Jacobs Age at His Birth'. Joseph was thirty years old when he
Stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46). The seven plenteous years and two years of the famine had passed when Jacob went into Egypt (30+7+2=39) (Genesis 41:46,53,54; Genesis 45:4-6; Genesis 47:1-9). Jacob was one hundred thirty years old when he entered Egypt (Genesis 47:1-9). Jacob was, therefore, (130 - 39 = 91) ninety-one years old at the birth of Joseph.
Early Life. Joseph was the son of Rachel, born to Jacob in his
Old age (Genesis 30:1-24), and was therefore the favorite (Genesis 37:3; Joseph had two remarkable dreams, resulting in the estrangement of his
Brothers and the suspicion of his father (Genesis 37:5-11). His brothers sold him into slavery, and deceived their father by dipping the coat of
Many colors into the blood of a goat, assuring him that they had found
It (Genesis 37:15-35).
Lessons from Jacobs Mourning'. Jacob mourned for Joseph,
Believing that he was dead (Genesis 37:31-35). We may learn from this,
to be careful about acting on the testimony of prejudiced witnesses,
and that a lie conscientiously believed and acted upon will produce substantially the same effects as the truth.
Early Life in Egypt. Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of
Pharaoh. (Genesis 39:1; Acts 7:9). On a false charge he was thrown into prison. In prison he enjoyed the confidence of the keeper, and
Interpreted the dreams of the butler and baker (Genesis 39:21-23; Genesis 40:1-23).
Pharaohs Dreams'. The king had two dreams:
He stood by the river and saw seven well-favored and fat-fleshed
Kine come up out of the river and feed in a meadow, and seven
Other kine that were ill-favored and lean-fleshed followed and
Devoured them.
He beheld seven ears of corn upon one stalk, rank and good, and
They were followed by seven thin and blasted ears by which
They were devoured (Genesis 41:1-7).
Josephs Interpretation'. The wise men failed to give the king's
Mind any relief, and Pharaoh, on the suggestion of the chief butler,
Called for Joseph, who declared that the dreams were one, and predicted
That there would immediately follow seven years of plenty, succeeded by
Seven years of famine (Genesis 41:8-32).
His Elevation. Pharaoh immediately clothed Joseph in royal
Vestures, made him ride in the second chariot, and required the people
To prostrate themselves before him (Genesis 41:33-45).
His Marriage. Pharaoh gave him the name Zaphnathpaaneah
(Preserver of the age, or revealer of secrets), and also gave him
Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On, to wife. By this
Union were two sons (Genesis 41:44-52).
Preparation for the Famine. Joseph immediately began to make
Preparations for the famine. He gathered corn "as the sands of the
Sea" and stored it in the cities (Genesis 41:47-52).
Famine in Egypt. The famine began as Joseph had predicted and
Covered the entire land of Egypt (Genesis 41:53-57).
Famine in Canaan. The famine extended to Canaan (Genesis 42:1,2Acts 7:11). Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy corn. Joseph recognized them, but they did not know him. He supplied their wants, and they
Returned to their home (Genesis 42:3-38). On their return to Egypt, Joseph made himself known to them and sent for his father to come to Egypt
(Genesis 43:1-34; Genesis 44:1-34; Genesis 45:1-24; Acts 7:12,14). Jacob received the news of Joseph's glory with incredulity (Genesis 45:25-28).
Lessons from Josephs Brothers'. We may learn from this,
to investigate thoroughly before coming to a conclusion,
and that after a man is once settled in error, it takes a tremendous influence to deliver him from it.
Jacobs Descent into Egypt'. Jacob at once departed for Egypt
Accompanied by his entire family; they also took their possessions
(Genesis 46:1-26).
Harmony of Genesis 46:26; Deuteronomy 10:22; Acts 7:14. The first passage counts the direct descendants (sixty-six) of Jacob who went with him
Into Egypt (Genesis 46:26). The second counts the sixty-six, Jacob, Joseph, and his two sons (Deuteronomy 10:22). The third counts the seventy, and five of Joseph's "kindred" whose names are not given.
Jacobs Introduction to Pharaoh'. Joseph introduced his father
To Pharaoh, who received him with respect. Jacob in return blessed
Pharaoh twice, and departed from his presence (Genesis 47:7-10).
Settled in Goshen. Jacob and his family were given permission
To dwell in Goshen where they enjoyed peace, plenty, and general
Prosperity (Genesis 47:1-27).
Death and Burial of Jacob. Jacob died in Egypt, was embalmed by Joseph's orders, carried to Canaan, and buried with great honors and great lamentation (Genesis 50:1-13; Acts 7:15,16).
Last Days of Joseph. Joseph's last days were distinguished by
forgiving his brothers;
enjoying the pleasures of family relation;
predicting the restoration of his brethren to the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;
and taking a pledge of his brethren to carry his bones with them on their departure (Genesis 50:15-26).
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available from Online-Bible.
Bibliography Information Johnson, Ashley S. "Entry for 'Joseph'". "Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia". <http://arabic.searchgodsword.org/enc/cbc/view.cgi?number=T24>. 1896.
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