Topical Encyclopedia Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis. His life is a profound testament to the virtue of waiting upon God, demonstrating faith, patience, and divine providence. Joseph's account unfolds primarily in Genesis chapters 37-50, where his journey from favored son to Egyptian ruler is chronicled.Early Life and Dreams Joseph's early life was marked by favoritism from his father, Jacob, who gifted him a richly ornamented robe, inciting jealousy among his brothers (Genesis 37:3-4). At the age of seventeen, Joseph received dreams from God, foretelling his future rise to prominence and the subservience of his family (Genesis 37:5-11). These dreams, however, fueled his brothers' envy, leading to his eventual betrayal. Betrayal and Slavery Joseph's brothers conspired against him, selling him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Despite this betrayal, Joseph's faith in God did not waver. In Egypt, he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The Lord was with Joseph, and he found favor in Potiphar's eyes, becoming overseer of his house (Genesis 39:2-4). Imprisonment and Patience Joseph's integrity was tested when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of impropriety, resulting in his imprisonment (Genesis 39:19-20). Even in prison, Joseph continued to wait upon God, maintaining his faith and righteousness. The Lord remained with him, granting him favor in the sight of the prison warden, who entrusted him with significant responsibilities (Genesis 39:21-23). While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, accurately predicting their outcomes (Genesis 40:5-22). Despite his request for the cupbearer to remember him, Joseph remained forgotten for two more years (Genesis 40:23). This period of waiting further exemplified his patience and trust in God's timing. Elevation and Fulfillment of Dreams Joseph's steadfastness was rewarded when Pharaoh had troubling dreams that none could interpret. The cupbearer recalled Joseph's gift, leading to his release from prison to interpret Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:14-15). Joseph, acknowledging God as the source of his wisdom, revealed the forthcoming seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:16, 25-30). Impressed by Joseph's discernment and divine insight, 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 rise to power fulfilled the dreams of his youth, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the fruition of waiting upon Him. Reconciliation and Provision During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking food, unknowingly fulfilling the dreams they once scorned (Genesis 42:6-9). Joseph, after testing their character, revealed his identity, leading to a poignant reconciliation (Genesis 45:1-15). He recognized God's hand in his journey, stating, "God sent me ahead of you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance" (Genesis 45:7). Joseph's life exemplifies the virtue of waiting upon God through trials and triumphs. His unwavering faith, patience, and integrity amidst adversity highlight the divine orchestration of events for the fulfillment of God's purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 15:43Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old... God Our Guide. 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Resources Are we supposed to be actively looking for a spouse? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spiritual harvest and how can I achieve one? | GotQuestions.org How can I know what God's timing is? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
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