Joseph

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob but the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. His father's favoritism, symbolized by the special coat of many colors, and his own dreams predicting his family would bow to him created intense jealousy among his ten older brothers. At seventeen, Joseph's life took a dramatic turn when his brothers sold him into slavery to Midianite merchants traveling to Egypt.

In Egypt, Joseph was purchased by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. Though a slave, Joseph prospered because the Lord was with him, and Potiphar recognized God's blessing on everything Joseph managed. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his entire household. However, when Joseph refused the sexual advances of Potiphar's wife and fled her presence, she falsely accused him of assault, landing Joseph in prison.

Even in prison, Joseph found favor and was put in charge of all the prisoners. When two of Pharaoh's officials—the cupbearer and baker—were imprisoned, they had troubling dreams that Joseph interpreted through God's revelation. Everything happened as Joseph predicted, but the cupbearer forgot about Joseph for two more years until Pharaoh himself had disturbing dreams that none of his wise men could interpret.

Brought before Pharaoh, Joseph gave God credit for the ability to interpret dreams and explained that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. He recommended appointing a wise administrator to prepare for the famine. Pharaoh recognized God's spirit in Joseph and appointed him second-in-command over all Egypt at age thirty. Joseph's strategic planning saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation.

When the famine reached Canaan, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt seeking grain, not recognizing the powerful Egyptian official as their long-lost brother. Through a series of tests, Joseph discerned their hearts and discovered they had changed from the jealous brothers who sold him. When he finally revealed his identity, Joseph wept and forgave them, declaring that though they meant evil, God meant it for good to save many lives.

Joseph brought his entire family to Egypt, where they settled in Goshen and grew into a great nation. He lived to see his great-great-grandchildren and died at 110 years old, making his brothers promise to carry his bones back to Canaan when God brought them home. Joseph's life exemplifies integrity in the face of temptation, faithfulness in suffering, and the ability to see God's sovereign hand in all circumstances.