Topical Bible: Protection: Joseph

◄ Protection: Joseph ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

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 God's providential protection and guidance, even amidst adversity and betrayal.

Early Life and Betrayal

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. As a young man, Joseph 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 incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers. Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, further fueled their animosity (Genesis 37:5-11).

The brothers' jealousy culminated in a plot to kill Joseph. However, Reuben, the eldest, intervened, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). Ultimately, Joseph was sold into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Despite this betrayal, God's protective hand was upon Joseph, preserving his life and setting the stage for his future role in God's plan.

Life in Egypt

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The Lord's favor was evident as Joseph prospered in Potiphar's house, eventually becoming overseer of his household (Genesis 39:2-4). However, Joseph faced false accusations from Potiphar's wife, leading to his imprisonment (Genesis 39:20). Even in prison, God's protection and favor were with Joseph, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden (Genesis 39:21-23).

Rise to Power

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, became the key to his rise in Egypt. He accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker while in prison (Genesis 40:5-22). Later, when Pharaoh himself was troubled by dreams, Joseph was summoned to interpret them. He revealed that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41:25-30). 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).

Reunion and Preservation of Israel

The famine extended beyond Egypt, affecting Canaan, where Joseph's family resided. Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain, unknowingly setting the stage for a dramatic reunion with Joseph (Genesis 42:1-3). Through a series of events, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, extending forgiveness and recognizing God's sovereign hand in their actions: "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 position in Egypt not only ensured the survival of his family during the famine but also facilitated the migration of Jacob's household to Egypt, setting the stage for the future growth of the nation of Israel (Genesis 46:1-7).

Legacy of Protection

Joseph's life exemplifies the theme of divine protection and providence. Despite the trials and injustices he faced, God's presence and favor were constant, guiding him through adversity to a place of influence and blessing. His account serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to protect and fulfill His purposes, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:23-25
The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... die. No man is necessary. Israel was safe in Egypt, and sure to come out
of it, though Joseph's powerful protection was withdrawn. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... Divine Destruction and Protection. ... You remember Joseph in the dungeon, Israel in
Egypt, Hannah in the family of Elkanah, David when Samuel would have passed him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

The Foundation of the Monastery of St. Joseph. Persecution and ...
... great a lover of those whom he saw determined to serve our Lord, that he was
immediately drawn to give them His protection. ... Joseph was founded in the year 1562 ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxvi the foundation of.htm

Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ...
... the maiden is given in marriage to Joseph by the priests, a new book to him who
is versed in letters [2456] : but the marriage was both the protection of the ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiv concerning our lords genealogy.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... also. His successor cared neither for Joseph nor his countrymen. ... The massive
walls of the cities of old was their chief protection. Those ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Whether Christ Should have Been Born of an Espoused virgin?
... First, because Joseph is thus a witness to Christ's being born of a virgin. ... or married,
but also if their maidenhood were still under the protection of the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have been.htm

Death and Growth
... 'Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. ... workmen and carries
on the work.' The great Vizier who seemed to be the only protection of Israel ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/death and growth.htm

Chapter l
... Besides there was "Joseph's own household" " a considerable number apparently"also
"his brethren" and ... 9. Such a caravan required food and protection. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter l.htm

Israel the Beloved
... Sometimes He is pictured as stretching out protection over His beloved's heads,
as the ... you that the words occur in the blessing pronounced on 'Joseph'"that is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/israel the beloved.htm

The Passover visit
... Like all devout Israelites, Joseph and Mary went up every year to attend ... days, and
the travelers united in large companies for companionship and protection. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 8 the passover visit.htm