The biblical narrative of Joseph, found primarily in the Book of Genesis, serves as a profound example of divine preservation during times of judgment. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure whose life illustrates God's providential care and sovereign plan amidst adversity and judgment.

Background and Context

Joseph's account begins in Genesis 37, where he is introduced as a favored son of Jacob, which incites jealousy and hatred among his brothers. This familial discord sets the stage for a series of events that would lead to Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt. Despite the initial betrayal by his brothers, who sell him into slavery, Joseph's life is marked by God's continual presence and favor.

Preservation in Potiphar's House

Upon arriving in Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his status as a slave, Joseph finds favor in Potiphar's eyes due to the LORD's blessing upon him. Genesis 39:2-3 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant."

Even when falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned, Joseph continues to experience God's preservation. Genesis 39:21 notes, "But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."

Preservation through Interpretation of Dreams

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams becomes a pivotal aspect of his preservation. While in prison, he accurately interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually leads to his introduction to Pharaoh. In Genesis 41, Pharaoh's troubling dreams about the forthcoming seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine are interpreted by Joseph, who attributes his ability to God: "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires" (Genesis 41:16).

Elevation and Preservation of Egypt

Joseph's interpretation and subsequent advice to store grain during the years of plenty result in his elevation to the position of vizier, second only to Pharaoh. This strategic planning not only preserves Egypt during the famine but also serves as a means of preserving Joseph's own family, who come to Egypt seeking food. Genesis 41:39-40 records Pharaoh's acknowledgment: "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands."

Reconciliation and Preservation of Israel

The famine brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt, setting the stage for reconciliation and the preservation of the nascent nation of Israel. Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and attributes the entire sequence of events to God's providential 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 ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5).

Joseph's account exemplifies the theme of divine preservation during judgment, showcasing how God can use even the most adverse circumstances to fulfill His purposes and preserve His people. Through Joseph, God not only preserves the nation of Egypt but also ensures the survival and continuity of the Abrahamic covenant through the preservation of Jacob's family.Genesis 45:7
And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... to teach in Israel statutes and judgments." As we ... Such as seemed worthy of preservation,
though they had ... second canon, were gathered together during the space ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

Of Civil Government.
... another, promising themselves nothing during the whole ... the magistrate for the
preservation of their ... prostitute all rights, privileges, judgments, and enactments ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Footnotes
... 4 Along with Dr. John Owen, Joseph Caryl, John ... Faithful Witness Bearing Exemplified,
preface, p. iv. ... that one of these was published during the lifetime of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... stand up.' But she continued upon her face, and said, 'Righteous art Thou, O Lord,
when I plead with Thee: yet let me talk with Thee of Thy judgments' (Jer.12:1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

What are the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the Book of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Why is there silence in heaven for half an hour in Revelation 8:1? | GotQuestions.org

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the pre-wrath view of the rapture? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus