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The Story of Joseph
The Story of Joseph
“These are the records of the generations of Jacob. Joseph…” (Genesis 37:2) So begins our last section of Genesis. From here to the end of Genesis the story centers around Joseph.
The overall story is how God brought Jacob (Israel) from one man to be a nation of people. It will involve all sorts of behind the scene activity by God, most of which would be unknown to us except for revelation. Jacob à 12 sons à brought into Egypt by famine à blessed in Egypt (even through slavery) à a nation of people à delivered by Moses (Exodus – Deuteronomy) à given the land promised to Abraham (Joshua).
Concerning Joseph, Wilbur Fields writes: “Joseph was sold in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard. (BDB Lexicon defines guard as bodyguard [originally, royal slaughterers].)
3. Joseph tested in Egypt (Gen. 39:1–18). “The word of the LORD tested (or proved) him” (Ps. 105:19).
In Egypt Joseph was tested by (1) service as Potiphar’s slave (3:2–4); (2) temptations by Potiphar’s wife (39:7–10); (3) false accusations by Potiphar’s wife (39:14–15); (4) imprisonment (39:20; Ps. 105:17–18); (5) loneliness for his family (43:27–30).
Throughout all his tests Joseph never quit trying to be the best he could possibly be. He was successful wherever he was, for “the LORD was with Joseph.” Four times this statement is made (39:2, 3, 21, 23). Others could see that the LORD was with him (39:3).
Joseph would not commit adultery with his master’s wife. He said, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against GOD?” (39:9). Joseph knew that sin hurts GOD even more than it hurts people.” (Wilbur Fields, Old Testament History, Logos edition).
The difficult part in this reading is focusing on the activity and plan of God and not all the misdeeds by the sons of Jacob! Truly, ‘God meant it for good’. God’s plan goes far beyond the comfort of one man’s lifetime! Hundreds of years in bondage, yet God was there each day. He saw, heard, and knew what was happening. It took that long for the 12 sons to become the 12 tribes. Trust God! Would you have been like Joseph if it happened to you?
Hugh DeLong
