You can download a PDF of this study: Just Like Joseph!
Chapters:
- The Life of Joseph.
- The Parallel between Joseph and the Lord.
- The Various Details.
- The Reign of the Lord & Joseph.
- The Everlasting Kingdom.
From all the people of the Old Testament, there is no one that represents the Lord Jesus Christ as Joseph does. His whole life is a direct TEMPLATE for all the things the Lord was going to do. And in this study we will give a very brief synopsis of the life of Joseph, from the day he was separated from his father being sold into slavery by his brothers to the point he was raised to be second in command to Pharaoh. And we will draw a parallel to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ to portray how closely Joseph foreshadowed the Lord. The story of Joseph is found in the book of Genesis chapters 37-50.
The Life of Joseph.
Now, Joseph was hated by his brothers on the account that their father Jacob greatly loved him and also of the dreams which God gave him of being a ruler over his brothers. So when an opportunity presented itself, his brothers sold him to the Ishamilities for 20 pieces of silver who in turn sold him as a slave in the land of Egypt where he served Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. And Joseph having favour with God excelled in Potiphar’s house to the point no one in that house was greater than him. Genesis records, “So Joseph found favour in his [Potiphar] sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.” Genesis 39:4 Then Potiphar’s wife taking a liking to Joseph sought to cause him to sin, by seeking to entice him to sleep with her, which he resisted saying, “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9 However, she being determined was not able to accept his rejection and when an opportunity presented itself she set herself to falsely accuse Joseph, and taking hold of his garment as proof, she sought to condemn him before Potiphar her husband. As a result Joseph was sent to the king’s prison and was confined there for a SIN he did not commit.
And while he was in prison, God showed favour to Joseph in the sight of the prison keeper who in turn committed ALL the prisoners to be under Joseph’s authority. Genesis records, “And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.” Genesis 39:22 Some time after, Joseph encountered two of Pharaoh’s prisoners and he revealed to them the decree of Pharaoh in respect to their judgement by interpreting the dreams they both had. The Butler was raised back to his old position to serve Pharaoh three days after he told Joseph his dream and the Baker was condemned to death also three days later. After this Joseph remained in prison a further two full years before he was brought before the throne of Pharaoh in order to interpret the dream Pharaoh had of 7 years of plenty, followed by 7 years of famine. And Pharaoh being greatly pleased by the wisdom of Joseph, he made him to be second in command in all the land of Egypt, in order to administer the kingdom in respect to harvest of plenty with a foresight of the famine that is to follow, saying, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:39-43
The story of Joseph concludes with his brothers coming to Egypt on the account of the famine that ravaged the Land and Joseph making himself known to them through which he brought them all to the land of Egypt to dwell and gave them possession in the land and he became their provider. [Genesis 47:11-12]
The Parallel between Joseph and the Lord.
Here we will draw a parallel between the life of Joseph and the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, Joseph being sold into SLAVERY by his brothers is to represent the Lord Jesus Christ who came in the likeness of sinful flesh being born under the Law. [Romans 8:3] So Joseph being sold into slavery to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh is to represent the Law of Moses which was given to the children of Israel through the intermediacy of angels. God said to Moses, “Behold, I send an Angel before you to KEEP you in the WAY and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him.” Exodus 23:20-21 [Acts 7:53, Gal. 3:19, Hebrew 2:2] Which Daniel later revealed the IDENTITY of this angel who was given charge over the children of Israel to be Michael, saying, “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people.” Daniel 12:1 So in this scenario Potiphar represents the Angel Michael and his household Israel, that is those who were under Covenant to God through the Law, and Joseph served as a slave in the land of Egypt ONLY to the household of Potiphar. Another point to consider in this regard is that, Joseph was sold as a slave at 17 years old [Genesis 37:2], and he became second to Pharaoh ast the age of 30 [Genesis 41:46], he spent 3 years in Pharaoh’s prison [Genesis 41:1] so we can conclude he served as a slave 10 years in Potiphar’s house. Ten is a representation of the LAW as in the Ten Commandments which Israel was Under. [J.p]
This is reflected in the Lord Jesus Christ who came to serve the children of Israel, a special people that were set aside from all the nations of the world. As the Lord said of Himself, “I was sent ONLY to those being lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24 And the Law represents bondage that is Slavery, as Paul says, “Now before faith came, we were held in CUSTODY under the Law, having been LOCKED up until the faith being about to be revealed.” Galatians 3:23 Now, it is important to note, the Lord Jesus Christ was NOT enslaved to SIN as the rest of mankind was, but He came under BONDAGE of the LAW which His brothers the Jews were under. Which Paul described as, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been BORN UNDER the LAW, that He might redeem those under the Law, so that we might receive the divine adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5 The result of which was, “For of the Law being powerless in that it was weak through the flesh, God, having sent His Son in likeness of sin of flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteousness of the Law should be fulfilled in us not walking according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4 That is, the Lord served as a PERFECT SLAVE, in keeping the LAW without fault to the pleasure and joy of God in order to set us ALL free from the bondage of death. As the Lord said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
Now, it might seem strange to say but in this situation, Potipher’s wife represents SIN, that is Sin is the counterpart to the Law NOT Righteousness. As Paul says, “Knowing this, that LAW is not enacted for a righteous one, but for the LAWLESS and insubordinate.” 1 Timothy 1:9 That is the purpose of the Law is to reveal SIN in the flesh. As Paul says, “But I have NOT known SIN, if NOT by Law. And indeed, I had not been conscious of covetousness if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But SIN, having taken an occasion by the commandment, produced in me all covetousness; for APART from the Law, sin is DEAD.” Romans 7:7-8 That is, even though the Law is Good and Holy and True, however through the Law the nature of sinful flesh is brought to light. And Hebrews says, of the Lord, “For consider fully the One having endured such great HOSTILITY from SINNERS against Himself, so that you shall not grow weary, fainting in your souls. Not yet have you resisted unto blood, struggling against SIN.” Hebrews 12:3-4 That is to say, the Lord Jesus Christ resisted the enticement of SIN which was empowered by the Law to the point of shedding His own blood. So just as Potipher’s wife repeatedly sought to make Joseph fall into sin with her, the religious leaders of the time, that is the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes empowered by the Law sought out many means by which they might entangle the Lord in His words in order to accuse Him. Meaning they sought to make Him fall by enticing Him to SIN against the Law. And we have many examples of such acts, one being, the woman caught in the act of adultery, in which John reveals their motivation saying, “Now they were saying this testing Him, so that they might have grounds to accuse Him.” John 8:6 and also in Matthew 22:15 in regards to taxation and Mark 3:2 in regards to healing on the Sabbath just to name a few.
The point of note here is that, when the Covenant of Grace is given the counterpart is Righteousness, but when the Law is given the counterpart is Sin. Paul writes, “Now the LAW entered so that TRESPASS might abound; but where SIN abounded, GRACE overabounded, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also GRACE might reign through RIGHTEOUSNESS, unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
Now, Potiphar’s wife taking hold of the garment of Joseph is to represent the accusation that was going to be brought against the Lord Jesus Christ in respect to the Honour and Glory which God has bestowed upon Him. Remember Joseph was clothed with a robe of many colours by his father before he was sold into slavery, the robe was an expression of the favour he had. And the Lord was revealed to Israel with this testimony from God, “And behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is my Son, the beloved, in whom I was well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 [2 Peter 1:17] And this favour was revealed through the many wondrous works which God did through Him. The Lord said, “For the works that the Father has given Me that I should complete them, the same works which I do, bear witness concerning Me that the Father has sent Me. And the One having sent Me, the Father Himself, has borne witness concerning Me.” John 5:36-37 And this was the CAUSE of the envy of the religious leaders of the time, which even Ponitus Pilate noticed, Matthew records, “For he knew that they had delivered Him up through envy.” Matthew 27:18
So the garment Potiphar’s wife held in her hand REPRESENTS the Honour and Glory which God Himself bestowed upon His Son. Jesus said to them, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I said you are gods’ ? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came, and the Scripture is not able to be broken, do you say of Him whom the Father SANCTIFIED and SENT into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am Son of God’?” John 10:34–36 That is to say, SIN, failing to obtain a means by which to accuse Him, finally settled on the Law of blasphemy in order to condemn Him to death, by getting Him to reveal the Honour and Glory which His Father has bestowed upon Him. So they asked Him, saying, “I adjure you by the living God, that You tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God?” and when the Lord answered affirming the TRUTH that He is, Matthew records, “Then the high priest tears his garments, saying, “He has BLASPHEMED; why do we have any more need of witnesses? Behold now, you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” And answering they said, “He is deserving of death.” Matthew 26:59-66 The very garment of Glory and Honour that His Father bestowed upon Him is what they used to crucify Him. So they swiftly presented Him to Pilate, and had Him crucified, saying, “We have a law, and according to the law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” John 19:7 And upon His death the Lord entered the heart of the Earth and Hades.
Now, the time Joseph spent in Pharaoh’s prison is a representation of the time the Lord spent in Hades that is the place where the souls of sinful mankind were held. And since the Lord was a perfect sacrifice for the Sins of Mankind, He had acquired ALL authority over Death and Hades, that is the place where the souls of sinful mankind were held. The Lord said to John, “Fear not. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. And I was dead, and behold I am living to the ages of the ages, and I have the KEYS of Death and of Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18 The important parallel here is that when Joseph was a slave he served Potiphar only, but when he became a prisoner, he was put in charge over ALL the prisoners of Pharaoh. The relation to the Lord is that, the Lord came to serve the household of Israel, being born of woman and born under the LAW, so that to redeem those who were under the LAW. But when He was sacrificed, He DIED for the SINS of mankind through which He acquired the keys [authority] over Death and Hades through the putting away of SIN for EVERYONE. Paul writes, “For that which He died, He died to sin once for ALL; but that which He lives, He lives to God.” Romans 6:10 [Hebrews 9:26]
And while the Lord was in heart of the Earth [Hades], He preached the Gospel to the dead, as the Lord said, “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the TOMBS will hear His voice, and will come forth—those having done good to the resurrection of life, and those having done evil to the resurrection of judgement.” John 5:28-29 This was represented in the life of Joseph in the dreams he interpreted for the Butler, that is those who have done good being raised to LIFE and the Baker those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation. Which Peter also referred to in his teaching saying, “For to this end the gospel was proclaimed even to the dead, so that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but they might live in the spirit according to God.” 1 Peter 4:6 [1 Peter 3:19] After which the Lord was raised back to Life by the Spirit of God and was lifted up to the right hand of the throne of God. Paul writes, “Therefore God also highly exalted Him, and granted to Him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in the heavens and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 [Ephesian 1:20-23] Which was in respect to the elevation of Joseph to be second in command to Pharaoh over all the land of Egypt. [Genesis 41:40-44]
The Various Details.
Now we will examine the significance of the various details that are mentioned in the life of Joseph to show how easily they relate to the Lord Jesus Christ. We will begin by assessing the dreams of the Butler and the Baker. The Point of NOTE here. The first point to note is that both the Butler and the Baker were confined in the same prison, that is to say, “For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:22-23 As king Solomon also says, “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecclesiastes 7:20 The point is everyone of us has offended God, and God would be justified in keeping all of us bound in the depth of Hades.
Now, The Butler described his Dream saying, “Behold, in my dream a VINE was before me, and in the vine were three BRANCHES; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” Genesis 40:9-11 We can interpret this dream according to the revelation given to us in the New Testament, that is the Vine represents the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Branch represents the Butler that bore the fruit which He presented to God. As the Lord said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one abiding in Me and I in him, he bears much FRUIT. For apart from Me you are able to do nothing.” John 15:5 So, the Butler presented to God the fruit of Vine, the cluster of grapes which he pressed, that is to say the FRUIT of Righteousness, and he was accepted and given LIFE. It is VERY Important for us to KNOW, God expects FRUIT from what He has given to us, and He has given us HIS own righteousness.
Now, the Cup of Pharaoh as we later will discover represents suffering. Paul says, “If children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and joint-heirs of Christ, IF indeed we SUFFER with Him, so that we may also be glorified together.” Roman 8:17 Paul presents our inheritance to be DEPENDENT on our suffering with the Lord. [Phil 3:9-10] Christ’s suffering, is in regards to the suffering that comes as a consequence of NOT being conformed to the world. Paul writes, “But just as at that time the one having been born according to flesh was persecuting the one born according to Spirit, so also it is now.” Gal. 4:29 The Nature of God is at ODDS with the Nature of the World, that is of SIN, as Paul says “just as sin entered into the world through one man” Romans 5:12 As a result the nature of God MUST SANCTIFY us from the nature of the World [SIN]. [Romans 12:1-2] The suffering of Christ is described in Hebrews as, “Consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself from sinners.” Heb.12:3 Therefore we likewise suffer persecution from the world when we become at ODDS with SIN. As Paul says, “ALL also desiring to live piously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
So sanctification is an INSEPARABLE part of righteousness WITHOUT WHICH there is NO Inheritance PURPOSELY designed for ONE outcome that is we may be partakers of the Holiness of God. Which Paul shows in Hebrews, the value of being disciplined by God saying, “For truly they were disciplining us for a few days, according to that seeming good to them; but He for our benefitting, in order to share His holiness. And all discipline indeed for those being present, does not seem to be of joy, but of grief; but afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those having been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:10-11 That is to say the fruit of Righteousness is SANCTIFICATION. As Paul says, “But now, having been set free from sin, and having become slaves to God, you have your fruit UNTO sanctification, and the END is eternal life.” Romans 6:22
The Baker also described his Dream saying, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my HEAD. In the UPPERMOST basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the BIRDS ATE them out of the BASKET on my HEAD.” Genesis 40:16-17 The three white Baskets on the Baker’s own HEAD, represents a person who relies on himself, on his own understanding and NOT on God. Isaiah says, “Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled— This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment.” Isaiah 50:11 That is, the three baskets represent the triune being of mankind, BODY, SOUL and SPIRIT. So, the UTTERMOST basket represents the outer form of mankind, that is the FLESH, where all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh were kept. Now, the baked goods upon his head which were for Pharaoh represent the WORD of God.
And this illustration was described in the parable the Lord told about the various types of SOIL. The Lord said, “Behold, the one sowing went out to sow. And in his sowing, indeed some [Seed] fell along the ROAD, and the birds having come, devoured them.” Matthew 13:3-4 Which the Lord afterward interpreted to mean, “Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not understanding, the EVIL ONE comes and snatches away that having been sown in his heart. This is the one having been sown on the path.” Matthew 13:19 So the Baker represents all those who have heard the word of God, yet not understanding it through unbelief bear no fruit to God, because they are of the FLESH. And the mind of the FLESH which is represented by the Uttermost basket on his HEAD is NOT able to understand or accept the word of God. As Paul says, “The mind of the flesh is hostility toward God; for it is not subject to the Law of God, for not even can it be.” Romans 8:7 [1 Cor. 2:14] That is to say, these being fleshly minded the word of God was stolen out from their heart, so as to be not saved. As Paul says, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so as for not to beam forth the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Cor. 4:4 So the birds that ate the baked goods represent Satan, who after stealing the WORD seeks to condemn mankind in the FLESH, that is to KILL us in our SINS in order to DESTROY us for eternity. [Genesis 40:19, John 10:10] Stealing the WORD is a synonym for NOT understanding it, which many in our age are falling prey to being DECEIVED by their own FLESH.
The Three days: in both the Butler and Baker’s dream represents the number of days the Lord Jesus Christ spent in Hades, as the Lord said, “For just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” Matthew 12:40 Now, these THREE days are in relation to those who were ALREADY in prison, as the Butler and the Baker were, that is those who perished prior to the CROSS. Please NOTE, it does not quite APPLY to Christians since we NEVER see Death. As the Lord said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he shall NEVER see death, to the age.” John 8:51
And the event that relates to this moment of their dream was first foretold by Daniel saying, “And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. And many of those who SLEEP in the DUST of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting LIFE, some to shame and everlasting CONTEMPT.” Daniel 12:1-2 which is exactly according to the word of the Lord described in John 5:28-29. And THIS MOMENT was fulfilled when the Lord was raised from the dead as Matthew describes saying, “And the TOMBS were opened, and many bodies of the saints having fallen asleep arose. And having gone forth out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered into the holy city and APPEARED to many.” Matthew 27:52-53 So those that were raised represent the Butler’s of the past SAINTS who were held in Hades and those represented by the Baker are still held in the heart of the earth awaiting the final judgement of condemnation, as it applies to all who fail to obtain life in Christ Jesus.
Two Full years: Now, the obvious discrepancy is that Joseph was held in prison a further two long years before he was released at the testimony of the Butler. Genesis records saying, “Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream;” Genesis 41:1 This discrepancy is explained by the body of the Lord Jesus Christ that is STILL present in the world that is His Church. The two full years represent the 2000 years the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ has been preached on the earth, where people are still held in bondage to SIN. As the Lord said, “To open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:18 The Church is the BODY of Christ, that is a Believer is PUT in Christ and Christ is in us through which we become one body. As Paul says, “For just as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body being many are one body, so also is Christ. For also in one Spirit we all were baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink one Spirit.” 1 Cor. 12:12-13
So the two long FULL years Joseph spent in prison is to show, the Lord Jesus Christ is with us JUST as He is in Heaven. The Lord said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and WE will come to him and will make a home with him.” John 14:23 [John 14:15-16] That is our presence in the world, in the authority the Lord has bestowed upon us, is in the MIDST of the prison which most of the world is under. As John said, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the evil one.” 1 John 5:19 So now, the PRESENT world contains the Butlers, those who through faith obtain eternal life and the Bakers, those who through unbelief inherit condemnation. And we as His ambassador’s are meant to represent Him in declaring the Gospel of God to those who are in PRISON. [2 Cor. 5:19-20] And this does not come to an end until the day the Lord comes to receive us to Himself and we put on our heavenly habitation in the likeness of His spiritual body. [1 Cor. 15:46-55, 1 Thess. 4:16-17] As Hosea says, “After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight.” Hosea 6:2
The Reign of the Lord & Joseph.
Now, we have come to the closing of the Current AGE leading to the Millennial Reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it starts with the dream Pharaoh had.
Seven Years by Seven Years: The dream of Pharaoh, represents the execution of the judgement of God in bringing the current Age to a close, that is Pharaoh represents God. So Joseph interpreting the dream of Pharaoh and being put in charge to oversee its implementation is to show that judgement was committed to the Lord. As the Lord said of Himself, “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgement to the Son.” John 5:22 and He follows this with, “I am able to do nothing of Myself. As I hear, I judge; and My judgement is just, because I do not seek My will, but the will of the One having sent Me.” John 5:30 Now, the two Seven year events described in the dreams of Pharaoh, one of Plenty and the other of Famine, is to show the final judgement of God, to give LIFE to some that they may dwell before Him in the riches of His Grace while others may be partakers of His WRATH in a dry and arid land that is to say in the midst of unquenchable flames of fire.The Number Seven is a representation of perfection and completion, so in this instance it is to portray the EVERLASTING endurance of the judgement of God.
This period of Seven by Seven begins two years after the Butler was raised to be in the presence of Pharaoh, and as mentioned above this is in relation to the Body of Christ being received into heaven through the Rapture. Matthew writes, “And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great trumpet call, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the heavens to the ends thereof.” Matthew 24:30-31 [1 Thess. 4:16-17] This is where we find the two periods of Seven years one of plenty and the other of famine begin to run concurrently to each other. That is to those who are Raptured to be in the presence of the Lord, it is a Period of SEVEN perfect years of joy and peace, which indeed will endure forever, as described in [Revelation 7:15-17]. But to those who remain on EARTH, it is a Period of SEVEN perfect years of famine that is of wrath and destruction and for a GREAT many this time of destruction will be their eternal end as described in [Revelation 6:8; 9:15; 19:21].
The First Seven: Marriage of the Lamb: Now, one of the main events that marks the life of Joseph when he was raised from the dungeon to be in the Presence of Pharaoh is that Pharaoh gave Joseph a wife. “Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a WIFE Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:44-45 This is to represent the Marriage Supper of the Lamb that takes place in Heaven after the Lord receives His bride through the Rapture. John writes, “We should rejoice and should exult and will give to Him the glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. And it was given to her that she should be clothed in bright, pure, fine linen. For the fine linen is the righteous ACTS of the SAINTS.” Revelation 19:7-8 [Important point to NOTE]: NOT the righteous status but the righteous ACTS of the Saints which are the FRUITS that come from having the righteousness of God having been bestowed upon us.
There is a point worth mentioning that is Pharaoh gave Joseph a new name by which he is recognised in all the land of Egypt. Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ whose Hebrew name is “Yeshua” is also known by the Gentile world as “Jesus,” which in the original Greek, Ἰησοῦν is pronounced as Iésous and it is IMPORTANT to bear in mind that God gave Him this name! As Paul says, the Scripture is written by the inspiration of GOD. [2 Timothy 3:16]
Now, just as Eve was presented to Adam bearing his likeness in order for them to rule over the earth. The Lord Jesus Christ is also presented with His wife that is the Church in Heaven before the Lord returns to the Earth to administer the kingdom of God. So the Church is raised to be like Him BODILY, that is to take on the SAME nature as the Heavenly Man, to be Spirit-Mankind, as He is. Paul writes, “As the one was made of DUST, so also are those of the EARTH; and as is the Heavenly One, so also are those OF HEAVEN. And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Cor. 15:48-49 [1 John 3:2] After which John records the return of the Lord to the Earth with His saints, saying, “And I saw heaven having been opened, and behold, a white horse, and the One sitting upon it called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…And the armies who WERE in HEAVEN, having been clothed in pure, white, fine linen were following Him upon white horses.” Revelation 19:11,14 And this is reflected in the life of Joseph in the chariot he was made to ride in going out over all the land of Egypt, saying “And Joseph WENT OUT from the PRESENCE of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:46 That is to say the Lord returned to the Earth from the presence of God in Heaven.
The Second Seven: Marriage of the Antichrist: The event that concurrently runs to the celebration of Heaven is the destruction that is described in Revelation 9, at the sounding of Sixth Trumpet where a third of humanity is destroyed. This is followed by another form of marriage; even though this is not a term that is used in the Bible, however since those who belong to God bear the mark of God “His name will be on their foreheads.” Rev. 22:4 which is upon our spirit [Eph. 1:13]. Likewise those who belong to the Antichrist will also bear his mark upon their flesh,on their forehead or hand. That is the inhabitants of the world will submit themselves to the rule of the Antichrist and of the false prophet, and this UNITY is reflected by those who bear his mark upon their flesh in the declaration of their worship and devotion. [Rev. 14:9] Now, the state of the famine is not the subject of this study; however, the main event that stands out from this period is the SAVING of the brothers of Joseph.
The FIRST will be LAST: The END of the Current Age is marked by one last great event that is the saving of the House of Israel. Paul writes, “For I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you may not be wise in yourselves: A hardening in part has happened to Israel, UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles may come in. And so ALL Israel will be SAVED, as it has been written: “The One Delivering will come out of Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. And this is the COVENANT from Me to them, when I shall take away their sins.” Romans 11:25-27 The coming of the fullness of the Gentiles is marked by the Rapture. After which no Gentile will be saved, and those that are left on the earth will be made subject to face the wrath of God. The Holy Spirit is NO LONGER on the Earth, as Paul says, “For the mystery of lawlessness is working already; there is only the ONE at present restraining it, until HE might be GONE OUT of the midst.” 2 Thess. 2:7 Now, people make a mistake of trying to distinguish who this is, either the Church or the Holy Spirit as if these two are separate entities. The Church does NOT exist without the Holy Spirit and where the Holy Spirit is there we find the Church. [HE] is USED for the Holy Spirit, the Church is ALWAYS feminine, she is the bride. So the Holy Spirit is NOT on the Earth and with Him the Church! We CANNOT have a Marriage with the LAMB in Heaven without the Holy Spirit who connects us to the Lamb. However it is in the MIDST of the time of Wrath that is of the Seven years of FAMINE, that Israel is Saved.
Now, the process of the salvation of Israel is portrayed in various aspects, and we will begin with the interaction of Joseph with his brothers on their First Visit that is during the First Year of Famine. Which relates to the first three and half years of the Seven years of wrath described in Revelation 11. The point of note in regards to this period is that on their first visit, Benjamin was not with them, that is to say one who is born of the Lamb [sheep]. [J.p] teaches that Rachel the mother of Joseph and Benjamin her name means a female sheep. [J.p] Now, in respect to those who come to faith from the children of Israel during current age, that is during the times of the Gentiles, there is NO such distinction as Jew or Greek as Paul repeatedly affirms in 1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 2:14-22, Col. 3:11. However the same CANNOT be said, of the time of wrath SINCE only those who belong to the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are offered the salvation of God..
Knowing the Lord: Now, if Israel came to faith during the time of wrath, then Israel along with the rest of the world must have witnessed the Lord coming on the clouds of heaven. [Matthew 24:30] The result of which is that as the rest of the world, Israel will also be in Mourning as Zechariah says, “Then they will look on Me whom they PIERCED. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10 This is reflected in the story of Joseph when his brothers came to Egypt on the FIRST year of the famine and Joseph had them bound in prison for three days. At which point we see them come to realise that their current circumstance was due to the wrong they have done to their brother Joseph, which they discuss in his presence with his interpreter in the middle saying, “Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.” Genesis 42:21 The relation being, they recognise the Lord when He comes on the clouds of Heaven with His angels. This is the mourning of Israel in recognising the suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Suffering is an attribute many Jews fail to attribute to the Messiah. The Lord said to His disciples, “O foolish and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary for the CHRIST to SUFFER these things and to ENTER into His GLORY?” Luke 24:26 It is in the realisation of this that Ezekiel records as they indeed say, “Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!” Ezekiel 37:11
The Interpreter: Now, the Interpreter of Joseph represents the angel of God, Genesis records, “But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter.” Genesis 42:23 The main point we want to relate in regards to this is that after the Rapture the ministry of God towards Israel reverts back through the intermediary of angels as it was in the giving of the Law. [Gal. 3:19] And this is related to us in the writing of John in the book of Revelation through the ministry of the two prophets. “And I will grant to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth.” Revelation 11:3-4 which is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Zechariah 4. And it is through the death and resurrection of these two prophets after ministering to Israel for 3 and half years that Israel comes to faith in the Lord. [Rev. 11:11-13] The two prophets represent the two ANGLES that stand before the Lord of the Earth and most likely they are bound to be the angels Gabriel and Michael. Daniel who represented Israel at the END of the LAW is the ONLY Old Testament writer who revealed their names. This is not a strange concept, Paul says, “some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2 That is to say we have interacted with angels in human form and we did not even know it.
Simon Bound: When Joseph released his brothers he kept Simon bound in prison until they brought their younger brother Benjamin with them. [J.p] teaches Simon means hearing, which Leah his mother named him saying, “Because the Lord has HEARD that I am unloved.” Genesis 29:33 And he teaches that the significance of his name is in regard to the main statement of faith of Judaism that is the LAW, which states, ‘Hear this O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 [Mark 12:29-30] The reference here is the binding of the HEARING as the binding of SIMON in respect to Israel’s ability to perceive as prophesied by Isaiah saying, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’” Isaiah 6:9 And Paul also writes, “But their minds were hardened; for until the present day, the same VEIL remains at the reading of the old covenant [Law of Moses], not being lifted, which is being removed in Christ.” 2 Cor. 3:14 The main concept being in relation to the current partial blindness of Israel which Paul also refers to in Romans 11:25. That is there is no knowledge of the Lord through the working of the Law. However, the application somewhat differs because of the fact that Joseph’s brothers did not recognise him even before Simon was bound. Which is in respect to the writing of John, “He came to the own, and the own did not receive Him.” John 1:11
Now in respect to the current state of Israel the main point that stands out is that as much as they recognise the Lord Jesus Christ to be a historical figure however they believe Him to be dead. And this is related both in the story of Joseph as well as the Lord. Joseph was unknown to his brothers mainly due to the fact they believed him to be dead. As Reuben said to his brothers, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his BLOOD is now required of us.” Genesis 42:22 [Genesis 42:13] Note: blood is a reference to death. and again, “And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.” Genesis 42:13 Similarly, the Lord Jesus Christ is also reported as also to be dead, through which many fail to recognise Him as the Messiah. Matthew says, “And having been gathered together with the elders, and having taken counsel, they gave many silver pieces to the soldiers, saying, “Say that His disciples, having come by night, stole Him—we being asleep….. And this report is spread abroad among the Jews until the present day.” Matthew 28:12-13,15 The effect of which is that, as with the suffering of the Messiah, His death is also a stumbling block. John writes, the crowds saying to the Lord “We have heard from the Law that Christ abides to the age, and how do you say that it behoves the Son of Man to be lifted up?” John 12:34
Now, the main application of Joseph binding Simon is in regards to the Lord taking away the hindrance Israel faces from coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is when Joseph bound Simon there were ten brothers [representing the Law] and he tells them you won’t see my face until the 11th is among you. Benjamin is a representation of FAITH not the working of the Law. When Rachel gave birth to her firstborn son “she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.” Genesis 30:24 we see her make a declaration of Faith, making Benjamin’s birth an ACT of faith. So when he bound Simon it has to do with the Law, that is the statement of faith of Judaism “Hear, this O Israel: The Lord our God is One Lord” which is the MAIN point of objection for the Jews. So Joseph bound Simon until Benjamin [Faith] arose in the midst of Israel, that is they have come to know and recognise the Lord Jesus Christ as LORD. So Joseph says to them, “You shall NOT SEE my face unless your brother is with you.” Genesis 43:5 And when his brothers came on the Second Visit with Benjamin, he released Simon to them NOW they can see the whole picture. The veil is taken away, their eyes being opened to see the LORD in the Law. As Paul writes, “Whenever one shall have turned to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 2 Cor. 3:16 The result of which John writes, “They are singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” Revelation 15:3 That is they have come to recognise the fulfilment of the Law in Christ Jesus.
Now, the Second Visit, that is the Second Year of Famine, the brothers of Joseph came with their brother Benjamin and this period is in relation to the Second half the Seven years of wrath which is marked by the suffering of the Saints, as described in Revelation, 13:7; 15:2-3; 20:4]
The CUP of Joseph: Now, when they returned in the second year of famine with their brother Benjamin, Joseph sent them away with his CUP hidden in the sack of Benjamin. The CUP as mentioned above is a reference to the suffering of Christ, the Lord said to James and John, “You will drink the CUP that I drink, and you will be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised.” Mark 10:39 The significance being because they have come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which Benjamin is a representation of, that is one who is born of the Lamb, ALL Israel will be GREATLY persecuted by the kingdom of the Antichrist and the false prophet. Faith comes with SORROW, because it is tested in affliction to prove its genuineness. As Peter says, “is being necessary, having been put to grief by various trials, so that the proven genuineness of your faith.” 1 Peter 6-7 And John writes the means by which Israel is proven, John relates this point saying, “And there was given to it [the Antichrist] to make war with the saints [Israel], and to overcome them.” Revelation 13:7 The outcome of which was, John says, “The souls of those having been BEHEADED because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who did not worship the beast, nor his image, and did not take the mark upon the forehead, and upon their hand.” Revelation 20:4 [Rev. 15:2]
The suffering that relates on the account of Benjamin was first prophesied on the day he was born. Genesis records, “And so it was, as her [Rachel’s] soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin.” Genesis 35:18 His mother Rachel called him, Ben-Oni meaning “son of my sorrow” but his father Jacob called him Ben-jamin, meaning “son of my right hand.” The sorrow is the reference to CUP he will drink, and the right-hand is in reference to his elevation, as the Lord was raised to be seated at the right hand of God. And we will see how the blessing of Benjamin exceeded that of his brothers.
The Revelation of Joseph: “Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.” Genesis 45:1 The reference here is that in the MIDST of the CUP being found in the hand of Benjamin and his brothers rallying around him taking part in his persecution is the time the Lord Jesus Christ reveals Himself to Israel. This revelation of Joseph is NOT in regards to for them to come to FAITH, but on the account that they have ALREADY done so, that is they MAY SEE HIM face to face, coming to the EARTH in all His glory as King and Ruler. So Joseph SENT out the interpreters meaning no longer through the intermediary of Angels but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself made Himself known to them in ALL the glory of His kingdom. Note: The Lord makes Himself known to Israel with His bride. Zechariah 14:5, 1 Thess. 4:17 and Rev. 19:14 all make the point that the Lord will always be with His saints, that is the Church and will return with her.
Zechariah describes this moment saying, “Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,which faces Jerusalem on the east…. the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with You.” Zechariah 14:3-4,5 And John also describes the moment the Lord rescues Israel as, “And out of His mouth goes forth a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations; and He will shepherd them with a rod of iron. And He treads the press of the wine of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. And He has a name having been written upon the robe and upon His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:15-16 The end of which is that He destroys both the Antichrist and the false prophet along with all those that arose against Israel being deceived by them. And the birds were filled with their flesh as it happened to the Butler. [Rev. 19:19-21]
The Reward of Benjamin: Now, we will examine the Reward of Benjamin, Genesis records, “He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of SILVER and five changes of garments.” Genesis 45:22
The reward of Benjamin greatly exceeded those of his brothers. The change of Garment is in respect to the SALVATION that is given to ALL of Israel. [Joel 3:21] But Benjamin is given 300 pieces of Silver, [J.p] teaches that the significance of silver is to relay the concept of purification. Zechariah says, “I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested.” Zechariah 13:9 Gold is TESTED, meaning to check it is not a false gold, that is to prove the genuineness of faith. However Silver is refined meaning impurities are taken out of it. This being said it is the same fire that is used to prove and to purify. So Benjamin represents those whose faith is tested to the utmost, being refined in the fire of affliction even to the point of death. And those who gave their lives for the faith during this period, will be raised from the dead and are counted among the Saints that return with the Lord, that is Spirit-mankind. John writes, “Blessed and holy is the one having a part in the first resurrection! Over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
This is related in the story of Joseph as, “And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you.” Genesis 45:12 Here Joseph compares his likeness to that of Benjamin, that is to say, those who will be raised from the dead will bear the image of the Heavenly Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, that their image is compared to Him. As John says, “We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2 However the rest of Israel, that have come through this period of turmoil will remain in the flesh as the rest of the world that have not given themselves to the Antichrist and the false prophet.
The other aspect is that Benjamin is given Five Changes of Garments. [J.p] teaches that five is the number for GRACE. Now one of the blessings of those that attain to be Spirit-mankind in the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ is that, Paul says, “In order that in the coming ages He might show the surpassing riches of His GRACE in kindness toward us IN Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 5:7 So the FIVE garments, represent the Garment of Grace, over whom the Second death has no authority, it is to relay another facet of being in Christ. Note: the five garments do not refer to Apostle, Evangelist, Prophet, Teacher or Pastor, because Benjamin has already attained to be Spirit-mankind. The Lord gave these gifts to mankind in the flesh in order to build His Church as described in Ephesians 4:11-16. The point is these office were given “UNTIL, we all may attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” which will be completed when we see the Lord face to face, and ONLY THEN the offices WILL no longer have any significance.
The Reward of the Brothers: Now the reward of the other brothers of Joseph was given by Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the BEST of the land; let them dwell in the land of GOSHEN. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them CHIEF HERDSMEN over my livestock.” Genesis 47:6 Goshen is in reference to Jerusalem where the Lord will make His dwelling during the 1000 years of His Reign, taking responsibility to provide for Israel. The 1000 years is a period when the rest of the world that survived the carnage of the Antichrist and the false prophet are becoming acquainted with the worship of God. That is the Lord Jesus Christ will make His dwelling in Jerusalem and all nations will come there to worship Him. And Jerusalem and Judah with her people are tasked with a special service to God. Isaiah says, “It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations:…. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles…. And I will also take SOME of them for priests and Levites,” says the Lord.” Isaiah 66:18-21 Levites were called the shepherds of Israel. [Ezekiel 34] So during the Millennial reign of the Lord Israel in the Flesh will serve the Lord as shepherds to the nations.
Zechariah also makes this point saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’ ” Zechariah 8:23 Which gives an image of sheep clinging to a shepherd. That is the Lord Jesus Christ will make His dwelling in Jerusalem and all nations will come there to worship Him.
The Everlasting Kingdom.
Now, the main point here is that at the End of the Age of Famine [wrath] in the commencement of the Everlasting kingdom of God, there is a difference between the inheritance of Pharoah’s priests and that of the common people. That is there will be two kinds of mankind, one Spirit-mankind that dwells in the presence of God to possess all things with the Lord and the other Flesh-mankind, who will dwell in the New Earth.
The story of Joseph in service to Pharaoh in administering his dream ends with, “Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field,… Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands.” Genesis 47:20,22 The act of Joseph in acquiring all the land and livestocks of Egypt to Pharaoh is to portray everything both in heaven and earth having been brought under God through the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul says of the Lord, “For NOT to angels did He subject the WORLD that is COMING, of which we are speaking, but someone somewhere has testified, saying, “What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the son of man, that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honour; You have put in subjection all things under his feet.” Hebrews 2:5-8 [1 Cor. 15:27-28, Colossians 1:18-20] The New Heaven and the New Earth to come is not left to the whim of flesh-mankind NOT EVEN angels but is eternally put under God’s kingdom through the Lord Jesus Christ.
That is, Flesh-Mankind will be residents of the New Heaven and New Earth but NOT possessors of as they are of the present world. However, the priest, in respect to the wife of Joseph, Asenath the daughter of Poti-Pherah PRIEST of On. They kept their inheritance in the Land of Egypt because their provision was met from the table of Pharaoh. John says of us, “To the One loving us and releasing us from our sins through His blood, and He has made us a kingdom, PRIESTS to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion to the ages of the ages. Amen” Revelation 1:5-6 The implication being Spirit-Mankind, that is those who are raised in the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ to be kings and priest of God will inherit both Heaven and Earth. [Revelation 22:3-4] That is to eat from the TABLE of GOD that is of Heaven and still possess an inheritance on the New Earth. The wife of the Lord Jesus Christ inherits everything He inherits.
“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, also heirs: heirs indeed of God, and JOINT-HEIRS of Christ.” Romans 8:16-17
Bread Bait. 
Leave a comment