Joseph יוֹסֵף

Joseph was the eleventh son of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the firstborn of Rachel (Gen.30.22-24). He was favored by his father, causing jealousy among his brothers (Gen.37.3-4). Joseph had dreams of his family bowing down to him, further straining the relationships (Gen.37.5-11). His brothers sold him into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt (Gen.37.12-36). In Egypt, Joseph served in Potiphar's house, where he was falsely accused and imprisoned (Genesis 39). While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40). Later, he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and was appointed as second-in-command over Egypt (Gen.41.1-45). During this time, he was given the name Zaphenath-paneah by Pharaoh (Gen.41.45). Joseph managed Egypt's resources wisely during the years of plenty and famine (Gen.41.46-57). His brothers came to Egypt for food, and after testing them, Joseph revealed his identity and reconciled with them (Genesis 42-45). Joseph brought his father, Jacob, and his entire family to Egypt, where they settled in the land of Goshen (Genesis 46-47). Before his death, Jacob blessed Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and prophesied about Joseph's descendants (Genesis 48-49). Joseph died at the age of 110 and was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt (Gen.50.22-26). His bones were later carried out of Egypt by the Israelites during the Exodus and buried at Shechem (Exo.13.19; Jos.24.32). Joseph's life exemplified faith, forgiveness, and God's providence in the midst of hardship.