Topical Bible: Civil Minister: Joseph

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Joseph, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is best known for his role as a civil minister in Egypt. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a key figure in the narrative of the Israelites' descent into Egypt, which sets the stage for the Exodus.

Early Life and Trials

Joseph's early life was marked by favoritism from his father, Jacob, who gave him a richly ornamented robe, often referred to as the "coat of many colors" (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph's dreams of future prominence over his family, incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers. In a fit of envy, they sold him into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Rise to Power

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite being a slave, Joseph's integrity and God's favor were evident, as he quickly rose to become the overseer of Potiphar's household (Genesis 39:4). However, after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph's leadership qualities shone through, and he was put in charge of the other prisoners (Genesis 39:22).

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, became his pathway to prominence. He accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, which eventually led to his introduction to Pharaoh. When Pharaoh was troubled by dreams that none could interpret, Joseph was summoned. He interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as a divine revelation of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30).

Role as Civil Minister

Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as the second-in-command over Egypt, effectively making him the civil minister responsible for preparing the nation for the impending famine (Genesis 41:40-41). Joseph's administrative skills and strategic planning ensured that Egypt not only survived the famine but also became a source of sustenance for surrounding nations.

Joseph's policies included the collection of surplus grain during the years of abundance and its distribution during the years of famine. His leadership preserved the Egyptian economy and strengthened Pharaoh's rule. Joseph's actions during this period exemplify the role of a civil minister who uses God-given wisdom to govern and provide for the people.

Reconciliation with His Family

The famine eventually brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of food. Unrecognized by them, Joseph tested their character and ultimately revealed his identity, leading to a poignant reconciliation (Genesis 45:1-15). Joseph's forgiveness and provision for his family highlight his role as a preserver of life, both physically and spiritually.

Joseph's invitation to his family to settle in Egypt set the stage for the Israelites' eventual bondage and the subsequent Exodus. His life is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, as Joseph himself acknowledged: "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).

Legacy

Joseph's legacy as a civil minister is one of faithfulness, integrity, and divine wisdom. His account is a powerful example of how God can use individuals in positions of authority to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people. Joseph's life and leadership continue to inspire believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to serve with excellence in whatever capacity they are called.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:40-44
You shall be over my house, and according to your word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than you.
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Library

Rationalism and Its Effects
... as the /Illuminati/ for the overthrow of the Church and the civil authority, to ... he
was guided by the advice of the prime minister, Joseph Sebastian Carvalho ...
/.../chapter viii rationalism and its.htm

Of Civil Government.
... Josiah, and Hezekiah; others of governors, as Joseph and Daniel ... Wherefore no man
can doubt that civil authority is, in ... says Paul, "for he is the minister of God ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Church Union in Scotland.
... of the two Assemblies, Dr. Joseph Mitchell and ... government in Scotland.' The Prime
Minister, Ramsay MacDonald ... right and power subject to no civil authority to ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/church union in scotland.htm

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... Rev. Joseph Bellamy, John Smalley, and Jonathan Edwards, Junior, were the ... i] This
versatile minister interested himself ... be for the good order of the civil state ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

List of Characters and Places
... A-pay'-pah, a Hyksos monarch who befriended Joseph. ... Hahr'-hat, fan-bearer, or prime
minister to the ... Nomarch,"Nome'-ark, governor of a civil division called a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/list of characters and places.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... Matthew's Gospel""Jesus Christ was a minister of the ... descendant of David, and so
through Joseph, His legal ... Him; finally, we learn of the civil ruler filled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

The Great Schism
... in Connecticut were Jonathan Edwards himself, Dr. Joseph Bellamy of ... that the laws
forbade any faithful minister, or any one faithful in civil authority, to ...
/.../chapter x the great schism.htm

The Congregationalists.
... Reply to the above, by Joseph B. Felt ... it was based on a close union of the civil
and ecclesiastical ... to require assent to it not only from the minister, but from ...
/.../ 101 the congregationalists.htm

The Israelites
... for centuries by soldiers and traders and civil officials, by ... Joseph, the Hebrew
slave who had been sold into bondage ... had risen to be the first minister of the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The First victory for Dissent
... the preparation of men for service in civil office and ... Church under a native born
minister had penetrated ... in office, former Lieutenant-Governor Joseph Talcott. ...
/.../chapter viii the first victory.htm