Joseph was rejected by his brothers, sold by them, and cast into prison. Likewise, Christ was first rejected by His brothers, then sold by one of His people, and eventually cast into the prison of death.

Joseph lived a life that corresponded to the vision he saw in his two dreams (see note Gen. 37:5^1a; cf. Acts 26:19). Joseph’s brothers vented their anger (Gen. 37:18-31) and indulged in their lust (Gen. 38:15-18), but Joseph subdued his anger and conquered his lust, behaving as a sheaf full of life and conducting himself like a heavenly star shining in the darkness (see note Gen. 37:18¹ and note Gen. 38:15¹). Joseph’s life under the heavenly vision was the life of the kingdom of the heavens described in Matthew chs. 5—7. By living such a life, he was fully prepared to reign as a king.

Lit., hand. So also throughout the chapter.

As a representative of the reigning aspect of a mature life, Joseph enjoyed the presence of the Lord, and with it the Lord’s authority, prosperity, and blessing (vv. 2-5).