Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Joseph

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life is a profound testament to enduring faith amidst severe afflictions and adversities. Joseph's account, spanning Genesis 37 to 50, illustrates the divine providence and sovereignty of God in the midst of human suffering and injustice.

Early Life and Family Strife

Joseph's early life was marked by familial discord. As Jacob's favored son, Joseph received a richly ornamented robe, which incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers (Genesis 37:3-4). His dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, further fueled their animosity (Genesis 37:5-11). This familial tension culminated in a grievous act of betrayal when his brothers sold him into slavery for twenty shekels of silver, and he was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Slavery and Temptation in Egypt

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his status as a slave, Joseph found favor in Potiphar's eyes due to the LORD's presence with him, which led to his appointment as overseer of Potiphar's household (Genesis 39:2-4). However, Joseph's integrity was soon tested when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him. Joseph's refusal, grounded in his loyalty to God and his master, resulted in false accusations and imprisonment (Genesis 39:7-20).

Imprisonment and Divine Favor

Even in prison, the LORD's favor remained with Joseph. He was entrusted with responsibilities by the prison warden, who recognized the LORD's hand upon him (Genesis 39:21-23). During his imprisonment, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, accurately predicting their respective fates (Genesis 40:5-22). Despite his request for remembrance, Joseph was forgotten by the cupbearer for two years (Genesis 40:23).

Rise to Power and Fulfillment of Dreams

Joseph's fortunes changed dramatically when Pharaoh experienced troubling dreams that none could interpret. The cupbearer recalled Joseph's gift, leading to his release and subsequent interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:14-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reconciliation and Preservation of Israel

The famine brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of grain, setting the stage for a poignant reunion. Through a series of tests, Joseph discerned their repentance and ultimately revealed his identity, attributing his trials to God's providential plan to preserve their family (Genesis 45:4-8). Joseph's forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers exemplify the triumph of grace over bitterness.

Legacy of Faith and Endurance

Joseph's life is a profound narrative of faith, endurance, and divine providence. His unwavering trust in God amidst betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment serves as an enduring example of how God can use afflictions and adversities to fulfill His purposes. Joseph's account underscores the biblical truth that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 45:5,7,8
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What and Whence are These?
... glory, amid the afflictions, and adversities, and catastrophes ... He was not without
family afflictions, among the ... to evil, have ye forgotten Joseph in Potiphar's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

A Psalm of Remembrance
... describe their continual exercises of soul, their deep afflictions, their desperate
adversities, and their ... arms round the neck of his son Joseph, when at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a psalm of remembrance.htm

Christian Behavior
... through so many trials, afflictions, and adversities, even because of ... of those filthy
passions that are thy afflictions. ... 5:4). And this rule Joseph observed to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... vouchsafed to be reputed the son of Joseph the carpenter ... whereby I may pity other
men's afflictions, and may ... the honour of Thy name, I may not fly adversities,. ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

part ii
... The work of cleansing the heart is difficult, because it is connected with great
privations and afflictions; and, therefore, the reward is great. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm