Joseph (son of Jacob)

The story of Joseph (son of Jacob)

Joseph was the firstborn son of Rachel and the favorite of his father Jacob, who gave him a distinctive multi-colored robe. His brothers grew to resent him deeply, fueled by his dreams of them bowing down to him. This jealousy reached a breaking point when they plotted to kill him but instead sold him to merchants heading for Egypt. In a foreign land, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, where he served with great integrity.

Despite his faithfulness, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison. While incarcerated, he became known for his ability to interpret dreams, successfully predicting the futures of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. Two years later, he was summoned to interpret Pharaoh's own disturbing dreams about a coming famine. His wisdom so impressed the ruler that Joseph was appointed as the second-most powerful man in Egypt to manage the nation's food supplies and preparations.

When the famine struck, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, not recognizing the powerful official as their long-lost brother. After testing their character, Joseph revealed his identity in an emotional reunion, forgiving them and declaring that God had sent him ahead to save lives. He relocated his entire family to Egypt, providing for them in the land of Goshen. Joseph died at a great age, leaving instructions for his bones to be carried back to the Promised Land.