The story of Joseph, found in Genesis chapters 37–50, is one of the most compelling narratives in the Bible. Here’s a summary:

Joseph’s Early Life and Betrayal

1. Favoritism and Dreams: Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob (also called Israel) and the first son of Rachel. Jacob loves Joseph more than his other sons and gives him a “coat of many colors,” which incites the jealousy and hatred of his brothers. Joseph also has two prophetic dreams in which he sees his brothers bowing down to him, further fueling their resentment.

2. Betrayal: One day, Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers who are tending the flocks. When the brothers see Joseph coming, they conspire to kill him but eventually decide to throw him into a pit instead. Later, they sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites (or Midianites) traveling to Egypt. They deceive Jacob by dipping Joseph’s coat in goat’s blood and making him believe Joseph has been killed by a wild animal.

Joseph in Egypt

1. Potiphar’s House: In Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Joseph earns Potiphar’s trust and is put in charge of his household. However, Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph of trying to seduce her after he resists her advances. As a result, Joseph is imprisoned.

2. Prison and Dreams: In prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. The cupbearer is restored to his position, while the baker is executed, just as Joseph had predicted. Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him, but he forgets for two years.

Rise to Power

1. Pharaoh’s Dreams: Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams that none of his advisors can interpret. The cupbearer remembers Joseph, who is then summoned to interpret the dreams. Joseph explains that the dreams predict seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. He advises Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of plenty.

2. Joseph’s Promotion: Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt, tasking him with overseeing the storage of grain. Joseph marries Asenath, the daughter of an Egyptian priest, and they have two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Reconciliation with His Brothers

1. The Famine: The famine affects not only Egypt, but also in Canaan, where Jacob and his family live. Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. They do not recognize Joseph, who accuses them of being spies and demands they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their honesty.

2. The Silver Cup: The brothers return with Benjamin. Joseph tests them by secretly placing his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and accusing him of theft. When the cup is found, Joseph threatens to enslave Benjamin. Judah offers himself in Benjamin’s place, demonstrating the brothers’ change of heart.

3. Revelation and Forgiveness: Moved by Judah’s plea, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. He forgives them, recognizing that their actions were part of God’s plan to save lives during the famine. Joseph invites his family to live in Egypt.

Jacob’s Arrival and Blessings

1. Reunion and Settlement: Jacob and his entire family move to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen. Jacob blesses Joseph’s two sons, adopting them as his own and giving them a share in the inheritance.

2. Jacob’s Death and Legacy: Before his death, Jacob blesses his sons and makes Joseph promise to bury him in Canaan. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution, but Joseph reassures them of his forgiveness, emphasizing God’s providence.

3. Joseph’s Death: Joseph lives to see his descendants prosper. Before he dies, he asks to be remembered when the Israelites leave Egypt, requesting that his bones be carried to the Promised Land. His request is fulfilled during the Exodus.

The story of Joseph is a tale of resilience, forgiveness, and divine providence, illustrating how God can use even the most adverse circumstances for a greater good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.“

(Romans 8:28)