Joseph

Joseph is a figure in the Bible who is known for his coat of many colors and his rise to power in Egypt. He is a central figure in the Book of Genesis and is considered a patriarch of the Israelites.

Early Life

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of Rachel. He was born in Paddan Aram after his mother had been barren for seven years. Joseph's father loved him more than any of his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age. This favoritism caused Joseph's brothers to hate him.

Dreams

Joseph had two dreams that made his brothers hate him even more. In the first dream, Joseph and his brothers were binding sheaves in the field when suddenly Joseph's sheaf rose and stood upright, while his brothers' sheaves gathered around it and bowed down. In the second dream, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to Joseph.

Coat of Many Colors

Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colors. This coat was a sign of his father's favoritism, and it made his brothers hate him even more.

Sold into Slavery

Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery to a group of Ishmaelites. They then dipped Joseph's coat in goat blood and brought it back to their father, making him believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

Rise to Power in Egypt

Joseph was sold to Potipar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. After being falsely accused by Potipar's wife, Joseph was imprisoned. While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two of his fellow prisoners, both of whom were former servants of Pharaoh. When Pharaoh had two troubling dreams, Joseph was summoned to interpret them. Joseph predicted seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, and advised Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of abundance. Impressed by Joseph's interpretation, Pharaoh made him Vizier, or second in command.

Family Reunion

During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him. After testing them, Joseph revealed his identity. Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, where they were given the land of Goshen.

Death

Joseph died at the age of 110. Before his death, he made the Israelites swear that they would carry his bones back to Canaan when God led them out of Egypt.

Joseph Resources
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