Topical Encyclopedia Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis, known for his prudence and wisdom. His life account, spanning Genesis chapters 37 to 50, provides a profound example of how prudence, guided by faith in God, can lead to divine favor and fulfillment of God's purposes.Early Life and Dreams Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's favored wife. His father's favoritism, symbolized by the "richly ornamented robe" (Genesis 37:3), incited jealousy among his brothers. Joseph's prudence is first evident in his handling of the dreams God gave him, which foretold his future rise to prominence. Despite his brothers' hostility, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in God's revelation. Betrayal and Slavery Joseph's prudence is further demonstrated when he is sold into slavery by his brothers. Taken to Egypt, he was purchased by Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. In Potiphar's house, Joseph's prudence and integrity earned him favor, and he was entrusted with the management of Potiphar's household. Genesis 39:3-4 states, "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." Temptation and Imprisonment Joseph's prudence is notably tested when Potiphar's wife attempts to seduce him. His refusal, grounded in his loyalty to God and his master, exemplifies his moral prudence. Joseph declares, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Despite his righteousness, he is falsely accused and imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph's prudence and God's favor elevate him to a position of responsibility. Interpretation of Dreams Joseph's prudence is further highlighted through his God-given ability to interpret dreams. When Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker are imprisoned, Joseph interprets their dreams accurately, attributing his insight to God. Later, when Pharaoh is troubled by dreams, Joseph is summoned. His prudent interpretation, acknowledging God as the source of wisdom, leads to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt. Genesis 41:39-40 records Pharaoh's words: "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." Famine and Reconciliation Joseph's prudence is crucial during the seven years of famine that follow the years of abundance. His strategic planning and management of resources not only save Egypt but also surrounding nations. When his brothers come to Egypt seeking food, Joseph's prudence is evident in his careful testing of their character before revealing his identity. His actions lead to the reconciliation of his family and the preservation of the lineage of Israel. Legacy of Prudence Joseph's life is a testament to the power of prudence, guided by faith and obedience to God. His account illustrates how prudence can navigate adversity, maintain integrity, and fulfill divine purposes. Joseph's legacy is one of wisdom, forgiveness, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, serving as an enduring example for believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 41:39And Pharaoh said to Joseph, For as much as God has showed you all this, there is none so discreet and wise as you are: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Joseph, the Youngest of Jacob's Sons, was Envied by his ... How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ... What Things Befell Joseph in Prison. Joseph Attacked by the Archers Men Entrust their Safety Rather to a Just than to a Prudent Man. . ... Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be ... Growth by Transplanting The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy. A Third Element which Tends to Gain any One's Confidence is Shown ... Praise to Thee from Every Mouth on this Day of Thy Birth! Resources What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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