In the Old Testament, the notion of “twelve tribes of israel” is used to refer to the peoples that were born from the twelve sons of Jacob. Among these children the bible tells the story of joseph, son of Rebekah, who became governor of Egypt. You may be wondering how he got to Egypt? Then we invite you to know the history of Joseph, son of Jacobthrough these Biblical passagesand to discover the wonderful heart that the tests forged in him.
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Who is Joseph in the Bible?
Joseph and his brothers
“Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of old age, and he commanded him to make a long-sleeved robe. But his brothers, seeing that he loved him more than them, took such hatred of him that they could not even greet him ” (Genesis 37:3-4). This biblical passage shows us that Joseph was the favorite son of his father, which aroused the jealousy of his brothers, and when Joseph told them the wonderful visions that God had shown him. “His brothers asked him: “Do you intend to reign over us and have us under your dominion?”. And they hated him even more for what he told about his dreams “ (Genesis 37:8).
Joseph is sold by his brothers
The jealousy of Joseph’s brothers even led them to want to kill their brother. In fact, one day, when they were away from his father and José approached them, they said to each other: “Why don’t we kill him and throw him in one of those cisterns? Later we will say that he was devoured by a beast. Then we will see how his dreams end! ». But Rubén, hearing this, tried to save him by saying: “Let’s not make an attempt on his life.” (Genesis 37:20-21). Thanks to Reuben’s kindness, his brothers did not kill Joseph, but when he turned his back, they sold him as a slave to the Midianites: “But meanwhile, in Egypt, the Midianites had sold him to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh, captain of the guards” (Genesis 37:36).
Joseph and Potiphar’s wife
After being a slave, Jose entered the house of Potiphar, where the grace of God made him make a difference, and he became the administrator of all his master’s possessions. However, the situation became complicated when Potiphar’s wife began to insinuate herself. He answered: “He himself wields no more authority than I do in this house, and he has not placed any restrictions on me, apart from the respect due you, since you are his wife. How then am I going to commit such a serious crime and sin against God?»” (Genesis 39:9). Still, the woman made false accusations against her, so the master “He had Joseph arrested, and put him in jail where the king’s prisoners were kept. So he went to jail. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed his kindness to him, causing him to win the sympathy of the chief jailer ” (Genesis 39:20-21).
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Joseph in Egypt
Thanks to his gift of interpretation, José explained the dreams of two administrators of the Pharaoh while he was in prison. Later, that same gift allowed him to interpret the pharaoh’s dream and become governor of Egypt. In this way, Egypt was able to prepare for the famine thanks to the advice of Joseph, while other peoples, including the Hebrews, went to Egypt in search of food, since they ran out of provisions. Joseph’s brothers were among the crowd that came looking for food, and when he saw them again he said to them: “That is why God made me precede them to leave them a remnant on earth and save their lives, freeing them in an extraordinary way. It was God, and not you, who sent me here and made me the father of Pharaoh, lord of all his palace, and ruler of Egypt. (Genesis 45:7-8)
Jose’s big heart
José, a hard-working son
“Joseph was seventeen years old, and he tended the flock, helping his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. On a certain occasion, he told Jacob how badly they spoke with them “ (Genesis 37:2).
José, a man attentive to the needs of others
“Why are you sad-faced today?” he asked the Pharaoh’s officials who were under arrest with him in his lord’s house. (Genesis 40:7).
José, a man capable of controlling his emotions
“José rushed out because he was moved by the sight of his brother and couldn’t hold back his tears. He went into a room and wept. Then he washed his face, came back and, trying to control himself, ordered the food to be served. (Genesis 43:30-31).
José, a man capable of forgiving
“Then Joseph said to his brothers again: ‘Come a little closer.’ And when they approached, he added: “Yes, I am Joseph, your brother, the same one who was sold to the Egyptians. Now do not grieve or feel remorse for having sold me. Actually, it was God who sent me here in front of you to preserve your life” (Genesis 45:4-5).