Joseph Dreamer and Governor of Egypt

Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of his beloved wife Rachel. Favored by his father and given a coat of many colors, he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. In Egypt, he rose from slavery to become second only to Pharaoh after interpreting dreams. His ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams about seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine saved Egypt and the surrounding nations. He eventually forgave his brothers and reunited with his family.

1. Birthc. 1915 BC

   Joseph is born to Jacob and Rachel after years of barrenness. Rachel names him Joseph, meaning 'may he add,' expressing her hope for another son. As Rachel's firstborn, Joseph becomes Jacob's favorite.

   GEN 30:22-24

2. Youthc. 1898 BC

   Jacob gives Joseph an ornate robe, showing his favoritism. Joseph's brothers hate him for this preferential treatment. Their hatred deepens when Joseph shares dreams of his family bowing down to him.

   GEN 37:3-11

3. Sold into Slaveryc. 1898 BC

   Joseph's brothers conspire to kill him but instead sell him to Midianite traders for twenty pieces of silver. They deceive Jacob with Joseph's bloodied coat, and he mourns his son as dead. Joseph is taken to Egypt.

   GEN 37:12-36

4. Serving Potipharc. 1898-1885 BC

   In Egypt, Joseph serves Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. God prospers everything Joseph does. When Potiphar's wife falsely accuses him of assault after he refuses her advances, he is thrown into prison.

   GEN 39:1-20

5. In Prisonc. 1885-1884 BC

   In prison, Joseph interprets dreams for Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. The cupbearer's dream means restoration; the baker's means death. Both interpretations prove true, but the cupbearer forgets Joseph for two years.

   GEN 40:1-23

6. Before Pharaohc. 1884 BC

   Pharaoh has disturbing dreams that none can interpret. The cupbearer remembers Joseph. Joseph interprets: seven years of abundance will be followed by seven years of famine. He advises storing grain during the good years.

   GEN 41:1-36

7. Exaltationc. 1884 BC

   Pharaoh recognizes God's Spirit in Joseph and elevates him to rule over all Egypt - second only to Pharaoh himself. At age 30, Joseph receives Pharaoh's ring, fine clothes, a gold chain, and an Egyptian wife. He oversees grain storage.

   GEN 41:37-49

8. Brothers Come for Grainc. 1875 BC

   During the famine, Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognizes them but tests them, accusing them of being spies, demanding they bring Benjamin, and hiding money in their sacks. He weeps privately.

   GEN 42:1-38

9. Revelationc. 1875 BC

   When the brothers return with Benjamin, Joseph tests them further. When Judah offers himself in Benjamin's place, Joseph can no longer control himself. He reveals his identity, weeping so loudly the Egyptians hear. He forgives his brothers, seeing God's sovereign purpose.

   GEN 45:1-15

10. Reunion with Jacobc. 1875 BC

    Joseph sends for his father Jacob. When they meet in Goshen after 22 years of separation, Joseph throws his arms around his father's neck and weeps a long time. Jacob says he can now die in peace, having seen Joseph's face.

    GEN 46:28-30

11. Jacob's Deathc. 1859 BC

    Before dying, Jacob blesses Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph embalms Jacob and leads a great procession to bury him in Canaan. After burial, Joseph's brothers fear he will now take revenge - but he reassures them of his forgiveness.

    GEN 50:1-21

12. Deathc. 1805 BC

    Joseph dies at 110 and is embalmed in Egypt. Before death, he prophesies that God will bring Israel out of Egypt and makes them promise to carry his bones to the Promised Land. Moses fulfills this promise at the Exodus.

    GEN 50:22-26