Continuing our discussion of Joseph and the financial lessons in his story: the Divine plan behind Joseph’s sale to the Ishmaelites and his ultimately landing in Pharaoh’s court is stated clearly in Genesis 50 as was foreshadowed a few chapters earlier.

After their father, Jacob-Israel dies, Joseph tells his brothers, “you meant evil against me (in selling me); but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

As much as Joseph suffered — the separation from his father and brothers, sitting in Egyptian prison, and later overseeing the massive food-distribution and nationalization of lands economy – he learned he was placed in Egypt for a reason: to save the Egyptians and his people in Canaan in the face of certain starvation. A challenging journey leading to a noble end.

The youthful Joseph who was previously so arrogant as to tell his family about his dreams of the planets and sheaves bowing to him now recognized his humble role as God’s servant. Enjoying his present bounty alone is not enough; Joseph promises to support the brothers with whom he has reconciled and their children.