Old Testament Summary Lesson 12: “Fruitful In The Land Of My Affliction”
- Ancient Joseph Learned a Profound Lesson in Becoming a Slave: He simply became the very best slave or servant he could be. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant . . .” (Matthew 23:11-12) “He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.” (Doctrine & Covenants 50:26)
- Hiding His Identity: When his brothers sought “foreign aid” from the Egyptians, their own brother, Joseph, was the “servant” to save them without revealing his true identity. When he finally revealed himself, it was in humble family circumstance and he prophesied that in Latter-days another Joseph would save his family again.
- Overcoming Pride: Ancient Joseph overcame his “pride” and served his brothers forgivingly (at first without identifying himself). He thereby established a pattern for a latter-day Joseph, who for the time being is keeping his identity from Judah and should release all forms of pride as he serves his family forgivingly.
- First and Latest Temple Sites in Ephraim’s Hand: “Situated in the mountains of central Erez (land of) Israel, Shiloh was in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim and housed the “temporary sanctuary” or Tabernacle containing the Ark of the Law.” (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The latest temples outside the land of Israel are now in the hands of Ephraim, the Latter-day Saints. The destiny is that Joseph and Judah will eventually come together to build the temple in Jerusalem.
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