Outline of the Life of Joseph
Joseph was one of the most important characters of the Old Testament. Being the firstborn of Jacob and Rachel, he was favored by his father and seemingly received the blessing of the firstborn even though he was eleventh in birth order for Jacob (Israel.) The favor that Joseph had on his life led to his deliverance of his family from famine, but also eventually led to their captivity by the Egyptians. He was rejected by his brothers for potential arrogance and pride, but that rejection ironically led to their prosperity in Egypt. Joseph is a picture of persistence and faithfulness.
Childhood Years of Joseph
Family
- Eleventh Son of Jacob
- First Son of Rachel
- Favored by His Father
- Had 11 brothers and 1 Sister
Events of Childhood
- Received special gift from Jacob of the Coat of Many Colors
- Was raised as a child in Hebron
Events of His Teenage Years
- Two Dreams
- Binding Sheaves of Wheat Bowed Down to Him
- 11 Stars and the Sun and Moon Bowed Down to Him
- Spoke of His Dreams to His Brothers and Father and Mother
- Rebuked by Jacob
- Was sent to check on his Brothers in the Field
- His Brothers Wanted to Take His Life but Reuben Convinced Them Otherwise
- Joseph Thrown into Pit and then Sold to the Ishmaelites
- Sold into Slavery to Potiphar
Career of Joseph in Egypt
- Served as a slave to Pothiphar an Officer to Pharoah
- Promoted to Head of Household
- Thrown into Prison for Deception of Potiphar's Wife
- Became Authority over Prisoners
- Interpreted Dreams in Prison
- Was Called in to Interpret Pharoah's Dreams
- Was Promoted to Overseer of the Land of Egypt (30 Years Old)
- Prevented a Famine Over the Land
Reintroduction to Family of Jacob (Israel)
- Jacob Sends His Sons to get Food from Egypt (except Benjamin, the youngest)
- Jospeh Recognizes His Brothers in Egypt
- Joseph Sent f0r Benjamin to Return
- Joseph Reveals His Identity to His Brothers and Sends for His Whole Family to Return
- Jacob and Family Come to Live in Egypt With Favor of Pharoah
- The Family Settles in the Land of Rameses in the Region of Goshen
- Forgave his Brothers and Came to Their Aid
- Died at the Age of 110 years