Joseph's Journey
Gen 37–50
From his father's favourite to second-in-command of Egypt – sold by his brothers, thrown into prison, raised up by Pharaoh and reunited with his family (Gen 37–50).
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Joseph’s Journey on map
Gen 37–50
From his father's favourite to second-in-command of Egypt – sold by his brothers, thrown into prison, raised up by Pharaoh and reunited with his family (Gen 37–50).
Trip stops (9)
1
Hebron
Gen 37:14
Jacob's home. Joseph is 17 years old and his father's favourite – he has been given the famous coat. He dreams of sheaves and stars bowing down to him. His brothers hate him.
2
Shechem
Gen 37:12-14
Jacob sends Joseph to see how his brothers are, who are pasturing the flocks near Shechem. They have moved on.
3
Dothan
Gen 37:17-28
Joseph finds his brothers at Dothan. They throw him into an empty pit. Judah suggests selling him. Midianite traders take him to Egypt for twenty shekels of silver.
4
Egypt – Potiphar's house
Gen 39:1-20
Joseph is sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. The Lord is with him, and everything prospers. But Potiphar's wife accuses him falsely, and he is thrown into prison.
5
Egypt – the prison
Gen 39:20 – 40:23
Even in prison the Lord is with Joseph. He interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. The cupbearer promises to remember him – but forgets.
6
Egypt – Pharaoh's court
Gen 41:1-45
Two years later Pharaoh dreams of seven fat and seven thin cows. Joseph is brought out of prison and interprets the dreams: seven good years, seven years of famine. Pharaoh makes him second-in-command over all Egypt. Joseph is 30 years old.
7
Egypt – the brothers' first visit
Gen 42:1-38
The famine reaches Canaan. Jacob sends ten sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognises them, but they do not recognise him. He accuses them of spying and keeps Simeon.
8
Egypt – the reunion
Gen 43–45
The brothers return with Benjamin. Joseph tests them with the silver cup. Judah offers himself in Benjamin's place. Joseph breaks down: "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" The whole court of Egypt hears him weeping.
9
Hebron (Jacob sets out)
Gen 46:1-7
Jacob receives the news: Joseph is alive. On the way he offers sacrifices at Beersheba. God speaks to him in a vision: "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt – there I will make you a great nation."