1Now
when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, why do
ye look one upon another? 2 And he said, Behold, I have heard
that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence;
that we may live, and not die. 3 And Joseph's ten brethren went
down to buy corn in Egypt. 4 But Benjamin, Joseph's brother,
Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief
befall him. 5 And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among
those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
From the above God’s Word we see that when the famine
strikes, even Canaan is affected, and Jacob sends ten of his sons to Egypt to
buy grain Gen: 42:1-5. While there, they meet their long-lost brother, whom
they do not recognize. Joseph’s brothers bow down to him, fulfilling the
earlier prophecy. Joseph then reveals his identity to his brothers and forgives
their wrongdoing.
The motif of
dreams/dream interpretation contributes to a strong story-like narrative.[52][53] One can see the structure of
a story develop with the distinct episodes containing the dream motif. The
exposition contains Joseph’s beginnings as a dreamer; this leads him into
trouble as, out of jealousy, his brothers sell him to into slavery. The next
two instances of dream interpretation establish his reputation as a great
interpreter of dreams; first, he begins in a low place, interpreting the dreams
of prisoners. Then Joseph is summoned to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh
himself.[54] Impressed with Joseph’s
interpretations, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command (Gen 41:41). This
sets up the climax of the story, which many regard to be the moment Joseph
reveals his identity to his brothers (Gen 45:3).1
The story of the dreams of the butler and baker are
recorded in the book of Genesis chapter 40 and the consequent dreams about
Pharaoh reminded the butler about Joseph who has forgotten him for a period. In
the Old Testament days God very often spoke to people about scenarios which are
going to come through dreams and Joseph gave a godly interpretation of
Pharaoh’s dreams. Seven years of abundance will be followed by seven years of extraordinary
famine and Joseph counseled Pharaoh to appoint a qualified personal to have
authority over the land during this time period. One of the job specification
of this appointed person would be to store up surplus corn of the seven years
of plenty for the seven years of severe famine which will eventually follow.
We can see there is a link in the chain of Divine
providence by which Joseph was delivered. There are two elements, both Divine
and human operating in the life of Joseph and his success is entirely depending
upon both. No matter which doors are opened, Joseph if he was not willing to
enter, it would have been of no use. All through his life there were circumstances
which were beyond his control and this Divine element opened doors for Joseph
and he learned to rely totally on God. These circumstances prepared ways,
directed the concurring actions of men, Joseph learned the arts, language in a
foreign culture and began to experience enhanced character development. This
enhanced character development would not have happened if Joseph had been
living with his father and his brothers in the land of Canaan.
Joseph exalted to be Governor of Egypt: Gen 41:37-45
37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and
in the eyes of all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said unto his
servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God
is?
Pharaoh attributed Joseph’s wisdom and fidelity to
the true source in whom God’s Spirit dwells. When the foundation of a person’s
life is truth and without deceit they will have wisdom and unfailing common
sense. They will be faithful to all their duties and will have the commitment
to overcome obstacles. In the life of Joseph we see the striking illustration
of the promise of God; “them that honour
me, I will honour them”. God has been speaking to Joseph continuously
through dreams and visions, and it is very clear and obvious that God will give
the necessary wisdom for him to overcome any obstacles in the future.
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath
shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: There is
none so discreet, refers to Joseph’s intelligence, clear insight into matters
and his real comprehension of people’s true character. Wisdom for Kingly
affairs are very much needed for devising measures to gain desired ends.
40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy
word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than
thou. 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee
over all the land of Egypt. 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring
from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of
fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43 And he made
him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow
the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And
Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up
his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
Pharaoh made Joseph authority over his household, his palace, including
all his ministers of his kingdom and the signet ring gave the validity for it
and also for all the palace documents. V. 43 says, Joseph was placed in
Pharaoh’s second chariot and they led a splendid procession proclaiming that
Joseph’s authority is absolute and universal.
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph's name
Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah
priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
This verse definitely proclaims to the whole of Egypt that Pharaoh genuinely
loved Joseph, and his astute wisdom, knowledge, faithfulness, intelligence and
his ability to do things to attain desired results.
Joseph made ruler in Egypt, early 1900s Bible illustration
Following
the prediction, Joseph became Vizier, under the name of Zaphnath-Paaneah, [44] and was given Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah priest of On,[45] to be his wife. During the
seven years of abundance, Joseph ensured that the storehouses were full and
that all produce was weighed. In the sixth year, Asenath bore two children to
Joseph: Manasseh and Ephraim. When the famine came, it was so severe that people from surrounding
nations came to Egypt to buy bread. The narrative also indicates that they went
straight to Joseph or were directed to him, even by the Pharaoh himself. (Genesis 41:37-57) As a last
resort, all of the inhabitants of Egypt, less the Egyptian priestly class, sold
their properties to Joseph for seed; wherefore Joseph set a mandate that,
because the people would be sowing and harvesting seed on government property,
a fifth of the produce should go to the Pharaoh. This mandate lasted until the
days of Moses. (Genesis 47:20-31)2
46 And
Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh King of Egypt. And
Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land
of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought
forth by handfuls. 48 And he gathered up all the food of the
seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the
cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in
the same: Genesis 41:46-48.
The above
verses clearly shows that Joseph as a young man was very responsible, and he
did not remain among the pleasures of the court but immediately went to attend
to his duties. He went throughout the land of Egypt and issued proper orders
and see if they are properly executed. Made immediate survey to determine the
size and sight of the store houses required for different quarters of the
country. He followed his own advice to Pharaoh and kept the fifth part as the
government tax which continued during the seven years of plenty.
Jacob and his
family move to Egypt to be with Joseph. Jacob’s descendants stay in Egypt for
400 years, until the time of Moses. When Moses leads the Hebrews out of Egypt,
he takes the remains of Joseph with him, as Joseph had requested; 24 Then Joseph
said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid
and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob.” 25 And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and
said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up
from this place.” Gen 50: 24-25. 19 And Moses
took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straightly sworn the children of
Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away
hence with you; Exodus 13:19.
Joseph’s success consisted in his true worthy character and
his fitness to serve God and man. He continued to serve people in his work, and
proclaimed the true God, to an
idolatrous people of Egypt. In his reign he served people faithfully because He
served the Living God with supreme devotion and there is always a demand for
such faithful people.
End Notes:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob)
Because the Pharaoh had
such a high regard for Joseph, ... In the Bible, Joseph discloses
himself to his brethren before they return to their father the second ...
Website References:
1. What
should we learn from the life of Joseph?
... as we learn from the
account of Joseph’s life, by remaining faithful and
accepting that God is ultimately in charge, we can be confident that God will reward ...
How many of life’s lessons have you ... Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have
dreamed: For, behold, we were
... I produced a series called Lessons
from Joseph.
What should we learn from the life
of Jacob? ... What should we learn from the life of
Joseph? What should we learn from the life of Elisha?
bibleseo.com/old-testament/joseph-bible-character-study
What can we learn about Joseph
in the bible? ... Lessons learnt
from Life of Joseph: God’s plans and purpose are
greater and better than ours!
tafj.org/2009/12/24/lessons-from-the-life-of-joseph
Lessons From The Life Of Joseph. As we
consider ... viewpoints are opportunities for us to learn from ... the life of
Joseph, we will find our
hearts ...
The
Bible tells us
that Joseph and Benjamin are the
sons of Jacob's second ... However some new scientific evidence helps to
support the case of a historical
Joseph.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob)
For the New Testament Joseph, ... There have been many
attempts to trace the story's redaction history
... In the Bible, Joseph discloses himself to his ...
Book
References:
1. Allender, Dan and
Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream.: Tyndale House
publishers, 1995.
2. Jay E. Adams. Critical Stages of Biblical
Counseling, Finishing Well, Breaking Through, Getting Started. New Jersey: Zondervan, 2002.
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty. Introduction To Biblical Counseling, A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203.
3. Jay E. Adams. How to Help People Change, The Four-step Biblical Process. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986.
4. John F. MacArthur, JR. Wayne A. Mack & The Master’s College Faculty. Introduction To Biblical Counseling, A Basic Guide To The Principles And Practice Of Counseling. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994.
5. Jay E. Adams. Lectures on Counseling. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1978, p.192-203.
6. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Women of
Destiny Bible. Women Mentoring women Through the Scriptures, A Spirit Filled
Life Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982.
7. Allender, Dan and Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream: Tyndale House publishers, 1995; pgs, 301, 346.
8. Allender, Dan and
Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream: Tyndale House
publishers, 1995; pg331.7. Allender, Dan and Tremper Longman III. Intimate Allies. Carol Stream: Tyndale House publishers, 1995; pgs, 301, 346.
9. David A. Norris. Lasting Success; Quality
Decisions, Relationships and Untamed Emotions. Ames, Iowa: Alpha
Heartland Press, 2003.
