how did joseph explain to his brothers the course of events leading to his high position in egypt?

When Joseph is speaking to his brothers and extending the invitation for them to join him in Egypt he states that two years of famine have passed and five remain (Genesis 45:6). Thus, Jacob’s arrival is (7 years of plenty +2 years of famine = 9 years), and perhaps a bit longer, after Joseph’s promotion.

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How did Joseph deal with his brothers in Egypt?

Jul 19, 2018 · In Genesis 42, Joseph’s brothers who had sold him into slavery arrived in Egypt and appeared before him, the ruler of Egypt. They obviously did not expect to see him there and so did not recognize him. Joseph recognized his brothers, but he did not reveal his true identity to them. Instead, he treated them with harshness.

What can we learn from the story of Joseph and his brothers?

Eventually, Joseph is elevated to the second highest position in the land, and then God uses a famine to bring his brothers to Egypt. He has the perfect opportunity to get revenge, but he does not do so. Joseph’s dealings with his brothers will eventually bring them to repentance, and thus they will be reconciled as a family.

How did Joseph bring Egypt through the agricultural catastrophe?

Scripture states that when Joseph’s brothers first stood before him in Egypt, “Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.” The commentators explain that when Joseph left his brothers he had not yet grown a beard, and that is why they did not recognize their now-bearded brother. There is a deeper meaning to this passage.

What is the historical context of Joseph?

Mar 22, 2019 · Here, a single theme resounds: God intervenes in the course of human events to save his people. Most of us remember the Joseph story from Sunday school: the jealous brothers who sell the favorite ...

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Jul 18, 2008 · 8. Joseph: The Man with a Divine Purpose. Joseph had a lot of things going his way in life at first. He was handsome. He was the first son born to Jacob through Rachel, and therefore, he was his father’s favorite son. He had great dreams that made him feel good about himself. But then one day his entire life changed.

How did Joseph assume the position of a leader in Egypt?

While eating, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelite traders going to Egypt. On Judah's suggestion, Joseph was sold for twenty shekels of silver and was eventually taken to Egypt. Joseph was again resold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officers. He became his chief steward.

What does the story of Joseph and his brothers teach us?

Joseph's dreams first get him into trouble, but his ability to understand them leads him to be chosen by the Pharaoh and to save the world. We could learn a lesson about the mysteries of how the world works. Believers and non-believers can see it as an illustration of the need to keep trying and persevere.Mar 27, 2011

What did Joseph do to his brothers when they came to Egypt?

Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the one who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them.

What did Joseph tell his brothers about his dreams that upset them?

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it." His brothers said to him, "Do you intend to reign over us?

How did God lead Joseph and how did he respond What do you learn from this?

He was described in the Bible as a righteous man. Even when personally wronged, he had the quality of being sensitive to someone else's shame. He responded to God in obedience and he practiced self-control. Joseph is a wonderful biblical example of integrity and godly character.May 6, 2020

What is the purpose of the story of Joseph?

Joseph would then be used by God to preserve his father's entire family by enabling them to move from Canaan to Egypt. In this move, the Hebrew nation would prosper and numerically grow to become a great nation. All this happened because of the Divine plan and purpose God had for Joseph's life.May 21, 2021

What Joseph said to his brothers?

Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!

What did Joseph say about his brothers selling him into slavery in Egypt?

The Biblical story is clear Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers led by Judah, "Come let us sell him to the Ishmaelites" there" (Genesis 37:27). In Egypt, Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard "bought Joseph from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there" (Genesis 39:1).

How did Joseph trick his brothers?

He asked them if they had any other brothers. They told him about Benjamin who was home with their father. He then asked his brothers to go back home Egypt and bring Benjamin to Egypt. He played a trick on them by putting their money back along with the grain, which the brothers were unaware of.Sep 23, 2020

What was Joseph's dream while he was with his brothers and its interpretation?

Joseph, “I also had a dream: there were three cake baskets on my head, 17 and in the uppermost basket there were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating it out of the basket on my head.” 18 And Joseph answered, “This is its interpretation: the three baskets are three days; 19 within three days ...

What was Joseph's reward for interpreting Pharaoh's dream?

Joseph became the vizier of Egypt, the prime minister, and was given a gold seal of authority after he interpreted the pharaoh's dream. In the Bible, it says that Joseph became a wonderful man whom everybody loved, and wherever he went they cried after him 'Abrek'—an enigmatic phrase.Sep 23, 2020

What dreams did Joseph have about his brothers?

He once dreamed eleven bundles of grain, each representing one of his brothers, bowed to his bundle. In another dream, which Joseph faithfully recounted, the sun (representing his father), moon (his mother) and eleven stars (no guesses here), all bowed to him.

What did Jacob's brothers do to Joseph?

His brothers plotted against him, threw him in an empty well, and later sold him as a slave to some traveling Midianites. Applying animal blood to his “ornate robe,” they returned home and made Jacob believe his son had been killed by wild animals. In the meantime, Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to the captain of the guard, Potiphar, ...

What are the themes of Joseph and his brothers?

In the story of Joseph and his brothers, we see the themes of forgiveness, the father-son bond, sibling rivalry, brotherly love, God’s sovereignty, and God’s greater good in times of suffering. Just like Joseph, we are called to forgive those who have offended us and see life’s experiences as part of God’s plan to help us serve others.

Why did Israel love Joseph more than any of his other sons?

In Genesis 37:3–4 we read, “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”. The same passage also discusses two dreams Joseph ...

Why did Joseph send word to the entire family?

Joseph sent word for the entire family to join them in Egypt until after the famine. Later, when their father, Jacob, died, Joseph’s brothers feared that Joseph would take revenge against them for their prior treatment of him. They came to Joseph and begged for his forgiveness, appealing to a request their father had made before he died ...

Who interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's servants?

While in prison, Joseph accurately interpreted the dreams of two of Pharaoh’s servants, who were also incarcerated. Later, Pharaoh had a disturbing dream no one could interpret. One of the servants Joseph had previously helped then suggested to Pharaoh that Joseph could interpret the dream.

Who was Joseph sold to?

In the meantime, Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to the captain of the guard, Potiphar, as a household slave. Joseph was later falsely accused of attempting to rape Potiphar ’s wife and thrown into prison.

Did Joseph and Benjamin know they were spies?

They did not recognize Joseph, now twenty years older, and he treated them harshly, pretending that he thought they were spies. Joseph kept one brother in prison until the others brought their youngest brother, Benjamin, back to Egypt to prove they were not spies. They brought Benjamin with them on a return trip, and, ...

How long did Joseph put the brothers in prison?

This might be hard to believe in light of the fact that Joseph put all of the brothers in prison for three days. Then, he kept the oldest, Simeon, in prison, telling them that he would only release him if they came back with their youngest brother Benjamin.

What did Judah say about Benjamin?

His pretend harshness culminated with a situation where he was going to take Benjamin as his slave. Judah stood up and said: So now, if the boy is not with us when I go back to your servant my father, and if my father, whose life is closely bound up with the boy’s life, sees that the boy isn’t there, he will die. . . .

What did Joseph and Pharaoh give Joseph's brothers?

Back to Table of Contents. Joseph and Pharaoh lavishly gave Joseph’s brothers “the best of all the land of Egypt” ( Genesis 45:20) and supplied them for their return to Canaan and transportation of the family. This apparently happy ending, however, has a dark side.

What did Joseph do to impress Pharaoh?

Joseph’s way of doing it impressed Pharaoh, showing that publicly giving God credit can be done in a believable way. God’s presence with Joseph was so obvious that Pharaoh promoted Joseph to second-in-command of Egypt, especially to take charge of preparations for the coming famine ( Gen. 41:37-45 ).

What was Joseph's role in prison?

39:21-23 ). In prison, Joseph met two of Pharaoh’s officials who were incarcerated, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. Many Egyptian texts mention the role of cupbearers, who not only tasted wine for quality and to detect poison but also who enjoyed proximity to those with political power. They often became confidants who were valued for their counsel (see Neh. 2:1-4 ). [1]#N#Kenneth A. Kitchen, “Cupbearer,” in New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed., eds. I. Howard Marshall, A. R. Millard, J. I. Packer, and D. J. Wiseman (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 248.#N#Like chief cupbearers, chief bakers were also trusted officials who had open access to the highest persons in the government and who may have performed duties that extended beyond the preparation of food. [2]#N#Roland K. Harrison, “Baker,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979), 1:404.#N#In prison, Joseph did the work of interpreting dreams for these politically connected individuals.

What was Joseph's refusal of the wife's advances?

Joseph’s refusal of the wife’s advances was articulate and reasonable. He reminded her of the broad trust that Potiphar had placed in him and described the relationship she sought in the moral/religious terms “wickedness” and "sin" ( Gen. 39:9 ). He was sensitive to both the social and theological dimensions.

What was Joseph's job in Potiphar's employ?

Joseph’s stint in Potiphar’s employ gave him a wide range of fiduciary responsibilities. At first, Joseph was merely “in” his master’s house. We don’t know in what capacity he served, but when Potiphar recognized Joseph’s general competence, he promoted him to be his personal steward and “put him in charge of all that he had” ( Gen. 39:4 ).

What did Joseph do to help the poor in Egypt?

After the people ran out of money, Joseph allowed them to barter their livestock for food. This plan lasted for one year during which Joseph collected horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys ( Gen. 47:15-17 ).

What did Joseph's promotion bring him?

Joseph’s promotion brought him significant accoutrements of leadership : a royal signet ring and gold chain, fine clothing appropriate to his high office, official transportation, a new Egyptian name, and an Egyptian wife from an upper class family ( Gen. 41:41-45 ).

What is the story of Joseph?

The story of Joseph is one of the great dramas of the Bible. A young man is favored by his father and is consequently hated by his brothers. The brothers conspire to rid themselves of Joseph, and sell him as a slave to a caravan of Ishmaelites, headed for Egypt.

Why did Joseph's brothers not speak to him?

For some reason, Joseph was kept at home when his brothers took their father’s flock to graze near Shechem. Israel became somewhat uneasy about how things were going in Shechem, and his fears were not ill-founded.

What were the two dreams of Pharaoh?

The Pharaoh had two dreams that troubled him greatly. The first dream was of seven fat cows, which were eaten by seven very skinny and ugly cows . The second dream was of seven healthy heads of grain that were swallowed up by seven thin heads of grain.

What chapter does Judah's immorality come against Joseph?

Third, Judah’s immorality in chapter 38 will serve as a backdrop, against which the moral purity of Joseph will be contrasted in Genesis 39. Fourth, chapter 38 sets the scene for Joseph’s reunion with his brothers in chapters 42 and following.

Who did God provide for Jacob?

Isaac and Rebekah were not as careful, but God providentially provided two wives for Jacob from Rebekah’s brother Laban, in Paddan Aram ( Genesis 29 ). Judah promptly leaves home and marries a Canaanite woman (38:1-2). 92 She has three sons.

What did the men witness about Joseph's incarceration?

As the men witnessed Joseph’s attitude toward his incarceration, they were intrigued. As they observed his recognition of the sovereignty of God, they were fascinated. As they read of his forgiveness of his brothers, who had unjustly sold him into bondage, they were amazed.

What does "until Shiloh comes" mean?

The traditional rendering “until Shiloh comes” (49:10) is probably better understood to mean, “until he comes to whom it belongs, ” as can be seen in the translation of the NET Bible above. David’s descendants will rule until the final and ultimate “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” the “Son of David” comes:

How long did Joseph rule Egypt?

Joseph ruled Egypt for a total of eighty years, until his death at the age of 110. Before his passing, he made his brothers promise to take his coffin along with them when they would eventually leave Egypt for the Promised Land. After his death, he was embalmed and laid to rest in Egypt. 6 Indeed, when the Jews left Egypt many years later, ...

Who was Joseph in the Bible?

The Story of Joseph in the Bible. Joseph was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, a son of Jacob and his wife Rachel. Known as “the righteous one,” he was favored by his father (who gave him a special colored coat) and sold by his brothers to Egypt, where he ultimately became ruler of the land, second only to King Pharaoh.

How many years did Pharaoh dream?

Joseph, then thirty, interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams as being a Divine prediction for seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, and advised Pharaoh to prepare by storing grain during the first seven years. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as his viceroy, second only to the king himself, ...

What does the name Joseph mean in Hebrew?

Behind the Name. Joseph was born to Rachel after many years of infertility. She named her son Joseph, Yosef in Hebrew, which means “increase, ” expressing her wish that G‑d grant her an additional son. 9 (Her prayers were indeed fulfilled, as she later begot Benjamin.)

What was the climactic reunion?

Climactic Reunion. Joseph enjoying a feast with his brothers. (Art by Yoram Raanan) Meanwhile, the effects of the famine were felt in nearby Canaan. Hearing that there was grain in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers journeyed there to buy precious food from the viceroy, not realizing that he was their very own brother.

What did Potiphar's wife want from Joseph?

Attracted by his handsome looks, Potiphar’s wife desired to be intimate with him. To her consternation, Joseph continuously refused. One day, when no one was home other than the two of them, the mistress grasped Joseph’s garment, demanding that he consent. Thinking quickly, Joseph slid out of his cloak and ran outside.

What did Joseph dream of in the first book of the Bible?

In the second, Joseph envisioned the sun, the moon, and eleven stars (symbolizing his parents and brothers) bowing to him. Read: Dreams to Cherish. Soon enough, when Joseph was seventeen, the tension came to a head.

What chapter does Joseph reveal his identity to his brothers?

He “threatened” to keep Benjamin as his slave, and Judah pleaded with him to keep him instead of Benjamin. This brings us to Chapter 45 , when Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. Genesis 45:1-8. 4.

What did Joseph tell Pharaoh?

Joseph interpreted the king’s dreams, which foretold of the coming seven years of great abundance in Egypt (41:29) and the following seven years of famine (41:29). Joseph proceeded to tell Pharaoh what should be done (41:32-37). 3.

How many chapters does Joseph's story span?

What an encouragement to us. Let God use you where you are. Let Him use you in the hard times, as well as the good times. The story of Joseph spans many chapters, Genesis 37-50.

What does God use to bring about his perfect purpose?

God uses even the negative motives of others to bring about His perfect purpose. Meditate on Genesis 50:20. “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”. Joseph had a divine purpose.

Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt?

1. Jacob sent his sons, with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain during the famine. When his brothers came before Joseph, why didn’t he just tell them who he was and why do you think he recognized them but they did not recognize him?

Where did Jacob move to?

In Genesis 46-47 Jacob moved his family to Egypt. God once again spoke to him, encouraging him to not be afraid to go to Egypt and reminding him of His promise to make him a great nation ( Gen. 46:1-4 ). Genesis 48-49 records Jacob’s final days. Today we look at Joseph’s last days after his father Jacob died.

Who refused to let Jacob take Benjamin?

Jacob first refused to let them take Benjamin, but after all the grain was eaten, he sent his sons back to Egypt with Benjamin (43:1-15). When Joseph saw Benjamin, he responded with emotion (43:16-34). In Genesis 44, Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan and played a little trickery on them.

What did Joseph do to help his betrayers?

Joseph Rejected Bitterness and Chose to Forgive . As Joseph responded to suffering with faith, meekness, and humility, God molded and shaped a leader. And that leader would not only end up saving his betrayers’ lives, but he would fully forgive them and provide abundantly for their needs.

Why did God allow Joseph to suffer?

By Joseph’s own testimony, the sufferings of Joseph—physical, mental, and emotional agonies—had been allowed by God so that Joseph could fulfill God’s plan: to save many lives.

What happened to Joseph in Egypt?

During his time in Egypt, Joseph was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. So not only was he sold into slavery, but he found himself in an Egyptian prison. Nothing was working out according to plan… or so he thought. Sometimes things happen in our lives that seem out of place. And we find ourselves thinking, “How could God possibly use this circumstance or difficulty in my life?” But the events of Joseph’s life were no accident. God had him right where he needed to be to fulfill his destiny.

Why did God use Joseph's prison?

He would use Joseph’s imprisonment to ultimately shape his life as well as the lives of the entire nation of Israel.And not only that, but God remained with Joseph in that prison. He gave him favor with the chief jailer and Joseph was actually put in charge of all the other prisoners!

Why was Joseph sold into slavery?

One of twelve sons, Joseph was the favorite of his father Jacob. And because of that, his brothers were more than jealous of him. In their bitterness and rage, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt.And God used this seemingly hopeless situation to change the course of history.

What does Joseph's life show God?

This post is part of a larger series called “Let There Be Light.”.

Did Joseph test them for forgiveness?

Joseph did no such thing. He did test them to be sure they had changed, but forgiveness was always in his heart. (Genesis 42-45) Even though they had sold their young brother into slavery (a crime most of us would have a hard time forgiving), Joseph chose forgiveness.

Did Joseph's brothers bow down to him?

By the time Joseph encountered his brothers once again, he was second in command of Egypt and they didn’t recognize him. Joseph’s dreams became a reality when his brothers did indeed bow down to him in respect. This would have been the perfect opportunity for revenge right? Joseph did no such thing.