INTRODUCTION                                            

​

Life is never a smooth sailing journey. Every now and then we encounter unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs that significantly alter the trajectory of our lives-it could be our career decisions, marriage, a job transfer, a personal loss,  a relocation experience or winning a jackpot. And life has never been the same ever since!! In this character study on Joseph from the Old Testament, we will examine how he faced those unforeseen turning points, overcame the multitude of challenges that came his way and fulfilled God’s plans for his life.  

​

Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob but firstborn from Rachael, his second wife. Often the object of scorn by his brothers who despise him for being their father’s favorite and for his dreams, they sell him into slavery to a group of Midianites traveling to Egypt. He is bought by Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guards. He finds favor with his new Egyptian master, who makes him supervisor of his entire property. It turns out to be a temporary respite though, as the mistress of the house tries her best to seduce him. When Joseph refuses to give in to her evil suggestions, she falsely accuses him of molesting her and has Joseph imprisoned. While in prison, he accurately interprets the dreams of two of Pharaoh’s assistants- an event which precipitates his release in the later years. One day the king has a dream which frightens him out of his wits. None of his magicians and wise men can unravel the mysterious dream. The chief butler whose dream Joseph had once interpreted remembers him and informs the king. Joseph’s predictions please the king who bestows the rank of governor on him, second only to the king himself in authority. Eventually Joseph is reconciled with his brothers who come down to Egypt on account of the famine and is also reunited with his aged father. Having lived a fruitful, accomplished life; Joseph dies at a ripe old age of one hundred and ten years, seeing his descendants up to the third generation.

As we proceed from one event of Joseph’s life to the other, we will reflect on what makes him such an outstanding character worth emulating, what are the traits which endear him to God and how God uses him to execute his divine plans and shape the history of Israel.