Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility

◄ Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Humility ►

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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 is a testament to humility, a virtue that is evident in his actions and responses to the various trials and triumphs he faced.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph's journey begins with his dreams, which he shared with his brothers, leading to their jealousy and animosity. Despite the favoritism shown by his father, Jacob, Joseph's recounting of his dreams was not out of arrogance but rather a simple sharing of what he had seen. Genesis 37:5-7 recounts, "Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, 'Please listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine.'"

Sold into Slavery

Joseph's humility is further demonstrated when he is sold into slavery by his brothers. Despite the betrayal and the drastic change in his circumstances, Joseph does not harbor bitterness or seek revenge. Instead, he serves diligently in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Genesis 39:2-4 states, "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant."

Imprisonment and Interpretation of Dreams

Joseph's humility is further tested when he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph remains humble and continues to serve faithfully. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, attributing his ability to God rather than himself. Genesis 40:8 records Joseph's words, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams."

Rise to Power

When Joseph is brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, he again demonstrates humility by giving credit to God. Genesis 41:16 states, "I myself cannot do it," Joseph replied, "but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer." His humility and reliance on God lead to his elevation as the second most powerful man in Egypt.

Reunion with His Brothers

Joseph's humility is most profoundly displayed in his interactions with his brothers when they come to Egypt seeking food during the famine. Despite having the power to exact revenge, Joseph chooses forgiveness and reconciliation. In Genesis 45:4-5 , Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, saying, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 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."

Legacy of Humility

Joseph's life is a powerful example of humility in the face of adversity and success. His ability to forgive, his acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, and his service to others, regardless of his circumstances, highlight the depth of his character. His account continues to inspire believers to trust in God's plan and to remain humble, no matter the situation.

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.
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Genesis 45:7-9
And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
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Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 49]192; contrasted with sensual passion, Joseph an example ... may be exhausted,
[744]ib.; after his Son slain, still ... Jacob, sought not his own, [904]147; poor and ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... together, and said to them: My children and brethren, hearken to Joseph the beloved ...
not my family to the Ishmaelites, that I was the son of Jacob, a great ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... as Rebekah afterwards, on another occasion, advised Jacob to flee ... now alternately
between the father and the son! Joseph records a pathetic speech made by each ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred.
... and twenty-seventh year of his life, saying: I was the seventh son born to Jacob,
and I ... for hatred hath blinded his soul; even as I also looked on Joseph. ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/ix the testament of gad concerning.htm

Jesus Makes his First Disciples.
... John 5:39], Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. ... like him"a blessing answering to
Jacob's vision of ... of Israel." Jesus chooses yet another title, "Son of man ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxi jesus makes his first.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... The primary reason assigned for Jacob's preference of Joseph is "he was the
son of his old age" (zequn??m, plural of condition, to mark the ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Genesis
... E); and "Jehovah adds to me another son" (J), Genesis ... the description of the prosperity
of Joseph (ie Ephraim ... or in the struggle of the mighty Jacob, who could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... and said, Look if this is the coat of thy son. ... Now when Joseph was in Egypt, I longed
to see his ... Noah, and Shem, and Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, arising on ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... He should "raise up the tribes of Jacob," and "restore the ... the young child to destroy
Him." Joseph obeyed without ... nor sleeps was watching over His beloved Son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... Moses was noted for his meekness and humility, and he ... Jacob was a man who walked
with God by sight. ... through the temptations and trials that his son Joseph did. ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm