June 2024

Pharaoh’s dream perplexed everyone. When he awoke from a night of dreams that were eerily similar, Pharaoh looked high and low for an explanation. He called for all the wise men of the land, and while all of them most likely offered some sort of explanation, Genesis 41:8, plainly states that no one could interpret […]

There are a few occasions in life where you’re expected to dress up a little bit: weddings, state dinners, the beginning of hunting season. When Joseph hears that he’s been called to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, he likewise takes similar measures to look presentable. It’s easy to miss, but Genesis 41:14 states that Joseph “shaved himself

If you’re a “wise man” in ancient Egypt, you have literally one job. Be wise. That’s it. You normally don’t have to work in the fields, serve in the military, or open up a hot dog stand on a busy street corner, just tell the people what they want to hear. That’s what most people

As a young man, Joseph had all sorts of dreams about glory and honor. He told his family how he was the center “sheaf” and all the other “sheaves” — characterized by his family — bowed down to him. These stories won him no popularity contests within his immediate circle,  but they must have fortified

You can’t help but feel sorry for the King’s cupbearer and the chief baker — two men imprisoned with Joseph in Genesis 40. The fact that they arrive in prison together suggests that they were co-conspirators in some kind of plot. However, the fact that the cupbearer is reinstalled into his position after a period

Not long after Joseph offends Potiphar’s wife and ends up in jail, two other figures offend Pharaoh and are sent to jail right next to him: a cupbearer and a baker. Nothing is known about what these two men actually did. Whatever it was, it must’ve been pretty terrible for Pharaoh to imprison both of

The Bible often uses transition phrases to mark time. Instead of saying “after six and one-half years,” Scripture will say things like “after this” and “straightaway.” While I love and respect the Word in all aspects, I find myself often hoping for just a little more specificity. How long thereafter did these things happen? By

For the people of God, it seems like everywhere they go, a blessing follows. But not a blessing in the traditional sense. Turn on mainstream Christian television, and you’ll hear people talking about blessings as if someone is airdropping favors from God from the sky. For Joseph (and others), God “blessing” someone means helping them

Run a quick scan through Genesis 39, and the story seems straightforward.  Joseph is sold to Potiphar and finds success.  Potiphar trusts Joseph.  Potiphar’s wife seduces Joseph. Joseph refuses the seduction and is framed. Joseph is thrown in prison. But pump the brakes for a second. If you read between the lines, it seems there’s

I’m not one to armchair quarterback someone else’s life (most times). I don’t like it when people do it to me, so why would I do it to someone else? I don’t have all the relevant info, so how accurate can my assessment be anyway? That being said, I’m going to do that with Joseph