charge of all the prisoners (Genesis 39:21-22).

Rise to Power

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams became known when he accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while in prison. Later, Pharaoh himself had troubling dreams that none could interpret. Joseph was summoned, and he credited God for the ability to interpret dreams, revealing that Pharaoh's dreams foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:16).

Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, tasking him with preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:40-41). Joseph's leadership during the years of abundance ensured that Egypt had enough grain to survive the famine, and he became a savior not only to Egypt but to surrounding nations as well.

Reconciliation with His Family

The famine eventually brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of food. Unrecognized by them, Joseph tested their character and ultimately revealed his identity in a poignant moment of forgiveness and reconciliation. He assured them, "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 account concludes with his family settling in Egypt, where he provided for them during the remaining years of famine. His life exemplifies the virtues of faith, forgiveness, and the belief in God's sovereign plan, making him a model of a good child in biblical history.Genesis 45:9
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

Genesis 46:29
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself to him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Children were Delighted with the Story, and Made Many Amusing ...
... give you a proof that I think him a good man ... but for which he had reasons"-namely,
that Joseph should have ... for her as one of his own children, neither better ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 29 the children were.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... good wives, and returnedst with many children, and much wealth. Thy whole family
also has been preserved by my providence; and it was I who conducted Joseph, ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all ... And Jacob their
father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Which when Joseph heard he wept bitterly, and his brethren ... evil, but God hath turned
it into good, and hath ... nothing afeard, I shall feed you and your children. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... 5. Therefore was Joseph fair in appearance, and goodly to look upon, because there
dwelt not in him ... And now, my children, make your hearts good before the ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

Argument from the Prayer of Joseph, to Show that the Baptist May ...
... Should the piece entitled "The prayer of Joseph," one of the ... We read, [4757] "The
children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/25 argument from the prayer.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... 3. Do ye also therefore, my children, love the Lord God of heaven, and keep His
commandments, and be followers of the good and holy man Joseph; and let your ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

The Early Life of St. Joseph
... Joseph and his brothers lived in the upper story, and their ... they did not trouble
much about their children and had ... They seemed to me to be neither good nor bad ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm

The Testing of Joseph's Brothers
... them, "You have robbed me of my children: Joseph is no ... city, but were not yet far
away, Joseph commanded his ... say to them, 'Why have you returned evil for good? ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the testing of josephs brothers.htm

The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness.
... And he said, weeping, Thou livest, Joseph, my child, and I ... Do ye also therefore charge
your children that they be ... If ye work that which is good, my children ...
/.../viii the testament of naphtali concerning.htm

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