There are no better events in the biblical narrative that illustrate the providence of God better than those involving Joseph and Esther. Let’s meditate on the account of Joseph. The events related to Joseph are recorded in Genesis 37-50 (minus chapter 38). While we know that the dreams given to Joseph in chapter 37, when he was 17 years old, came from God, the text does not directly attribute the dreams to God. “God” is not mentioned until 39:9.
In fact, if you read through the account, you will notice that Moses, the author of Genesis, does not attribute many actions to God at all! “God” is mentioned 38 times; “LORD” is mentioned 8 times.
What does God do with Joseph or for Joseph? He is “with” Joseph (39:2-3, 21, 23) and He caused what Joseph did to prosper (39:23). But these are broad, generic statements so that we do not know exactly what God did. What does appear to be safe to say is that God did not perform any miracles in these events in the life of Joseph (after the initial dreams in chapter 37) except interpreting the dreams. But even with the dreams, it is not Moses who tells us God is doing it; it is Joseph relating that God could interpret dreams (40:8; 41:16, 25, 28; 41:32, 39).
The Lord blessed Potiphar’s house on behalf of Joseph (39:5). In 46:2-3, God finally speaks, telling Jacob that He will be with Jacob when he goes into Egypt and He will bring him back to the Promised Land.
As we continue reading through the events, we see where the brothers believed God was doing something to them as they interact with Joseph (whom they do not yet know): 42:28. Jacob hoped that God would give his sons compassion before Pharaoh (43:14). Joseph hoped God would be gracious to Benjamin (43:29). In 44:16, the brothers believed God had “found out” the iniquity of the brothers against Joseph. So we see expressed by the patriarchs a trust in God, both His ability to punish and His ability to bless.
But as “providence” is defined as God working without miracles, then we see Him working constantly behind the scenes. This is summed up by Joseph several times: 45:5, 7-9; 50:20, with 50:20 serving as the theme of Joseph’s life and his faith. Joseph believed God had given him his sons (48:9). God had allowed Jacob to see Joseph’s sons (48:11). Jacob believed God had been his shepherd (48:15). Jacob believed God would take his family back to Canaan (see also 50:24-25). Finally, in 49:18, Jacob expects salvation to come from the Lord.
God can bless us, just as He did Joseph, without working any miracles. We do not know why bad things might happen to us – think of Joseph spending time in jail – but God can work things out for our good, to help us serve Him. We need to stay faithful and trust Him.
Paul Holland
