If Joseph was a guy who played by the rules, my next theory is he also knew a lot about his family tree. I believe Joseph studied the great patriarchs, prophets and kings of Israel as any dedicated Torah scholar should.
Three of his ancestors are especially important in understanding Joseph.
Abraham, his forefather, faithfully waited for God to give him and his wife, Sarah, a child. God promised Abraham he would have as many descendents as there are stars in the sky. Joseph knew he was to marry and have children to fulfill the covenant God made with Abraham. The commandment was to be fruitful and multiply.
Did Joseph look into the night sky and wonder which star was his?
Joseph would know he was decended from the House of David. David, the great king of Israel, who as a young shepherd boy slayed the giant Goliath with a handful of stones and a slingshot. It was a story of miraculous bravery and total trust in the Lord. Joseph was no doubt inspired by his forefather and proud of his royal heritage. Many generations passed since Israel had been ruled by a king, the people prayed for a new one to be born. They were suffering under Roman occupation and believed a new king, the Messiah, would come from David’s line. Joseph knew about the prophesy of the Messiah who was coming.
Because of his name, Joseph might have been especially drawn to the story of his namesake, who was one of the twelve sons of his ancestor Jacob. The historical Joseph was guided by a series of dreams. Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, favored Joseph and gave him special status. Joseph had dreams about his brothers bowing down before him, which in turn made his older brothers jealous. The brothers planned to kill him, but instead decided to sell him, and he was taken to Egypt as a slave. Joseph also had the ability to interpret the dreams of others and eventually did so for the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Because of this gift, he was freed, and he eventually became a trusted advisor to the Egyptians.
The younger Joseph would have understood how God spoke powerfully through his ancestor’s dreams.
Knowing the laws, the commandments, the prophecies, the history of his people; all of this was essential in preparing Joseph for what was to come.
I am enjoying your writings on my favorite man in the Bible – besides, you know. I agree with your final words – had he not been ready, he would have not been chosen. Love your blog!