not best to make too much of this typical idea, it is safe to say that
much of it is illustrative of such New Testament teachings. The career
of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph each at some point or points suggests the
life and work of Jesus. Abraham is called or appointed of God to be
the head of a spiritual nation, he has revealed to him the will of
God, he intercedes for a wicked Sodom and saved lot, all of which
suggests the attitude and work of Jesus. Isaac is an only son, is
offered in sacrifice, has secured for him a bride in a most unusual
manner. This again in many ways illustrates the attitude and work of
the Savior. But Joseph is perhaps more highly figurative of the
Redeemer. His being hated and cast out by his brethren is like the
rejection of Jesus; the way his wicked brethren came to him in their
extremity and received forgiveness and sustenance suggest how a sinner
finds mercy and life in Jesus; his prosperity and honor gained among
others and the final coming of his brethren to him is suggestive in
many of the details of the way the Jews rejected Jesus and of how,
after Jesus has gained great power among Gentile nations, the Jews
will finally repent of their national sin and accept the crucified
Savior as the Jews' Messiah; the whole story of the humiliation,
sufferings and exaltation of Joseph correspond to like events in the
career of Jesus.

Social and Religious Conditions of the Times. There is little to
suggest anything savage or barbarous. The spirit and language of
courtesy is everywhere present. There is great hospitality and the
marriage relation was respected by such heathen rulers as Pharaoh and
Abimelech. When property was bought and sold the contracts were formal
and were held sacred even though the owner was long absent as in the
case of Abraham who bought the cave of Machpelah. Rebekah had
bracelets, ear-rings, jewels of silver and of gold, and fine raiment