Joseph, the 11th son of Jacob and the firstborn of his favored wife Rachel, was a central biblical figure sold into Egyptian slavery by his jealous half-brothers. He rose to become the vizier of Egypt, saving the region from famine, and had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, with his wife Asenath.

Key Aspects of Joseph's Story

• Family Background: Joseph was Rachel's firstborn and Jacob's eleventh son, born in Paddan Aram. He had one full brother, Benjamin, and ten half-brothers.

• Favorite Son: Jacob (also called Israel) loved Joseph more than his other sons, gifting him a "coat of many colors" (or ornate robe), which fueled his brothers' jealousy.

• Dreams and Slavery: Joseph had dreams indicating his future superiority, which led his brothers to sell him into slavery in Egypt.

• Rise in Egypt: After being falsely imprisoned due to Potiphar's wife, Joseph gained favor with Pharaoh by interpreting dreams predicting a seven-year famine.

• Reunion: During the famine, Joseph's brothers came to Egypt for food. Joseph ultimately revealed his identity, forgave them, and brought his family to live in Egypt, settling in Goshen.

• His Sons: Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were born in Egypt during the years of plenty. Jacob adopted them as his own, giving them the status of independent tribes in Israel. Final Reunion: The Tribe of Manasseh; the Tribe of Ephraim; to be reunited in Latter Days.

• Death: Joseph died at the age of 110. Joseph request to be taken back to Israel; honored at time of Exodus.