Jubilees, in its 40th chapter, paints a picture of Joseph that goes beyond the familiar story of the coat of many colors and the dreams. It tells us, "for he walked in uprightness, for he was without pride and arrogance, and he had no respect of persons, and did not accept gifts, but he judged in uprightness all the people of the land."
Think about that for a moment. No pride. No arrogance. Impartiality. Refusing bribes. Judging fairly. In a world then, and arguably now, where power often corrupts, Joseph stands out as a beacon of integrity. It wasn't just about following the letter of the law; it was about embodying justice in every action.
And what was the result of this unwavering commitment to righteousness? "The land of Egypt was at peace before Pharaoh because of Joseph," Jubilees tells us, "for the Lord was with him, and gave him favour and mercy for all his generations before all those who knew him and those who heard concerning him."
It’s easy to see how Joseph's integrity brought peace and prosperity. People trusted him. They knew he would act fairly, even when it was difficult. And that trust extended beyond his immediate circle, impacting generations to come.
The text goes on: "and Pharaoh's kingdom was well ordered, and there was no Satan and no evil person (therein)." Now, when Jubilees says there was no Satan, it doesn't mean the literal absence of the devil. Rather, it points to a society where the temptations and opportunities for evil were significantly diminished. A society flourishing under ethical leadership. Think of it: a community so well-governed, so just, that even the inclination towards wrongdoing was suppressed. What a concept!
And here's a fascinating little detail: "And the king called Joseph's name Sĕphânṭîphâns, and gave Joseph to wife the daughter of Potiphar, the daughter of the priest of Heliopolis, the chief cook." While we know him as Joseph, Pharaoh bestowed upon him a new Egyptian name, marking his elevated status. The marriage to the daughter of Potiphar, the priest of Heliopolis, further solidified his integration into Egyptian society. It signified more than just a union of two people; it was a merging of cultures, a symbol of acceptance and respect.
So, what can we take away from this portrait of Joseph in the Book of Jubilees? It's more than just a story about an ancient leader. It's an invitation to examine our own lives. Are we striving for uprightness? Are we acting with impartiality? Are we using our influence, however big or small, to create a more just and peaceful world? It all starts with integrity, one decision at a time. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we too can bring a little more "peace before Pharaoh" into our own corner of the world.