People of the Bible: Joseph

Life of Joseph: 10 facts

Joseph the dreamer, trusted God as he went from favorite son to slave to becoming prime minster in a foreign land. God assured Joseph through dreams that he would rise to a position of leadership over his parents and brothers (Gen. 37:5-11). These dreams were evidence of divine blessing, rather than Joseph’s ambition. Joseph’s trust in the sovereignty of God is beautifully summarized in his response to his fearful brothers in Genesis 50:19-20.

1. Joseph was the 11^th of Jacob’s 12 sons and the elder of two sons of Rachel (Genesis 30:24)
2. Joseph’s father loved him very much (Genesis 37:1-4)
3. Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 37:5-11)
4. Joseph sold by his brothers to the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:18-36)
5. Joseph in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39:1-6)
6. Joseph lands in prison (Genesis 29:7-20)
7. Joseph interprets dreams (Genesis 40:1-23, 41:1-36)
8. Joseph made ruler of Egypt (Genesis 41:37-46)
9. Joseph provides for all of Egypt (Genesis 41:47-57)
10. Joseph’s unusual family reunion (Genesis 42-50)