Old Testament Persons
Joseph as Type of Christ
Rejected by Brothers, Exalted to Save
Description
Joseph, beloved of his father, hated by his brethren, sold for silver, and exalted to save the world from famine, is one of the clearest types of Christ. His dreams prophesied his exaltation; his brothers rejected him; he was cast into a pit and sold to Gentiles. Yet through suffering he rose to glory at Pharaoh's right hand. He saved those who had rejected him, revealing himself to his brothers with tears and forgiveness. Joseph's life remarkably parallels Christ's rejection by Israel, His suffering, His exaltation, and His ultimate reconciliation with His people.
Key Verses
And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand... and they cried before him, Bow the knee.
And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt.