Bible Figure
Joseph
Biblical figure, son of Jacob and Rachel and governor of Egypt during the late Hyksos dynasty
Joseph was Jacob's beloved son by Rachel who was sold into slavery by his brothers, rose to govern Egypt, and became God's instrument for preserving his family during famine.
Biography
Joseph received dreams suggesting future preeminence, intensifying his brothers' jealousy. They sold him to traders, and he became a slave in Egypt in Potiphar's house. After resisting Potiphar's wife's sexual advances, Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned. There he interpreted dreams, and later Pharaoh summoned him to interpret dreams predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh elevated Joseph to authority over Egypt's food program. When famine brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt, he tested them before revealing his identity and forgiving them. Jacob's household then settled in Egypt. Joseph recognized that although his brothers intended evil, God had used the events to preserve many lives.
Biblical Significance
Joseph's story is one of Scripture's clearest demonstrations of providence: human betrayal and injustice are not called good, yet God sovereignly works through them for preservation and covenant purposes. Joseph also models sexual integrity, wise administration, forgiveness, and faith in God's promises.