Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob is Prospered of God

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Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the narrative of Genesis, particularly in chapters 37-50. His life is a testament to God's providence and faithfulness, as he rises from the depths of slavery and imprisonment to a position of great power and influence in Egypt. Joseph's account is marked by dreams, betrayal, and ultimately, reconciliation and prosperity.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph was born to Jacob in his old age, and he was deeply loved by his father, who favored him over his brothers. This favoritism was symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave him. Joseph's early life was marked by prophetic dreams, which he shared with his family. In one dream, he saw his brothers' sheaves of grain bowing down to his sheaf, and in another, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him (Genesis 37:5-9). These dreams foreshadowed his future rise to power and the eventual submission of his family to his authority.

Betrayal and Slavery

Joseph's brothers, envious of their father's favoritism and angered by his dreams, conspired against him. They initially plotted to kill him but ultimately decided to sell him into slavery. Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh (Genesis 37:28). Despite the betrayal, God's favor remained with Joseph, and he prospered even in servitude. "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man" (Genesis 39:2).

Imprisonment and Rise to Power

Joseph's integrity and God's favor were evident when he resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, resulting in his imprisonment. Yet, even in prison, "the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him" (Genesis 39:21). Joseph's ability to interpret dreams came to the forefront when he accurately interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40:5-22).

Two years later, Pharaoh himself had troubling dreams, which none of his magicians could interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph, who was then summoned to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph revealed that the dreams foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt, saying, "Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?" (Genesis 41:38).

Reconciliation and Fulfillment of Dreams

During the years of famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking grain. Unrecognized by them, Joseph tested his brothers to see if they had changed. Eventually, he revealed his identity, leading to a poignant reconciliation. Joseph assured them, "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).

Joseph's life exemplifies the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite the trials and injustices he faced, Joseph remained faithful, and God prospered him, using him as an instrument to preserve the lineage of Israel. His account is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 39:2-5,21,23
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From Abraham to Egypt.
... In Jacob's blessing on his sons and in Joseph's prophecy ... Isaac is an only son, is
offered in sacrifice, has ... But Joseph is perhaps more highly figurative of the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Story of Benjamin.
... Jacob did not believe them, and this made him all ... Benjamin answered with a low bow;
and Joseph said, "May God be gracious to thee, my son!" Then Benjamin ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

Chapter xxvi
... by his own sons in the case of the sale of Joseph and the ... her elder son, were told
to Rebekah, and she sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Jeroboam
... he was preparing the instrument of his son's ruin, and ... Jacob laboured night and day,
and therefore he prospered ... Joseph won his way to the front, though an exile ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... And Jacob, one of the patriarchs, was driven to go ... more carefully, lest you also
prove a son of perdition ... Though thou shouldst give me Joseph's lot, the ancient ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... And Jacob knew the coat full well, and said, Now hath some ... Such lamentation made
he for his son. ... him to partake, So many blessings, e'en for Joseph's sake: Of ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... Jacob exceedingly valued one part of his possessions, and he gave ... you may be sure
he would give, Joseph that which ... he knows you and he knows your son with all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... You will often find as the father is, so is the son. ... Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac,
Jacob, Joseph,"all lived on a few promises, and prospered in their souls ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... Jacob Young and George C. Light, another meeting was ... them, as one mourneth over a
son that served ... John Cocks, John Buxton, Humphrey Wood, Joseph Moore, Jesse ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... by others, of whom the fourth was his son-in-law ... not only such men as Nicodemus and
Joseph of Arimathea ... at Mount Sinai; [1344] the children of Jacob at their ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm