| “ | I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt, but now, do not grieve or be angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life." | „ |
| ~ Joseph (Génesis 45:5) |
Joseph (Hebrew: יוֹסֵף, Yōsēp̄, 'He shall add') is an important figure in the Holy Bible and the Quran. He was the first of the two sons of Jacob and Rachel(Jacob's twelfth named child and eleventh son). His story functions as an explanation for Israel's residence in Egypt. As the favorite son of the patriarch Jacob, he is sold by his jealous brothers into slavery in Egypt, where he eventually ends up incarcerated. After correctly interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, however, he rises to second-in-command in Egypt and saves Egypt during a famine. Jacob's family travels to Egypt to escape the famine, and it is through him that they are given leave to settle in the Land of Goshen (the eastern part of the Nile Delta).
Biblical narrative[]
Birth and family[]
Joseph was born about 1562 B.C. in Haran, Turkey, as the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. His birth marked a significant moment, as Rachel had been barren until then. Jacob preferred him over his other sons, born to Leah or the concubines Bilhah and Zilpah, which generated envy. This preference manifested itself in a tunic of various colors, described as a long garment with sleeves, possibly a symbol of primogeniture, worn by nobles and royals.
Youth and conspiracy against him[]
At the age of 17, Joseph was shepherding with his brothers and reported their misbehavior to Jacob, exacerbating tensions. In addition, he had two prophetic dreams: in one, his sheaves were lifted up while those of his brothers were bowed down; in another, the sun, moon and eleven stars (representing his family) bowed down before him. These dreams, interpreted as signs of future leadership, intensified the hatred of his brothers. During a journey, they conspired to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, suggested throwing him into a cistern to save him. Judah, however, proposed to sell him to Ishmaelite merchants for 20 pieces of silver, a standard price for a slave of his age according to Leviticus 27:5. Joseph was taken to Egypt, and his brothers deceived Jacob with the blood-stained robe of a goat, making him believe that he had been devoured by a wild beast (Genesis 37:28).
Life in Egypt[]
Slavery and imprisonment[]
In Egypt, Joseph was bought by Potiphar, described as “captain of the guard,” a title indicating high authority, possibly chief executioner. Joseph prospered in Potiphar's household, managing all affairs, but faced a new challenge when Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce him. He rejected her advances, arguing that it would be a sin against God, and was falsely accused of attempted rape. Potiphar imprisoned him, but Joseph maintained his integrity. In prison, he interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and Pharaoh's baker: the cupbearer would be restored in three days, while the baker would be executed, predictions that came true. However, the cupbearer forgot to mention Joseph for two years, prolonging his captivity for a total of 13 years (7 as a slave, 6 in prison).
Rise to Power[]
At the age of 30, Pharaoh had dreams of seven fat cows and seven lean ones, and seven full ears of corn and seven empty ones, which Joseph interpreted as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed, Pharaoh appointed him vizier, second only to him, with authority to manage Egyptian resources. Joseph married Asenath, daughter of an Egyptian priest, and had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who would form the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim. During the years of abundance, he stored grain, preparing for the famine.
Reunion with his brothers[]
Famine struck Canaan, and Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt for grain. Joseph, now a powerful leader, recognized them, but they did not, for it had been 22 years since they had last seen him. To prove his character, he accused them of spying, held Simeon, and demanded that they bring Benjamin. On their second trip, Joseph placed his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, accusing them of theft when it was “discovered.” Judah, showing change, offered his life for Benjamin, which moved Joseph. He revealed his identity, forgiving them and saying that God had turned their evil into good to save many lives. He invited the whole family to Egypt, where they settled in Goshen.
Jacob, upon reuniting with Joseph, blessed his grandsons, Manasseh and Ephraim, crossing his hands to give the birthright to Ephraim, the younger, over Manasseh, following a tradition of unexpected blessings. Jacob died in Egypt and was buried in Canaan, according to his wish, marking a moment of transition for the family.
Death[]
Joseph lived to be 110 years old, a symbol of longevity and blessing. Before he died, he made his brothers swear an oath to take his remains to Canaan when God brought them out of Egypt. He was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. During the Exodus, led by Moses, his bones were taken to Canaan and buried in Shechem, fulfilling his wish.
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