The Conflict of the Ages in Living Sound

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Myers Media

Nancy Hamilton

Patriarchs and Prophets in Living Sound

Chapter 01: Why Was Sin Permitted?

Chapter 02: The Creation

Chapter 03: The Temptation and Fall

Chapter 04: The Plan of Redemption

Chapter 05: Cain and Abel Tested

Chapter 06: Seth and Enoch

Chapter 07: The Flood

Chapter 08: After the Flood

Chapter 09: The Literal Week

Chapter 10: The Tower of Babel

Chapter 11: The Call of Abraham

Chapter 12: Abraham in Canaan

Chapter 13: The Test of Faith

Chapter 14: Destruction of Sodom

Chapter 15: The Marriage of Isaac

Chapter 16: Jacob and Esau

Chapter 17: Jacob’s Flight and Exile

Chapter 18: The Night of Wrestling

Chapter 19: The Return to Canaan

Chapter 20: Joseph in Egypt

Chapter 21: Joseph and His Brothers

Chapter 22: Moses

Chapter 23: The Plagues of Egypt

Chapter 24: The Passover

Chapter 25: The Exodus

Chapter 26: From the Red Sea to Sinai

Chapter 27: The Law Given to Israel

Chapter 28: Idolatry at Sinai

Chapter 29: Satan’s Enmity Against the Law

Chapter 30: The Tabernacle and Its Services

Chapter 31: The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

Patriarchs and prophets chapter 20 Joseph in Egypt. Meanwhile, Joseph with his captors was on the way to Egypt as the caravan journeyed southward toward the borders of Canaan. The boy could discern in the distance, the Hills among which lay his father's tents, bitterly. He wept at thought of that loving father in his loneliness and affliction. Again, the scene at Dhan came off before him. He saw his angry brothers and felt their fierce glances bent upon him. The stinging insulting words that had met his agonized in treaties were ringing in his ears with a trembling heart. He looked forward to the future. What a change in situation from the tenderly cherished son to the despised and helpless slave alone and friendless, what would be his lot in a strange land to which he was going for a time. Joseph gave himself up to uncontrolled grief and terror, but in the Providence of God, even this experience was to be a blessing to him. He had learned in a few hours that which years might not otherwise have taught him. His father strong and tender as his love had been, had done him wrong by his partiality and indulgence. This unwise preference had angered his brothers and provoked them to the cruel deed that had separated him from his home. Its effects were manifest also in his own character faults had been encouraged that were now to be corrected. He was becoming self-sufficient and exacting accustomed to the tenderness of his father's care. He felt that he was unprepared to cope with the difficulties before him in the bitter UN cared for life of a stranger and a slave. Then his thoughts turned to his father's God in his childhood. He had been taught to love and fear him often in his father's tent. He had listened to the story of the vision that Jacob saw as he fled from his home and exile and fugitive. He had been told of the Lord's promises to Jacob and how they had been fulfilled. How in the hour of need, the angels of God had come to instruct comfort and protect him. And he had learned of the love of God in providing for men a Redeemer. Now all these precious lessons came vividly before him. Joseph believed that the God of his father's would be his God. He then end there gave himself fully to the Lord. And he prayed that the keeper of Israel would be with him in the land of his exile, his soul, thrilled with the high resolve, to prove himself true to God under all circumstances to act as became a subject of the king of heaven. He would serve the Lord with undivided heart. He would meet the trials of his lot with fortitude and perform every duty with fidelity. One day's experience had been the turning point in Joseph's life. Its terrible calamity had transformed him from a petted child to a man, thoughtful, courageous, and self-posessed arriving in Egypt. Joseph was sold to Potter captain of the King's guard in his service. He remained for 10 years. He was here exposed to temptations of no ordinary character. He was in the midst of idolatry. The worship of false gods was surrounded by all the PO of royalty supported by the wealth and culture of the most highly civilized nation. Then in existence, yet Joseph preserved his simplicity and his fidelity to God. The sights and sounds of vice were all about him, but he was as one who saw and heard not his thoughts were not permitted to linger upon forbidden subjects. The desire to gain the favor of the Egyptians could not cause him to conceal his principles. Had he attempted to do this. He would've been overcome by temptation, but he was not ashamed of the religion of his fathers. And he made no effort to hide the fact that he was a worshiper of Jehovah and the Lord was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand, part of his confidence in Joseph increased daily. And he finally promoted him to be his steward with full control over all his possessions. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand and he knew not all he had saved the bread, which he did eat the marked prosperity, which attended everything placed under Joseph's care was not the result of a direct miracle, but his industry care and energy were crowned with the divine blessing. Joseph attributed his success to the favor of God. And even his idolatry master accepted this as the secret of his unparalleled prosperity without steadfast well directed effort. However success could never have been attained. God was glorified by the faithfulness of his servant. It was his purpose that in purity and uprightness, the believer in God should appear in marked contrast to the worshipers of idols that thus the light of heavenly grace might shine forth amid the darkness of hedonism Joseph's gentleness and fidelity won the heart of the chief captain who came to regard him as a son rather than a slave. The youth was brought in contact with men of rank and learning. And he acquired a knowledge of science of languages and of affairs, an education needful to the future prime minister of Egypt. But Joseph's faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery trials. His master's wife endeavored to entice the young man to transgress the law of God here to four. He had remained untainted by the corruption teaming in that heat and land, but this temptation so sudden so strong, so seductive, how should it be met? Joseph knew. Well, what would be the consequences of resistance on the one hand were concealment favor and rewards on the other disgrace imprisonment, perhaps death, his whole future life depended upon the decision of the moment would principle triumph, would Joseph still be true to God with in expressible anxiety pressable anxiety angels looked upon the scene. Joseph's answer reveals the power of religious principle. He would not betray the confidence of his master on earth and whatever the consequences. He would be true to his master in heaven under the inspecting eye of God and holy angels, many take liberties of which they would not be guilty in the presence of their fellow men, but Joseph's first thought was of God. How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God? He said, if we were to cherish an habitual impression that God sees and hears all that we do and say, and keeps a faithful record of our words and actions and that we must meet it all. We would fear to sin, let the younger ever remember that wherever they are and whatever they do, they are in the presence of God. No part of our conduct escapes observation. We cannot hide our ways from the most high human laws though. Sometimes severe are often transgressed without detection and hence with impunity, but not. So with the law of God, the deepest midnight is no cover for the guilty one. He may think himself alone, but to every deed, there is an unseen witness. The very motives of his heart are open to divine inspection. Every act, every word, every thought is as distinctly marked as though there were only one person in the whole world and the attention of heaven was centered upon him. Joseph suffered for his integrity for his attempt to revenge herself by accusing him of a foul crime and causing him to be thrust into prison. Had Potter believed his wife's charge against Joseph. The young Hebrew would've lost his life, but the modesty and uprightness that had uniformly characterized his conduct were proof of his innocence. And yet to save the reputation of his master's house, he was abandoned to disgrace and bondage at the first Joseph was treated with great severity by his jailers. The Samist says his feet. They hurt with FETs. He was laid in chains of iron until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tried him, but Joseph's real character shines out. Even in the darkness of the dungeon, he held fast, his faith and patience. His years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid. Yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence and he trusted his case with God. He did not brood upon his own wrongs, but forgot his sorrow in trying to lighten the sorrow of others. He found a work to do, even in the prison, God was preparing him in the school of affliction for greater usefulness. And he did not refuse the need for discipline in the prison, witnessing the results of oppression and tyranny and the effects of crime. He learned lessons of justice, sympathy, and mercy that prepared him to exercise power with wisdom and compassion. Joseph gradually gained the confidence of the keeper of the prison and was finally entrusted with the charge of all the prisoners. It was the part, he acted in the prison, the integrity of his daily life and his sympathy for those who were in trouble and distress, that opened the way for his future prosperity and honor, every array of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon ourselves, every kind and sympathizing word, spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed and every gift to the needy. If prompted by a right motive will result in blessings to the giver. The chief baker and chief Butler of the king had been cast into prison for some offense. And they came under Joseph's charge one morning, observing that they appeared very sad. He kindly inquired the cause and was told that each had a remarkable dream of which they were anxious to learn the significance do not interpretations belong to God. Say Joseph, tell me them. I pray you as each related dream. Joseph made, known its import in three days, the Butler was to be reinstated in his position and give the cup into Pharaoh's hand as before. But the chief baker would be put to death by the King's command. In both cases, the event occurred as foretold. The King's cup bearer had professed the deepest gratitude to Joseph, both for the cheering interpretation of his dream and for many acts of kind attention. And in return the latter referring in a most touching manner to his own unjust captivity in treated that his case be brought before the king. Think on me. He said, when it shall be well with the and show kindness, I pray the unto me and make mention of me unto Pharaoh and bring me out of this house for indeed. I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews. And here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the tension. The chief Butler saw the dream fulfilled in every particular, but when restored to Royal favor, he thought no more of his benefactor for two years longer, Joseph remained a prisoner. The hope that had been kindled in his heart gradually died out into all other trials was added the bitter sting of in gratitude. But a divine hand was about to open the prison gates. The king of Egypt had in one night, two dreams apparently pointing to the same event and seeming to have foreshadow some great calamity. He could not determine their significance yet. They continued to trouble. His mind, the magicians and wise men of his wrong could give no interpretation. The King's perplexity and distress increased and terrorists spread throughout his palace. The general agitation recalled to the chief Butler's mind the circumstances of his own dream with it came the memory of Joseph and a paying of remorse for his forgetfulness and in gratitude. He at once informed the king, how his own dream and that of the chief baker had been interpreted by a Hebrew captive and how the prediction had been fulfilled. It was humiliating to Pharaoh to turn away from the magicians and wise men of his kingdom to consult an alien and a slave, but he was ready to accept the Lowies service. If his troubled mind might find relief. Joseph was immediately sent for, he put off his prison attire and shaved himself for his hair had grown long during the period of his disgrace and confinement. He was then conducted to the presence of the king and Farrow said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream and there is none that can interpret it. And I have heard say of the, that thou can't understand a dream to interpret it. It is not in me. God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Joseph's reply to the king, reveals his humility and his faith in God, his modesty disclaims the honor of possessing in himself, superior wisdom. It is not in me. God alone can explain these mysteries. Pharaoh then proceeded to relate his dreams. Behold, I stood upon the bank of the river and behold, they came up out of the river seven kin fat fleshed and well favored. And they fed in a meadow and behold seven other kin came up after them poor and very ill favored and lean flesh such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness and the lean and the ill kin did eat up the first seven fat kin. And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them up, but they were still ill favored as at the beginning. So I awoke and I saw in my dream and behold seven ears came up in one stock full and good and behold seven ears with it thin and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. And I told this under the magicians, but there was none that could declare it to me. The dream of Pharaoh is one said, Joseph, God hath showed Pharaoh. What he is about to do. There were to be seven years of great plenty field and garden would yield more abundantly than ever before. And this period was to be followed by seven years of famine. And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following for each shall be very grievous. The repetition of the dream was evidence both of the certainty and nearness of the fulfillment. Now, therefore he continued let Farrow look at a man discreet and wise and set him over the land of Egypt, let Farrow do this and let him appoint offices over the land and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenties years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for stored to the land against the seven years of famine. The interpretation was so reasonable and consistent and the policy which it recommended was so sound and shrewd that its correctness could not be doubted, but who was to be entrusted with the execution of the plan upon the wisdom of this choice depended the nation's preservation. The king was troubled for some time. The matter of the appointment was under consideration through the chief Butler. The Monarch had learned of the wisdom and prudence displayed by Joseph in the management of the prison. It was evident that he possessed administrative ability in preeminent degree. The cut bearer now filled with self-reproach endeavored to a tone for his former in gratitude, by the warmest praise of his benefactor and further inquiry by the king proved the correctness of his report in all the realm. Joseph was the only man gifted with wisdom to point out the danger that threatened to the kingdom and the preparation necessary to meet it. And the king was convinced that he was the one best qualified to execute the plans, which he had proposed. It was evident that a divine power was with him and that there were none among the King's offices of state. So well qualified to conduct the affairs of the nation at this crisis. The fact that he was a Hebrew and a slave was a little moment when weighed against his evident wisdom and sound judgment. Can we find such a one as this is a man in whom the spirit of God is set the king to his counselors, the appointment was decided upon and to Joseph, the astonishing announcement was made for as much as God has showed the all this. There is none. So discreet and wise as thou art thou shall be over my house. And according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled only in the throne. Will I be greater than thou the king proceeded to invest Joseph with the insignia of his high office and Farrow took off his ring from his hand and put it upon Joseph's hand and arrayed him investors of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him to ride in the second chariot, which he had and they cried before him bow the knee. He made him Lord of his house and ruler of all his substance to bind his princes at his pleasure and teach his senators wisdom from the dungeon. Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger as the Tempest leaves unharmed the lowly flower of the valley while it uproots the stately tree upon the mountaintop. So those who have maintained their integrity in humble life may be dragged down to the pit by the temptations that a sale worldly success and honor, but Joseph's character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity. The same fidelity to God was manifest. When he stood in the palace of the pharaohs as when in a prisoner's cell, he was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God, but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his steps. And in constant reliance upon God, he faithfully discharged the duties of his position through Joseph, the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God. And though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah. How was Joseph enabled to make such a record of firmness of character uprightness and wisdom? In his early years, he had consulted duty rather than inclination and the integrity, the simple trust, the noble nature of the youth for fruit in the deeds of the man, a pure and simple life had favored the vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers communion with God through his works and the contemplation of the grand truths entrusted to the inheritors of faith had elevated and in noble, his spiritual nature, broadening and strengthening the mind as no other study could do faithful attention to duty in every station from the lowest to the most exalted had been training every power for its highest service. He, he who lives in accordance with the creator's will, is securing to himself, the truest and noble development of character. The fear of the Lord that is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding. There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. By adherence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life, the mind becomes accustom to hold the claims of duty above those of pleasure and inclination minds, thus disciplined are not wavering between right and wrong. Like the re trembling in the wind. They are loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity and truth by faithfulness in that, which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters. An upright character is of greater worth than the gold offa. Without it, none can rise to an honorable eminence, but character is not inherited. It cannot be bought moral excellence and fine mental qualities. And not the result of accident. The most precious gifts are of no value unless they are improved. The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime and must be the result of diligent and persevering effort. God gives opportunities. Success depends upon the use made of them.

Ellen G. White

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Patriarchs and Prophets in Living Sound

Chapter 20: Joseph in Egypt

Read by Nancy Hamilton

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Other Teachings in Series

Chapter 01: Why Was Sin Permitted?

Chapter 02: The Creation

Chapter 03: The Temptation and Fall

Chapter 04: The Plan of Redemption

Chapter 05: Cain and Abel Tested

Chapter 06: Seth and Enoch

Chapter 07: The Flood

Chapter 08: After the Flood

Chapter 09: The Literal Week

Chapter 10: The Tower of Babel

Chapter 11: The Call of Abraham

Chapter 12: Abraham in Canaan

Chapter 13: The Test of Faith

Chapter 14: Destruction of Sodom

Chapter 15: The Marriage of Isaac

Chapter 16: Jacob and Esau

Chapter 17: Jacob’s Flight and Exile

Chapter 18: The Night of Wrestling

Chapter 19: The Return to Canaan

Chapter 20: Joseph in Egypt

Chapter 21: Joseph and His Brothers

Chapter 22: Moses

Chapter 23: The Plagues of Egypt

Chapter 24: The Passover

Chapter 25: The Exodus

Chapter 26: From the Red Sea to Sinai

Chapter 27: The Law Given to Israel

Chapter 28: Idolatry at Sinai

Chapter 29: Satan’s Enmity Against the Law

Chapter 30: The Tabernacle and Its Services

Chapter 31: The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

Sound Doctrine