31. Israel in Egypt.—God had told Abraham that his seed must go down to Egypt, and now comes the fulfilment of that prophecy (Gen. 15:13-15). During the life of Joseph all went well with the sons of Jacob. They had the best of the land, and dwelt in peace. God's plans have been carried out to the minutest details, and the plans of evil-minded men have miscarried. God has caused even the wrath of man to praise him, and the remainder he has restrained. Joseph's brethren are content to bow before him, and even Jacob sees that his words of Genesis 37:10 were not wise. The wisdom of man is seen to be folly, and it has been proved that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men." (1 Cor. 1:25.)
32. Joseph's Faith.—On his death-bed Joseph takes an oath of his people saying that God will surely visit his people and bring them in due time to the land promised to Abraham. He charges them to remember his body when they march out, and take it with them, and lay it away in its final resting-place in the Land of Promise. Many years pass. Liberty is exchanged for oppression. The bitter cry of the people rises to God. All this time the body of Joseph (doubtless embalmed) is not finally buried. His real funeral has not yet taken place. This is the longest delayed funeral on record. Then at last comes the Exodus, and lo, they remember that oath that Joseph took of them, years before, and out with them goes his body. For forty years they carry it with them, and only then they lay it away in the Land of Promise. (See Gen. 50:24-26. Exod. 13:19, and Josh. 24:32.)
Test Questions
Into what two sections may we divide Joseph's life?
Why were his brethren envious of him?
What further intensified their hatred?
Give the plan of God and the plans of men with regard to Joseph.
What action did Joseph's brethren finally take with regard to him?
Into whose household did the lad come in Egypt?
What signs have we that in all this Joseph did not lose his faith in God, or lose his convictions as to duty?