“The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered…”

Joseph prospered? As a slave? How can this be?

When we have God's presence with us we will prosper…not by the world’s standards, but certainly by God’s standards. This is a great lesson for us. Serve the Lord, no matter our station in life.

We couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Joseph and the prophet Daniel. Daniel also prospered while he was in captivity in Babylon.

Joseph refused to succumb to the temptation of Potiphar’s wife and called it a sin against God. Joseph's character certainly was displayed at this time. Other historical writings tell us that Potiphar knew Joseph's character and also the character of his wife and believed Joseph. However, in order to save face with his wife and his servants, he sent Joseph to jail. The jail in which Joseph was placed was different from the Roman jails of Jesus' day. In many cases the jails were more like houses. Depending on the person and their crime, often it was more like house arrest instead of being thrown into a dark and damp dungeon.

Joseph is brought before Pharaoh to interpret a dream.  Joseph must have been very relieved to say the least, to be freed from the prison, but he does something very gutsy.  When Pharaoh asks Joseph to interpret the dream, Joseph responds with, "I cannot do it."  He was quick to give God the credit. 

The Biblical "two-witness" rule is applied even to Pharaoh's dream.  "The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon."

Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt.  Joseph is now second in command. Once the king issues an order it cannot be retracted.  Even Pharaoh knew that the spirit of God was in Joseph.  Otherwise why would the king of Egypt give such power and authority to a Hebrew slave?

At this point in the Biblical timeline, Pharaoh places Joseph as second-in-command in all Egypt. Joseph was 30 when he entered into service with Pharaoh. He was about 17 when he first came to Egypt.

God provided an abundance harvest for seven years. They were able to store up huge quantities of grain (one fifth the amount raised in the land) and still have an abundance.

Joseph's two sons. Manasseh and Ephraim are born in Egypt.  These two sons will be extremely significant in the genealogical record. 

Notice that Israel (Jacob) protects Benjamin and refuses to let him go with the brothers to Egypt to get grain. Later the tribe of Benjamin will also be protected.

Wonder why Joseph didn't go to see his family in Canaan once he was no longer a slave? Guess he was a little busy running things in Egypt!