Bio – Joseph

Disputed dates:

c. 1700–1500 BC, or 1916–1806 BC; or even 14th century BC (disputed)

Joseph was one of twelve brothers—the second youngest—but he was his father Jacob’s favorite son, as he was the first son of Rachel, and was born to his father in Jacob’s old age. His brothers became jealous when his father bought Joseph a fine, colorful coat, and they were further angered when he told them of dreams he had had which seemed to foretell his ascendency over them all.

They plotted to kill him, but in the end, although they told their father that he was dead, they sold him to slavers who took him to Egypt, where he was employed in the house of one of Pharaoh’s officials. He did well there, but was thrown in prison when his employer’s wife lied about him. There, he was able to interpret the dreams of two of Pharaoh’s servants who had fallen foul of their ruler.

When Pharaoh himself experienced strange dreams, Joseph was sent for, and he explained that the dreams foretold seven years of good crops, which would be followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh made Joseph vice regent in Egypt so that he could plan for the famine, and Joseph prepared well, so that there was no shortage of grain.

His brothers came to him from Canaan, as they too were hit by the famine and were starving. They did not recognise him, and bowed down before him, believing him to be a prince of Egypt. Joseph tested them, and when he realised that they repented their earlier actions and had changed, he embraced them and forgave them, telling them that although what they had done was evil, it was part of God’s plans, and God had used their actions to enable Joseph to save many, many people—including them—from famine.

Pharaoh told Joseph to send for his father and the rest of his family, and he set aside prime land for them in Egypt. In this manner, the Israelites left Canaan and flourished in Egypt for many years. Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, later founded two of the tribes of Israel.

A story that begins with favoritism, jealousy and bitterness, show how God can turn these things to good account. Throughout, despite all provocation and hardship, Joseph remains faithful to God, and when he is placed in a position of power he uses that power to help his people in adversity.

Copyright ©2020 International Publishing Services (IPS) Sydney Australia