Topical Bible: Humility: Joseph

◄ Humility: Joseph ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis, known for his remarkable journey from favored son to a powerful leader in Egypt. His life exemplifies humility, a virtue that is central to his character and pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for the Israelites.

Early Life and Trials

Joseph's account begins in Genesis 37, where he is introduced as the favored son of Jacob, who gives him a richly ornamented robe. This favoritism breeds jealousy among his brothers, leading to his betrayal and sale into slavery. Despite these harsh circumstances, Joseph's humility is evident in his acceptance of his situation and his continued faithfulness to God.

In Potiphar's house, Joseph rises to a position of trust, only to be falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph remains humble, serving diligently and gaining the trust of the prison warden. His ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, eventually brings him to the attention of Pharaoh.

Rise to Power

Joseph's humility is further demonstrated when he is brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams. In Genesis 41:16 , Joseph responds, "I myself cannot do it," Joseph replied, "but God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and his own limitations highlights Joseph's humble spirit.

Appointed as second-in-command over Egypt, Joseph manages the land's resources during seven years of abundance and subsequent famine. His leadership is marked by wisdom and integrity, yet he never claims credit for his success, consistently attributing it to God's guidance.

Reunion with His Brothers

The pinnacle of Joseph's humility is seen in his interactions with his brothers, who come to Egypt seeking food during the famine. Despite their past betrayal, Joseph does not seek revenge. Instead, he tests their character and ultimately reveals his identity with grace and forgiveness. In Genesis 50:19-21 , Joseph reassures them, saying, "Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Joseph's humility allows him to see God's hand in his life's trials and triumphs, recognizing that his suffering was part of a divine plan to preserve his family and the future nation of Israel.

Legacy

Joseph's life is a testament to the power of humility in the face of adversity. His unwavering faith and humble submission to God's will serve as an enduring example for believers. Through humility, Joseph not only rises to greatness but also becomes a vessel for God's redemptive work, illustrating the profound truth that God exalts the humble and uses them for His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 41:16
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Early Life of St. Joseph
... [72] Joseph in his humility did not understand this, and gave himself up to continual
prayer, till he received the call to betake himself to Jerusalem to ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm

Of Humility
... In this humility His soul with all its powers bowed down in reverence and adoration ...
He was humble and subject to His mother and to the lord Joseph; and that is ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter iii of humility.htm

Marriage Does not Cancel a Mutual Vow of Continence; There was ...
... For it was not deceitfully that the angel said to Joseph: "Fear not to take unto ...
they were both of them, for all that, only the parents of His humility, not of ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 xi marriage does not.htm

Prayer to Obtain Humility
... Joseph, but even Thy executioners. And now, in the Holy Eucharist, I see Thee complete
Thy self-abasement. O Divine King of Glory, with wondrous humility, Thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/prayer to obtain humility.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... and said to them: My children and brethren, hearken to Joseph the beloved ... And if
ye therefore follow after sobriety and purity in patience and humility of heart ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ...
... Joseph. ... yea, many falls"if he does but love Thee, and not the things of the world,
are not enough to make him perish; he travels in the valley of humility. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxv the foundation of.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... The wedding of Mary and Joseph, which lasted for seven or eight days, was ... Anna had
brought the beautiful clothes which Mary in her humility was unwilling to ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... turns all evil to good, [49]192; contrasted with sensual passion, Joseph an example ...
Humility, its tokens and blessing, [860]4; its origin, [861]5; exalts to ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Pride and Humility
... consider briefly the last part of the text, "before honor is humility." So then ... Daniel
had honor before the people; Joseph rode in the second chariot, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... consider briefly the last part of the text, "BEFORE HONOR IS HUMILITY." So then ... Daniel
had honor before the people; Joseph rode in the second chariot, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm