Joseph
1700-1590 BC
Genesis 12-50
In our first introduction to Joseph, in Genesis 37:3–11, he related two dreams he’d had—prophecies that he would one day rule over his brothers and parents. His dreams incensed his brothers so much they sold him into slavery, which eventually led him to such a high political position they had to come to him for food, thus fulfilling his dream. Before Joseph reached that position, however, he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker (Genesis 40) and then Pharaoh’s own dream (Genesis 41:1–40).
| SECULAR YEAR | JEWISH YEAR | EVENT IN HISTORY |
|---|---|---|
| -1743 | 2018 | The covenant (Brit Bein Habetarim) with Abraham |
| -1738 | 2023 | Abraham settled in Canaan |
| -1727 | 2034 | Ishmael (son of Abraham) was born |
| -1713 | 2048 | Abraham circumcised himself and Ishmael |
| -1713 | 2048 | Sodom and Gommorah were destroyed |
| -1713 | 2048 | Isaac (son of Abraham) was born |
| -1677 | 2084 | The Akeda, where Isaac was brought on the altar by Abraham |
| -1677 | 2084 | Sarah died |
| -1653 | 2108 | Jacob and Esau were born |
| -1638 | 2123 | Abraham died |
| -1603 | 2158 | Shem (son of Noah) died |
| -1590 | 2171 | Isaac blessed Jacob instead of Esau |
| -1576 | 2185 | Jacob went to Haran |
| -1574 | 2187 | Eber (great-grandson of Shem) died |
| -1569 | 2192 | Jacob married Leah and Rachel |
| -1566 | 2195 | Levi (son of Jacob and Leah) was born |
| -1562 | 2199 | Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel, was born |
| -1556 | 2205 | Jacob left Haran |
| -1553 | 2208 | Benjamin was born |
| -1545 | 2216 | Joseph was sold |
| -1533 | 2228 | Isaac died |
| -1532 | 2229 | Joseph became viceroy of Egypt |
| -1526 | 2235 | Kehot (son of Levi) was born |
| -1523 | 2238 | Jacob (and his family) went to Egypt |