These dreams appeared to predicrt greatness in the future with his family bowing before him in obeisance
Sadly this generated jealousy amongst his elder btothers and to his being sold into slavery
Claiming he had been attacked by wild animals they convinced the family he was no longer alive
In fact he had been sold in Egypt ; proving an exceptional servant he had risen to chief of the household
His good fortune ended when he was falsely accused of attacking his mistress having rebuffed her advances
As a result he finds himself thrown into prison where his integrity gains the respect of the jailor
Two uf Pharaoh’s servants join him in prison whilst their fate is decided - reinstatement pr death
Under the guidance of God Joseph interprets their dreams; true to his character he pulls no punches
The cupbearer will be restored and Joseph asks him to speak to Pharaoh on his behalf
The baker however will be executed! Both of these interpretations came true.
The final chapters concern events which followed two years later when Pharaoh had dreams which disturbed him
Summoned from his cell, God leads Joseph into knowing what they mean and what needs to be done
They tell of a severe famine preceded by good harvests, he suggests storage of grain for the years of famine
Recognising the wisdom of this Pharaoh puts him in charge of the project answerable only to himself
When the predicted famine comes Egypt having prepared has enough grain to be able to sell to others.
The famine having reached Israel, they are forced to seek grain from Egypt
And so the brothers of Joseph therefore arrive ‘ cap in hand ‘ to purchase grain for the family
They remain ignorant of who Joseph is but he realises who they are; providentially the dream cpmes true
Having tested them, Joseph eventually reveals himself,saying what they meant for evil God meant for good
The stage is set for the exodus as reunited with his father they all settle in Goshen a province of Egypt
The final words tell us he was embalmed after death but contrary to Egyptian custom he was placed
‘ in a coffin in Egypt ‘
©