Joseph never complains within his situation, and he never compromises his character and integrity. Even though he is greatly tempted and tested, he trusts himself to a God who is faithfully working out all His plans in Joseph’s life.

Jewelers wisely display diamonds against black velvet, knowing the dark background highlights the beauty of the gems. Such is this chapter—the sad, sordid story of Judah serves as the dark background which highlights the luster of Joseph’s life.

Joseph is a wonderful picture of Jesus. In the story of Joseph, we find: Insights about Jesus, Prophecies that point to Jesus, Understandings concerning the nature of Jesus. When we look at Joseph, we find Jesus.

From what we have seen in the last few chapters, this was not a collection of amazingly spiritual men. This was actually a severely dysfunctional family. God will use this family, but not because they were such great or spiritual men, but because He chose them by His grace alone.

It is good Jacob came to the Promised Land, and he settled there. But he came short of full obedience, because it seems God directed him to return to Bethel.” This lack of full obedience will have huge consequences on Jacob’s life.

God gave Jacob a new name, and a limp. Jacob would remember his being conquered by God with every step he took for the rest of his life. This was a small price to pay for such a great gift. God wants to develop a godly confidence in Jacob. 

God blessed Jacob, but it was not because Jacob was especially good. He was absolutely in process, just as we are. It was because of the promises God made to Jacob and the covenant made to Abraham.