Topical Bible: Joseph: Son of Jacob: His Faith
Topical Encyclopedia
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life is a testament to unwavering faith in God amidst trials and tribulations. Joseph's account, spanning Genesis 37 to 50, illustrates a journey marked by divine providence and steadfast trust in God's promises.
Early Life and Dreams
Joseph's faith is first evident in his early life when he receives dreams from God, foretelling his future rise to prominence. In Genesis 37:5-7 , Joseph shares his dreams with his brothers, saying, "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." Despite the animosity these dreams incite among his brothers, Joseph's faith in their divine origin remains unshaken.
Betrayal and Slavery
Joseph's faith is further tested when his brothers, driven by jealousy, sell him into slavery. In Egypt, he becomes a servant in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph's faith in God does not waver. Genesis 39:2-3 notes, "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."
Imprisonment and Interpretation of Dreams
Joseph's integrity and faith are again tested when he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Even in prison, Joseph's faith remains steadfast. He gains the trust of the prison warden and interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, attributing his ability to God. In Genesis 40:8 , Joseph declares, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams."
Rise to Power
Joseph's faith is ultimately rewarded when Pharaoh has troubling dreams that none can interpret. Joseph is summoned, and he credits God for the interpretation, saying in Genesis 41:16 , "I myself cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." His accurate interpretation and wise counsel lead to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt, a position he uses to save many lives during a severe famine.
Reunion and Forgiveness
Joseph's faith is further exemplified in his dealings with his brothers, who come to Egypt seeking food. Despite their past betrayal, Joseph forgives them, recognizing God's hand in his journey. In Genesis 50:20 , he reassures them, "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."
Legacy of Faith
Joseph's life is a profound example of faith in God's sovereignty and goodness. His unwavering trust in God's plan, even in the face of adversity, serves as an enduring model of faithfulness and forgiveness. His account is a powerful reminder of the divine purpose that can be found in life's trials and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 45:5-8
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Patriarchs.
... Joseph was inspired to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold ... Hebrews, after
Heber, the great-grand-son of Shem ... There in Goshen, Jacob ended the days of his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ii the patriarchs.htm
Jacob and Esau
... old age in Egypt, let him find his son Joseph again in ... So God rewarded Jacob by giving
him more light: by not leaving him to himself, and his own darkness ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm
Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... their father, and showed all this to their father, and said: Joseph thy son liveth
and ... When Jacob heard this he awoke as a man had been awaked suddenly out ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm
Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... The news appeared incredible to Jacob because it seemed "too ... Joseph"my Joseph"ruler
over all the land of Egypt ... that one of you had lost a son many years ago ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm
Of the Sons of Joseph, whom Jacob Blessed, Prophetically Changing ...
... 977] ), so the same thing happened in Joseph's two sons ... For when Jacob was blessing
them, and laid his right hand on ... his hands, but said, "I know, my son, I know ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 42 of the sons of.htm
Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... till the very last, when it fails, and we read instead: 'Jacob begat Joseph ... as
adequately fulfilled by Jesus being by adoption the son of Joseph, and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.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
Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ...
... Joseph, therefore, is by nature the son of Jacob, of the line of Solomon,
but by law he is the son of Heli of the line of Nathan. ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiv concerning our lords genealogy.htm
Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... some time Rachel had a son, named Joseph, which signified ... saying, "While I was thy
sister's son, and thou ... but when those that came to Jacob's share proved ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm
Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... believed that the Creator would expose His Son to that ... Joseph likewise was a type
of Christ, not indeed ... is spiritually interpreted to be Jacob against Simeon ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm
Resources
Who was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
Why did Pharaoh give Joseph so much power? | GotQuestions.org
What is the story of Joseph and Potiphar? | GotQuestions.org
Joseph: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com
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