Taken to Egypt, Joseph was sold again to Potiphar, an official in Pharaoh's household. Through hard work and humility, Joseph rose to the position of overseer of Potiphar's entire estate. But Potiphar's wife lusted after Joseph. When Joseph rejected her sinful advance, she lied and said Joseph tried to rape her. Potiphar had Joseph thrown into prison.
Joseph must have wondered why he was being punished for doing the right thing. Even so, he worked hard again and was put in charge of all the prisoners.
Two of Pharaoh's servants were hauled in. Each told Joseph about their dreams. God had given Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams. He told the cupbearer his dream meant he would be freed and returned to his former position. Joseph told the baker his dream meant he would be hanged. Both interpretations proved true.
Two years later, Pharaoh had a dream. Only then did the cupbearer remember Joseph's gift. Joseph interpreted that dream, and his God-given wisdom was so great that Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. In these prosperous times he stored up the abundant harvest toward the tragic times ahead.
During the years of famine, Joseph’s brothers came in search of grains and foods to keep their people from starvation. Not recognizing their young Hebrew brother as this matured and prominent Egyptian, he ordered them to return with their younger brother. When the brothers returned with Benjamin, Joseph revealed his identity. The brothers suffered from great remorse of their actions and Joseph forgave them. It was a joyous reunion between a grieved father and lost son. Joseph’s years of steadfast reliance on God brought about not only reunion but his high position so that he was able to save a nation from starvation.
They all came to Egypt and settled in land Pharaoh gave them. Out of much adversity, Joseph saved the 12 Tribes of Israel, God's chosen people.
Joseph is a "type" of Christ, a character in the Bible with godly qualities who foreshadows the Messiah, savior of his people.
Accomplishments of Joseph in the Bible:
Joseph trusted God no matter how bad his situation got. He was a skilled, conscientious administrator. He saved not only his own people, but all of Egypt from starvation.
Joseph's Weaknesses:
Joseph was conceited in his youth, causing dissension in his family.
Joseph's Strengths:
After many setbacks, Joseph learned humility and wisdom. He was a hard worker, even while a slave. Joseph loved his family and forgave terrible wrongs done to him.
Life Lessons of Joseph in the Bible:
God will give us strength to endure our painful circumstances. Forgiveness is always possible with the help of God. Sometimes suffering is part of God's plan to bring about a greater good. When God is all you have, God is enough.
Hometown: Canaan.
Referenced in the Bible:
The account of Joseph in the Bible is found in Genesis chapters 30-50. Other references include: Exodus 1:5-8, 13:19; Numbers 1:10, 32, 13:7-11, 26:28, 37, 27:1, 32:33, 34:23-24, 36:1, 5, 12; Deuteronomy 27:12, 33:13-16; Joshua 16:1-4, 17:2-17, 18:5, 11; Judges 1:22, 35; 2 Samuel 19:20; 1 Kings 11:28; 1 Chronicles 2:2, 5:1-2, 7:29, 25:2-9; Psalm 77:15, 78:67, 80:1, 81:5, 105:17; Ezekial 37:16, 37:19, 47:13, 48:32; Amos 5:6-15, 6:6, Obadiah 1:18; Zechariah 10:6; John 4:5, Acts 7:10-18; Hebrews 11:22; Revelation 7:8.
Occupation:
Shepherd, household slave, convict and prison administrator, prime minister of Egypt.
Family Tree:
Father: Jacob
Mother: Rachel
Grandfather: Isaac
Great grandfather: Abraham
Brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher
Sister: Dinah
Wife: Asenath
Sons: Manasseh, Ephraim
ahhh..it's good to be back
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