The Stories About Joseph. The moral value of these stories is very
great. They are told in a charm that is felt by all. The literary
power and unity is remarkable. There is seen in them ideals of
integrity and truthfulness. He is cheerful and uncomplaining and no
adversity could destroy his ambitions. The study of this section will
well reward a frequent review of it.

All the materials may be grouped around the following principal great
periods or incidents of his life. (1) His childhood, where we find him
petted and spoiled but ambitious and trustworthy and hated by his
brethren. (2) His sale to the Egyptians and separation from his house
and kindred, this including his slavery and the faithfulness he showed
in such a position. (3) His position as overseer and his loyalty
together with his temptation and unjust imprisonment. (4) His
exaltation to the governorship of Egypt with his provisions for the
famine and change of the whole system of land tenure, which put it all
under royal control. It would also include his kindness to his
father's family in providing for their preservation.

The stories have in them several elements that need to be noticed. (1)
There are many sudden and striking contrasts. Such are his changes
from a petted and spoiled boy in the home to a slave in Egypt; from an
overseer of his master's house to a prisoner in the dungeon; for that
dungeon to the governor of the powerful empire of the age. (2) His
success is never based on or promoted by a miracle but is assured
because he is of value to others. He wins no promotions by means of
armor or conquests of power but by faithfulness to those whom he
served. His is a conquest made by business sagacity. He is a hero of
usefulness. (3) The use of his position to advance the interests of