JOSEPH

14. Explain how Joseph’s blessing proved true. (Genesis 49:22, 26) (See also box.)

¹⁴ Read Genesis 49:22, 26. Jacob must have been very proud of Joseph​—he was “singled out from his brothers.” Jacob called him “the offshoot of a fruitful tree.” Jacob himself was the tree, and Joseph was an offshoot of his. Joseph was the firstborn son of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel. Jacob indicated that Joseph would receive the double portion that Reuben​—Jacob’s firstborn from his wife Leah—​had forfeited. (Gen. 48:5, 6; 1 Chron. 5:1, 2) In the fulfillment of that prophecy, the descendants of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, received an allotment of land as two separate tribes.​—Gen. 49:25; Josh. 14:4.

15. How did Joseph react to injustice?

¹⁵ Jacob also mentioned archers who “shot at [Joseph] and kept harboring animosity against him.” (Gen. 49:23) These were his once envious brothers, who were responsible for many of the injustices that he had experienced. Yet, Joseph did not become bitter toward his brothers or toward Jehovah. As Jacob put it: “[Joseph’s] bow remained in place, and his hands stayed strong and agile.” (Gen. 49:24) Joseph relied on Jehovah during his trials, and he not only forgave his brothers but also treated them kindly. (Gen. 47:11, 12) Joseph allowed the trials he faced to refine him. (Ps. 105:17-19) As a result, Jehovah was able to use him in a mighty way.

16. How can we imitate Joseph’s example when reacting to trials?

¹⁶ What can we learn? May we never allow trials to distance us from Jehovah or from our fellow worshippers. Remember that Jehovah may permit tests of faith to be part of our training. (Heb. 12:7, ftn.) This training can help us to cultivate and refine Christian qualities, such as mercy and forgiveness. (Heb. 12:11) Jehovah will reward us for our endurance, as he did Joseph.