Introduction
Among the patriarchs of Scripture, Joseph stands out as a remarkable figure whose life was marked by suffering, steadfast faith, and ultimate exaltation. His story, recorded in Genesis chapters 37 through 50, reveals the providence of God at work through trials, betrayal, and triumph. Joseph’s life not only demonstrates the testing of personal character but also foreshadows Christ in his suffering, humiliation, and later exaltation.
Joseph’s Early Life
Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob, born in Jacob’s old age to Rachel, his favored wife. Scripture records, “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours” (Genesis 37:3). This coat became a visible sign of his father’s preference, which stirred envy and hatred in his brothers.
Joseph was also given dreams from God, which revealed his future exaltation: “For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf” (Genesis 37:7). These dreams, rather than being received with joy, intensified his brothers’ resentment.
Betrayal and Slavery
The hatred of Joseph’s brethren grew until they conspired against him. When Joseph came seeking them in the field, they plotted his death, saying, “Behold, this dreamer cometh” (Genesis 37:19). Reuben intervened to spare his life, and instead Joseph was cast into a pit. Later, at Judah’s suggestion, they sold him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28). Thus Joseph was carried into Egypt, separated from his family and homeland.
In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Even in bondage, the Lord’s presence was evident: “And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man” (Genesis 39:2). His diligence and integrity earned him Potiphar’s trust, and he was placed over all his master’s house.
Trial and Imprisonment
Joseph’s faithfulness was soon tested. Potiphar’s wife sought to entice him, but Joseph resisted temptation, declaring, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). His righteousness led not to reward but to false accusation. Potiphar, believing his wife’s words, cast Joseph into prison.
Even in prison, Joseph was not forsaken. Scripture says, “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21). There he interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s chief butler and baker, foretelling the butler’s restoration and the baker’s execution (Genesis 40). Though forgotten for two years, Joseph remained steadfast in faith.
Exaltation in Egypt
At length, Pharaoh himself dreamed troubling dreams which none of his magicians could interpret. The butler then remembered Joseph, who was brought from the dungeon to stand before Pharaoh. Joseph declared, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (Genesis 41:16). Through divine wisdom, Joseph interpreted the dreams as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
Impressed by his discernment, Pharaoh exalted Joseph, saying, “Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled” (Genesis 41:40). He gave him authority second only to Pharaoh himself. Thus Joseph, once a slave and prisoner, became ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Reunion and Reconciliation
When famine struck the land, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy corn, not knowing that the ruler before them was their long-lost brother. Through a series of tests, Joseph proved their hearts and ultimately revealed himself, saying, “I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt” (Genesis 45:4).
Rather than seeking vengeance, Joseph perceived the hand of God in his sufferings: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). His forgiveness and provision for his family displayed both humility and faith in God’s sovereign plan.
Theological Significance
Joseph’s life illustrates divine providence—the unseen hand of God guiding events for His purpose. Though betrayed and wronged, Joseph trusted in the Lord, and his trials prepared him for greater service. His story foreshadows Christ, who was rejected by His own, sold for silver, suffered unjustly, yet was exalted to save not only Israel but the nations.
Joseph’s words to his brethren reflect the heart of faith: God overrules the evil intentions of men for His redemptive purposes. As Paul later wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Conclusion
The account of Joseph, preserved in the KJV, stands as a testimony of faith, endurance, and divine providence. From the pit to the palace, Joseph’s life reminds us that trials refine character and that God’s purposes are never thwarted. His forgiveness of his brothers exemplifies grace, and his exaltation points us to Christ, the greater Deliverer. Truly, the story of Joseph remains a timeless witness that the Lord is faithful to those who trust Him.