Analysis of Joseph

ANALYSIS OF JOSEPH

(Genesis 37–50)

1. JOSEPH BEGINS WITH A DIVINE DREAM

“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren.”
— Genesis 37:5

Key observations:

  • Joseph received revelation early
  • His dream revealed future authority
  • His maturity had not yet caught up with his calling

“Shall thou indeed reign over us?” — Genesis 37:8

Spiritual insight:
God often reveals purpose before preparation, which invites opposition.

2. DESTINY ATTRACTS OPPOSITION

“And they conspired against him to slay him.” — Genesis 37:18

  • Joseph’s brothers hated him
  • Favor made him a target
  • The coat symbolized distinction

“They stripped Joseph out of his coat.” — Genesis 37:23

  • Spiritual insight:
    People may strip symbols, but they cannot strip calling.

3. BETRAYAL LEADS TO THE PIT

“And they took him, and cast him into a pit.”
— Genesis 37:24

  • Betrayed by family
  • Isolated
  • No explanation from God

Spiritual insight:
The pit is often God’s classroom, not Satan’s victory.

4. FROM THE PIT TO SLAVERY

“And Joseph was brought down to Egypt.” — Genesis 39:1

“And the LORD was with Joseph.” — Genesis 39:2

Spiritual insight:
God’s presence does not always prevent pain, but it guarantees purpose.

5. INTEGRITY IN TEMPTATION

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”                       — Genesis 39:9

  • Joseph chose holiness over pleasure
  • Lost position but kept purity

“She caught him by his garment.” — Genesis 39:12

Spiritual insight:
Sometimes righteousness costs you comfort before it brings promotion.

6. FALSE ACCUSATION & PRISON

“Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison.” — Genesis 39:20

Joseph was:

  • Innocent
  • Faithful
  • Still punished

Yet again:

“But the LORD was with Joseph.” — Genesis 39:21

Spiritual insight:
God does His deepest work in hidden places.

7. GIFTED BUT FORGOTTEN

“Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him.” — Genesis 40:23

  • Joseph helped others
  • Received no reward
  • Waited two more years (Genesis 41:1)

Spiritual insight:
Delay does not mean denial, it means timing.

8. SUDDEN PROMOTION

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon.” — Genesis 41:14

In one day:

  • Prison → Palace
  • Chains → Authority
  • Obscurity → Government

“God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.” — Genesis 41:28

Spiritual insight:
When God’s time comes, transition is swift.

9. DESTINY IS CONFIRMED

“God sent me before you to preserve life.” — Genesis 45:5

Joseph realized:

  • Betrayal had purpose
  • Pain had meaning
  • God was sovereign

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”
— Genesis 50:20

Spiritual insight:
What people mean for harm, God retools for destiny.

10. FORGIVENESS COMPLETES THE CALLING

Spiritual insight:

Unforgiveness would have disqualified Joseph from lasting legacy.

MAJOR THEMES IN JOSEPH’S STORY

Theme Truth
Dreams God reveals destiny early
Delay Develops character
Integrity Preserves calling
Suffering Produces wisdom
Timing God controls promotion
Forgiveness Secures legacy

PREACHABLE STATEMENTS

  • The pit was not the end—it was positioning.
  • God does not waste pain.
  • Delay is destiny in disguise.

JOSEPH’S JOURNEY (SUMMARY FLOW)

Dream → Pit → Slavery → Favor → Temptation → Prison → Promotion → Forgiveness → Legacy

KEY POINTS

  • As at the time of his vision, he was not matured enough to handle and preserve the dream ( i.e Revelation did not meet maturity)
  • He was envied (Destiny will always attract envy)
  • He was cast into the pit (Pit sometimes is an avenue to learn, build and increase your capacity) 
  • He was sold to Egypt (He was indirectly being re-positioned to fulfil destiny)
  • He was Tempted (Integrity will always be tested before promotion or actualization of a destiny)
  • His integrity was tempted during temptation (At this point, alot of people would have given up. Most integrity test comes during severe temptations)
  • He was sent to prison (He would have ended up in prison either by yielding to temptation or by overcoming the temptation)
  • He feared the Lord (The fear of the Lord will always get you out of any form of temptation or trouble) 
  • The Butler Forgot him (Remember, vain is the help of man - Psalm 60:11. That is why you should put your trust in God only)
  • Delay sometimes might not be denial but God's perfect timing - Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph - Genesis 41:14.
  • Joseph did not secure his position because he interpreted pharaoh dream alone but he was able to secure his position through the application of Divine wisdom to profer solution to the interpreted dream that came as a problem.
  • Your gift will always make room for you and bring you before great men - Proverbs 18:16 But it does not enthrone you. It is the application of Divine wisdom that enthrones - (Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign, rulers decree what is just) 
  • In the midst of the storm, Joseph was calm, persistent and maintained the fear of the Lord