Placement

God covenanted with Abraham to bring about a great nation.  As this family grew, God revealed a great plan with an intentional placement of Joseph into the land of Egypt.

Jacob’s Transformation

  • Abraham fathers Isaac, and Isaac fathers Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25:21-28).
  • God tells Isaac’s wife, Rebekah that “two nations are in your womb…the older shall serve the younger” (Gen. 25:23).
  • While Esau is the older and rightful heir to the inheritance, Jacob uses trickery to take it from his brother (birthright from his brother [Gen. 25:29], and blessing from his father, Isaac [Gen. 27:18-29]).
  • Due to his deceit, he is on the run from his family (Gen. 27:41-45).
  • Jacob’s name is turned to Israel after wrestling with God (Gen. 32:22-32).
  • Jacob’s Family:
    • Leah: Reuben (1), Simeon (2), Levi (3), Judah (4), Issachar (9), Zebulun (10), Dinah (Daughter)
    • Rachel: Joseph (11), Benjamin (12)
    • Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan (5), Naphtali (6)
    • Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad (7), Asher (8)

The Placement of Joseph

  • Joseph’s dreams get him into trouble with his brothers (Gen. 37:1-11).
  • Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers which places him in the most powerful nation in the world, Egypt (Gen. 37:12-30).
  • Joseph keeps integrity when tempted by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).
  • In jail, Joseph is able to interpret dreams, and eventually, that news gets to Pharaoh.
  • He is placed second in charge of the most powerful nation in the world.
  • Through his placement, Israel moves into Egypt.
  • At his death, Israel blesses all his sons (Genesis 49).

The Example of Joseph

  • Joseph forgave his brothers for the horrible crimes they committed against him.
  • He accepted his role in allowing harm to come to himself for the benefit of others (Gen. 50:20).
  • Joseph foreshadows another innocent sufferer whose suffering would bring salvation to others.
  • Judah foreshadows another willing substitute who will set free a brother due to the love of his father.