Topical Bible: Beauty: Joseph

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis. His life account, marked by trials and triumphs, is a testament to divine providence and the beauty of God's plan unfolding through human history.

Physical Beauty and Favoritism

Joseph is introduced in Genesis as a young man of striking physical appearance. Genesis 39:6 notes, "Now Joseph was well-built and handsome." His physical beauty, however, was not merely superficial; it was accompanied by a deeper beauty of character and spirit. Joseph's father, Jacob, favored him above his other sons, which is symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave him. This favoritism, while a sign of Jacob's love, sowed seeds of jealousy and discord among his brothers.

Moral Beauty and Integrity

Joseph's beauty is further revealed in his moral integrity and steadfastness in the face of temptation. When Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph refused, saying, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). His commitment to righteousness, even at the cost of his own freedom, highlights the inner beauty of a life lived in obedience to God.

Beauty in Suffering and Redemption

Joseph's life is marked by suffering, yet it is through these trials that the beauty of God's redemptive plan is revealed. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph's faith never wavered. His ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, eventually led to his rise to power in Egypt. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph reflects on his journey, saying to his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people."

Beauty in Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The beauty of Joseph's account culminates in his acts of forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers. Despite their betrayal, Joseph extends grace and forgiveness, embodying the beauty of a heart transformed by God's love. His words in Genesis 45:5 are profound: "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you."

Symbolic Beauty and Christological Foreshadowing

Joseph's life is often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ. His suffering, exaltation, and role as a savior to his people parallel the life and mission of Jesus. Joseph's account is a beautiful tapestry of God's sovereignty, illustrating how He can bring beauty from ashes and turn human intentions into divine purposes.

In summary, Joseph's beauty is multifaceted—encompassing physical appearance, moral integrity, and the profound beauty of a life surrendered to God's will. His account is a powerful reminder of the beauty inherent in God's redemptive work throughout history.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 39:6
And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored.
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Library

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... together, and said to them: My children and brethren, hearken to Joseph the beloved ...
living delicately, for they that fast for God's sake receive beauty of face ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

That for the Beauty of Human Nature God Has Given the Government ...
... Thus, in the sovereign beauty of our God, we acknowledge union, yea, unity of essence ...
God seems to have said to the will as Pharao said to Joseph: Thou shalt ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i that for the.htm

The Cross was Foretold in the Blessings of Joseph, and in the ...
... the things accepted by Him who appeared in the bush come on the head and crown of
Joseph. Let him be glorified among his brethren; [2304] his beauty is [like ...
/.../chapter xci the cross was foretold.htm

How Joseph, the Youngest of Jacob's Sons, was Envied by his ...
... occasion was this:"When Jacob had his son Joseph born to him by Rachel, his father
loved him above the rest of his sons, both because of the beauty of his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how joseph the.htm

Joseph and Potiphar's Wife; of what Kind Love to Females Ought to ...
... There is Joseph, faithful, and intelligent, and wise, and who feared God in everything.
Did not a woman conceive an excessive passion for the beauty of this ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter viii joseph and potiphars wife.htm

A Forsaken Beauty
... a year or two ago was in high life, an eminent beauty, adored by ... Two of our preachers,
Richard Boardman and Joseph Pillmoor, willingly offered themselves for ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a forsaken beauty.htm

Of the Very Dangerous Allurements of the Eyes; on Account of ...
... and laid his hands, mystically crossed, upon his grandchildren by Joseph, not as ...
conveyed into their artistic hands, [938] emanate from that Beauty which is ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxiv of the very dangerous.htm

Concerning the Signal Chastity of Joseph.
... master's wife was fallen in love with him, both on account of his beauty of body ...
But this opposition of Joseph, when she did not expect it, made her still more ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 concerning the signal.htm

Joseph's Faith
... All his life long, from the day of his captivity, Joseph was an Egyptian in ... in God
will direct our thoughts and desires to the 'King in His beauty, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

Joseph of Arimathea
... the whole future is determined; and such a crisis came to Joseph of Arimathea. ... may
be illiterate, the hymn sung may be destitute of poetic beauty, the friendly ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/joseph of arimathea.htm