Joseph the Dreamer

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The story of Joseph the Dreamer is found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible, specifically in chapters 37-50. Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob, also known as Israel. He had eleven brothers who became jealous of him because their father favored him and gave him a special coat of many colors. On top of that, Joseph started having vivid dreams that seemed to suggest he would have authority over his brothers.

The jealousy of Joseph’s brothers reached a point where they couldn’t bear it any longer. One day, when Joseph was sent by his father to check on his brothers who were tending the flock, they saw an opportunity to get rid of him. They plotted to kill him, but one of the brothers, Reuben, convinced them to throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later.

While Joseph was in the pit, a group of traders passed by, and his brothers decided to sell him to them as a slave. They took Joseph’s coat, dipped it in animal blood, and showed it to their father, leading Jacob to believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold as a slave to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph found favor with Potiphar, and he became the overseer of Potiphar’s household. However, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of making advances towards her when he resisted her advances, which resulted in Joseph being thrown into prison.

In prison, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams came to light when he correctly interpreted the dreams of two fellow prisoners, the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. The cupbearer was restored to his position, but Joseph asked him to remember him when he was released, hoping to be freed from prison.

Two years later, Pharaoh himself had a series of troubling dreams that none of his wise men could interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph and informed Pharaoh about his ability to interpret dreams. Joseph was brought before Pharaoh, and he interpreted the dreams to mean that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as the second-in-command, responsible for managing the food supply during the years of abundance and preparing for the famine. Joseph stored up food throughout the abundant years and when the famine struck, Egypt had enough to sustain not only its people but also the surrounding nations.

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. They did not recognize Joseph, but he recognized them. Joseph tested his brothers to see if they had changed and ultimately revealed his identity to them. Rather than seeking revenge, Joseph forgave his brothers and brought his entire family, including his father Jacob, to Egypt to live with him.

The story of Joseph the Dreamer highlights themes of jealousy, forgiveness, and God’s providence. Despite facing numerous hardships and betrayals, Joseph remained faithful to God and ultimately rose to a position of power where he could bless his family and fulfill the dreams that God had given him.

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