JACOB

Jacob (Genesis 25:& 27-37). Esau a lover of hunting failed to appreciate the covenant with Abraham, returning from a hunt one day he sells his birthright to Jacob for some stew. Jacob works for Laban, marrying his two daughters, Leah and Rachel. During these marriage's Jacob has 12 sons and a daughter. Jacobs name is changed to Israel. he negotiates a meeting with Esau and travels on to Shechem. (Genesis 37: 2-50).

JOSEPH

Joseph's privileged position with his father and visionary dreams give cause for his older brothers to hate him. They schemed to kill him but instead sold him to a passing Ishmaelite merchants. Dipping Joseph's distinctive coat in the blood of a goat, they pretend that Joseph has been killed by a wild beast he is however taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, the chief of Pharaoh's bodyguard. Meanwhile, Jehovah blesses Joseph in Egypt, and Joseph becomes great in Potiphar's household.

However, trouble pursues him when keeping true to the commandments he rejects Potiphar's wife, he is falsely accused and thrown into prison.There Joseph interprets the dreams of two prisoners, Pharaoh's cupbearer and his baker, later, when Pharaoh has a dream that greatly worries him, Joseph's is brought before Pharaoh from prison. Giving the credit and glory to God, Joseph interprets the dream forecasting seven years of plenty, to be followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh recognizes " the spirit of God " upon Joseph and appoints him as prime minister to handle the situation. (Genesis 41: 38 )

Now 30 years of age, Joseph administers wisely by storing up food during the seven years of plenty, eventually Jacob sends his ten older sons to Egypt for grain, Joseph recognizes them, but they do not recognize him. Holding Simeon as hostage, he demands that they bring their youngest brother back with them on the next trip for grain. When the nine sons return with Benjamin, Joseph reveals his true identy , expresses forgiveness toward his guilty brothers, then Jacob, with his offspring, move down to Egypt. Pharaoh gives them the best land, of Goshen, in which to dwell.