Joseph
The story of Joseph is one of Providence and grace
Explaining as it does the reason why the exodus took place
He is the eleventh of the twelve sons of Jacob, now to be known as Israel.
Joseph. The first born of Rachel was favoured by his father creating discord in the family,
A situation exacerbated by his dreams which he naively shared with all his family
Each of these concerned imagery which clearly indicated Joseph’s superiority,
not only over his brothers but also in one, concerning the cosmos over his whole family!
The hatred of his brothers eventually led to their intending to kill him
However providentially, his life was spared as passing slave traders bought him,
His father being duped into believing his life had been taken by wild beasts,
Joseph now found himself sold on to be a servant in an Egyptian home
Here the Lord was with him. Blessing him and also his master Potiphar’s home,
Potiphar, who was captain of the royal guard, accordingly promoted him to be in charge of the household.
Sometime later Joseph became the object of her attraction for his master’s wife.
Having rejected her advances, she falsely accused him and Potiphar had him jailed for attacking his wife
God’s hand however continued to be with him during his sojourn in prison.
As a result of his integrity he was soon acting as the jailors assistant whilst in prison
Fellow prisoners a baker and a cupbearer had dreams which God enabled him to interpret,
They had both incurred the wrath of their employer the Pharaoh himself,
Incarcerated whilst the Pharaoh deliberated on what should be their fate,
The cupbearer’s dream indicated that release would come in a few days followed by restoration
In contrast the baker would in a few days time be released to face execution rather than restoration .
When this happened Joseph asked for his unjust treatment to be made known to Pharaoh
Two years however were to pass before disturbing dreams were had by the Pharaoh.
The need for these to be explained triggered the cupbearer’s memory and Joseph was brought from the prison,
Under the guidance of the Lord Pharaoh’s dreams are explained by Joseph,
God, he tells Pharaoh is warning him of a future severe famine to be preceded by years of plenty says Joseph,
His suggestion that during the good years surplus grain might be stored is welcomed by the Pharaoh,
And in recognition of this Joseph is freed to organise things, given a role answerable only to the Pharaoh.
In the providence of God Joseph, as indicated by his childhood dreams, becomes one who exercises power.
Egypt therefore survives during the years of famine which also affects Joseph’s family,
Egypt sells it’s surplus, and along with others, his brothers arrive to buy grain for their family.
Not recognising their brother in his elevated role as an Egyptian official they are however known by Joseph.
After ascertaining his father is alive, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and is reconciled,
Eventually in the providence of God, Israel moves his family to Egypt settling in Goshen where they prosper.
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