Joseph

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob (later named Israel) and his beloved wife Rachel, is a central figure in the Book of Genesis. He is favored by his father, which causes resentment among his eleven brothers. To express his special status, Jacob gives Joseph a richly ornamented coat of many colors, further intensifying the jealousy of his siblings. This animosity grows when Joseph shares two dreams in which his family members bow down to him, leading his brothers to plot against him.

Initially, they plan to kill Joseph, but at the suggestion of Reuben, they decide to throw him into a pit instead. Later, they sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites, who take him to Egypt. There, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite his circumstances, Joseph thrives due to his integrity and God’s favor. However, Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him of attempting to seduce her, leading to Joseph’s imprisonment.

In prison, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams comes to the attention of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and baker, both of whom are imprisoned with him. After interpreting their dreams, Joseph’s predictions come true: the cupbearer is restored to his position, and the baker is executed. Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him when he is freed, but the cupbearer forgets.

Two years later, Pharaoh has troubling dreams that no one can interpret. The cupbearer recalls Joseph, who is brought to Pharaoh. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams as foretelling seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He advises Pharaoh to store grain during the plentiful years. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt.

When the famine strikes, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food. They do not recognize Joseph. Eventually, Joseph reveals his identity and forgives them, recognizing that God used their actions to fulfill His plan to save their family. Joseph’s story concludes with his reunion with his family and his death at 110 years old, assuring them that God would lead them to the Promised Land.

Andrew Lloyd Webber - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

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