God’s Loving-Kindness Brings Relief and Protection

11, 12. (a) During what trials did Joseph experience Jehovah’s loving-kindness? (b) How was God’s loving-kindness expressed in Joseph’s case?

¹¹ Next, let us consider Genesis chapter 39. It centers on Abraham’s great-grandson Joseph, who was sold into slavery in Egypt. Nevertheless, “Jehovah proved to be with Joseph.” (Ge 39 Verses 1, 2) In fact, even Joseph’s Egyptian master, Potiphar, concluded that Jehovah was with Joseph. (Ge 39 Verse 3) However, Joseph faced a very serious test. He was falsely accused of sexually assaulting Potiphar’s wife and was imprisoned. (Ge 39 Verses 7-20) It was “in the prison hole” that “with fetters they afflicted his feet, into irons his soul came.”​—Genesis 40:15; Psalm 105:18.

¹² What happened during that particularly trying experience? “Jehovah continued with Joseph and kept extending loving-kindness to him.” (Ge 39 Verse 21a) A particular act of loving-kindness set in motion a series of events that later led to relief from the troubles Joseph was experiencing. Jehovah granted Joseph “to find favor in the eyes of the chief officer of the prison house.” (Ge 39 Verse 21b) Consequently, the officer assigned Joseph a responsible position. (Ge 39 Verse 22) Next, Joseph met the man who eventually brought him to the attention of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. (Genesis 40:1-4, 9-15; 41:9-14) In turn, the king elevated Joseph to the position of second ruler in Egypt, resulting in his performing a life-saving work in the famine-stricken land of Egypt. (Genesis 41:37-55) Joseph’s suffering began when he was 17 years old and lasted for more than a dozen years! (Genesis 37:2, 4; 41:46) But throughout all those years of distress and affliction, Jehovah God manifested his loving-kindness toward Joseph by protecting him from utter calamity and by preserving him for a privileged role in the divine purpose.

16. In what favorable terms does the Bible speak about Abraham and Joseph?

¹⁶ The account in Genesis chapter 24 leaves no doubt about Abraham’s bond with Jehovah. The first verse Ge 24:1 states that “Jehovah had blessed Abraham in everything.” Abraham’s servant called Jehovah “the God of my master Abraham.” (Ge 24 Verses 12, 27) And the disciple James says that Abraham was “declared righteous” and “came to be called ‘Jehovah’s friend.’” (James 2:21-23) Much the same is true of Joseph. The close relationship between Jehovah and Joseph is emphasized throughout Genesis chapter 39. (Ge 39 Verses 2, 3, 21, 23) Moreover, regarding Joseph, the disciple Stephen said: “God was with him.”​—Acts 7:9.