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New Studies in Biblical Theology #59
From Prisoner to Prince: The Joseph Story in Biblical Theology
The story of Joseph is prominent in the book of Genesis and yet is rarely mentioned in the rest of Scripture. How then do we understand Joseph's significance in redemptive history? When Christians have addressed this question, the conversation has frequently turned toward Is Joseph a type of the Messiah?
Messianic interpretations of the Joseph narrative have often lacked methodological rigor or have simply failed to make a convincing case. Most often interpreters have simply noted historical correspondences between Joseph and Jesus, without considering the narrative's function in the context of Genesis, its redemptive-historical significance, or its appropriation by later biblical authors.
In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Samuel Emadi offers a more comprehensive canonical treatment of the Joseph narrative. He considers Genesis 37–50 in its own literary and theological context, intra-canonical development of the Joseph story via inner-biblical allusion, and New Testament references and allusions. Emadi defends the notion that Joseph functions as the resolution to the plot of Genesis and that this story typologically influences how later biblical authors narrate redemptive history, culminating in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as an antitypical, new and final Joseph.
Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
Messianic interpretations of the Joseph narrative have often lacked methodological rigor or have simply failed to make a convincing case. Most often interpreters have simply noted historical correspondences between Joseph and Jesus, without considering the narrative's function in the context of Genesis, its redemptive-historical significance, or its appropriation by later biblical authors.
In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Samuel Emadi offers a more comprehensive canonical treatment of the Joseph narrative. He considers Genesis 37–50 in its own literary and theological context, intra-canonical development of the Joseph story via inner-biblical allusion, and New Testament references and allusions. Emadi defends the notion that Joseph functions as the resolution to the plot of Genesis and that this story typologically influences how later biblical authors narrate redemptive history, culminating in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as an antitypical, new and final Joseph.
Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
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December 16, 2022
Summary: A study of Joseph as a type of the Messiah, considering the place of Joseph in the Genesis narrative, the theological themes arising from the Joseph narratives and how later OT and NT writers appropriate this material.
I always loved the story of Joseph with his many colored robe and his rise from slave and prisoner to Pharoah’s famine administrators. Later on, I began to realize he was a rather spoiled, insufferable brother, who if destined to leadership, needed some slavery and prison to humble him. Other than saving his family and providing them refuge during the famine, I didn’t think about Joseph’s place in the bigger biblical picture or why Genesis devotes so much space (chapters 37-50, more than to anyone else in Genesis). That would suggest that Joseph was considered a significant figure. Yet there are but a handful of Old Testament and New Testament references to him.
Samuel Emadi argues that Joseph can be understood as a type of Christ. But Emadi is disciplined in his typology. He addresses the criticisms of this approach. He argues that a properly controlled type “is a historical person, event, or institution anticipating an escalated reality. If these features can be established from the original context or from later biblical reflection, then a type is present.
He begins by considering Joseph within the context of Genesis. He begins with the toledot structure of Genesis, and the purpose of that structure to carry for the covenantal promises of God, and how Joseph carries this a step further. It functions to close off the narrative that began with the fall and the alienation that led one brother to kill another. That nearly happens with Joseph and his brothers, but instead there is a reconciliation that “saves” the line of Jacob. Joseph is the rejected, kingly deliverer. His ministry functions to multiply Abraham’s seed. Through both his work and the blessings by Jacob of Pharoah, the blessings of the nations foreseen by Abraham occur in an anticipatory way. Joseph in life and in the directions about the deposition of his bones in Canaan, prepares the way for the fulfillment of the land promises to Abraham and Israel.
He then considers the remainder of the Old Testament. The Exodus passages reiterate Joseph’s expectations of God’s fulfillment of his promises. Psalm 105 is the other significant reference to Joseph, showing how he was one of those who “delivered” Israel and were part of the fulfillment of the promise, indirectly a type of the Messiah, part of a line of “messiahs” who would save his people. The other passage Emadi deals with is the book of Daniel and never before did I see the parallels between Joseph and Daniel. A table is provided showing nineteen parallels, most with close linguistic similarities that would suggest strong literary influence on the writer of Daniel. Daniel is portrayed as the new Joseph, showing how to live faithfully in exile and preparing for a new exodus to the Promised Land.
Emadi considers three New Testament passages, two which reference Joseph and one that he believes makes a strong allusion to Joseph. First he analyzes Acts 7, Stephen’s speech. Joseph anticipates Jesus, both as the rejected prophet of Israel, and the one whose “death” delivers Israel. Hebrews 11 refers to the faith of Joseph in giving direction concerning his bones. His faith is a typological anticipation of the promise fulfilled in Christ’s redemptive work. The final passage is that of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21 who kill the beloved son who becomes the chief cornerstone of God’s work. Just as Joseph was throne in a pit, a symbol of death, so Jesus is murdered, and yet both serve God’s redemptive purposes, Joseph in anticipation of Jesus.
Emadi thus argues that Joseph functions both to close the circle of Genesis, and by his life and death, anticipate a more complete fulfillment of God’s purposes, and he believes this warrants considering Joseph as a type of the Messiah. He grounds this claim in both textual evidence and the covenantal arc of scripture. He makes sense of why so much of Genesis is devoted to Joseph. Joseph carries forward what was begun in the aftermath of the fall, serves as a deliverer of Israel, and one whose suffering and deliverance anticipates the greater work of Jesus. Emadi offers us good biblical theology, recognizing the themes of kingship, deliverance, seed, blessing, and land in Joseph’s life. He shows how through his faith and faithfulness, Joseph accomplished more than he knew and was part of a bigger story yet to unfold but that he embraced by faith.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
I always loved the story of Joseph with his many colored robe and his rise from slave and prisoner to Pharoah’s famine administrators. Later on, I began to realize he was a rather spoiled, insufferable brother, who if destined to leadership, needed some slavery and prison to humble him. Other than saving his family and providing them refuge during the famine, I didn’t think about Joseph’s place in the bigger biblical picture or why Genesis devotes so much space (chapters 37-50, more than to anyone else in Genesis). That would suggest that Joseph was considered a significant figure. Yet there are but a handful of Old Testament and New Testament references to him.
Samuel Emadi argues that Joseph can be understood as a type of Christ. But Emadi is disciplined in his typology. He addresses the criticisms of this approach. He argues that a properly controlled type “is a historical person, event, or institution anticipating an escalated reality. If these features can be established from the original context or from later biblical reflection, then a type is present.
He begins by considering Joseph within the context of Genesis. He begins with the toledot structure of Genesis, and the purpose of that structure to carry for the covenantal promises of God, and how Joseph carries this a step further. It functions to close off the narrative that began with the fall and the alienation that led one brother to kill another. That nearly happens with Joseph and his brothers, but instead there is a reconciliation that “saves” the line of Jacob. Joseph is the rejected, kingly deliverer. His ministry functions to multiply Abraham’s seed. Through both his work and the blessings by Jacob of Pharoah, the blessings of the nations foreseen by Abraham occur in an anticipatory way. Joseph in life and in the directions about the deposition of his bones in Canaan, prepares the way for the fulfillment of the land promises to Abraham and Israel.
He then considers the remainder of the Old Testament. The Exodus passages reiterate Joseph’s expectations of God’s fulfillment of his promises. Psalm 105 is the other significant reference to Joseph, showing how he was one of those who “delivered” Israel and were part of the fulfillment of the promise, indirectly a type of the Messiah, part of a line of “messiahs” who would save his people. The other passage Emadi deals with is the book of Daniel and never before did I see the parallels between Joseph and Daniel. A table is provided showing nineteen parallels, most with close linguistic similarities that would suggest strong literary influence on the writer of Daniel. Daniel is portrayed as the new Joseph, showing how to live faithfully in exile and preparing for a new exodus to the Promised Land.
Emadi considers three New Testament passages, two which reference Joseph and one that he believes makes a strong allusion to Joseph. First he analyzes Acts 7, Stephen’s speech. Joseph anticipates Jesus, both as the rejected prophet of Israel, and the one whose “death” delivers Israel. Hebrews 11 refers to the faith of Joseph in giving direction concerning his bones. His faith is a typological anticipation of the promise fulfilled in Christ’s redemptive work. The final passage is that of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21 who kill the beloved son who becomes the chief cornerstone of God’s work. Just as Joseph was throne in a pit, a symbol of death, so Jesus is murdered, and yet both serve God’s redemptive purposes, Joseph in anticipation of Jesus.
Emadi thus argues that Joseph functions both to close the circle of Genesis, and by his life and death, anticipate a more complete fulfillment of God’s purposes, and he believes this warrants considering Joseph as a type of the Messiah. He grounds this claim in both textual evidence and the covenantal arc of scripture. He makes sense of why so much of Genesis is devoted to Joseph. Joseph carries forward what was begun in the aftermath of the fall, serves as a deliverer of Israel, and one whose suffering and deliverance anticipates the greater work of Jesus. Emadi offers us good biblical theology, recognizing the themes of kingship, deliverance, seed, blessing, and land in Joseph’s life. He shows how through his faith and faithfulness, Joseph accomplished more than he knew and was part of a bigger story yet to unfold but that he embraced by faith.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
September 19, 2022
An absolute gem from Emadi.
This book suggests that the story of Joseph is typological of Jesus and Israel's rejection of its leaders which culminates in their rejection of Him. Having read it, I think Emadi has established a pretty convincing case that this is actually true. And he does so from studying the Biblical text and engaging with many authors (even if at a fairly superficial level). I thoroughly enjoyed the methodology here.
Also, his critic of the method of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) was spot on. If Scriptures are not the controlling matrix in establishing links and typologies between the OT and the NT, then we will eventually descend into the territory of allegory. In short, we will stop taking the Scriptures seriously.
My two nitpicks are small but worth mentioning:
1 - Emadi spends many lines at the start of each chapter telling us what he's going to do in that chapter. I found that a bit tedious and essay-y.
2 - He also puts a fair amount of Hebrew and Greek in the book. If one does not understand the languages, there's not much to be gained from having those bits in the book unless a proper explanation is given.
Still, easily 5 stars and a great addition to an already great series!
This book suggests that the story of Joseph is typological of Jesus and Israel's rejection of its leaders which culminates in their rejection of Him. Having read it, I think Emadi has established a pretty convincing case that this is actually true. And he does so from studying the Biblical text and engaging with many authors (even if at a fairly superficial level). I thoroughly enjoyed the methodology here.
Also, his critic of the method of Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) was spot on. If Scriptures are not the controlling matrix in establishing links and typologies between the OT and the NT, then we will eventually descend into the territory of allegory. In short, we will stop taking the Scriptures seriously.
My two nitpicks are small but worth mentioning:
1 - Emadi spends many lines at the start of each chapter telling us what he's going to do in that chapter. I found that a bit tedious and essay-y.
2 - He also puts a fair amount of Hebrew and Greek in the book. If one does not understand the languages, there's not much to be gained from having those bits in the book unless a proper explanation is given.
Still, easily 5 stars and a great addition to an already great series!
August 20, 2024
Excellent--this is a masterclass in biblical theology. Joseph is both a fascinating and in some ways enigmatic character in that he receives such significant attention in Genesis, but then so little (seemingly) attention in rest of the biblical narrative. Emadi challenges such a superficial reading. A must-read for any pastor preaching through Genesis. Immensely helpful.
October 13, 2023
If you’re wanting to teach and preach the story of Joseph in light of Christ, and to discern how the Bible itself points us to Joseph as a type of Christ, then this is the book for you. An exemplary study, full of insight.
August 13, 2022
Really excellent. Sam Emadi is asking just the right questions about the Joseph story and provides clear, compelling and convincing answers to them throughout the book. I think he has also definitively proved that a messianic, eschatological reading of the Pentateuch doesn’t just rest on a few single proof texts, but rather on the sweep of whole books, rooted in authorial intent and robust biblical theology. Perhaps the only niggle would be that Emadi’s thematic approach prevents him from engaging with the literary flow of Genesis 37-50 as a whole, leaving us slightly short-changed about how to preach the section. Regardless, this is one of the strongest entries in the NSBT series.
February 18, 2023
The NSBT never disappoints and it usually delivers that which is not really available some other convenient place. Such is this book on Joseph. The author states upfront that this book isn’t a commentary on Genesis 37-50, though I would submit it would enlighten where those commentaries might let you down.
He is trying to lay out the biblical theology of this portion of Scripture as well as tracing out how Joseph was used throughout the rest of the Bible. To be sure, the heart of the discussion is the question of its typology—is that a real thing or not. For people like me the answer is an obvious yes, but it’s still helpful to hear that championed.
The farther into this book you delve into this book its greatest strength quickly emerges—bringing the structure of Genesis to life. The design of Genesis and how the beloved story of Joseph fits into it is nothing short of exciting. Perhaps this is as it should be because biblical theology when successfully executed will deliver exactly the kind of eye opening insights Emadi delivers. There’s hardly any theological works I enjoy more than those that succeed where this one did.
Amazingly, he brings to life all of Genesis with this work on Joseph. He also shows how typology should be responsibly done and the tasty fruit it yields. This is a good one!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
He is trying to lay out the biblical theology of this portion of Scripture as well as tracing out how Joseph was used throughout the rest of the Bible. To be sure, the heart of the discussion is the question of its typology—is that a real thing or not. For people like me the answer is an obvious yes, but it’s still helpful to hear that championed.
The farther into this book you delve into this book its greatest strength quickly emerges—bringing the structure of Genesis to life. The design of Genesis and how the beloved story of Joseph fits into it is nothing short of exciting. Perhaps this is as it should be because biblical theology when successfully executed will deliver exactly the kind of eye opening insights Emadi delivers. There’s hardly any theological works I enjoy more than those that succeed where this one did.
Amazingly, he brings to life all of Genesis with this work on Joseph. He also shows how typology should be responsibly done and the tasty fruit it yields. This is a good one!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 8, 2023
Great read! I think he thoroughly establishes Joseph typology in Scripture, and really loved the connections in the Parable of the Tenants. What a rich book the Bible is!
I mostly didn't give it 5 stars because I wanted more. Perhaps my own greed is the fault. But his comments on TIS and figural reading at the beginning seemed a bit of a drive by, though I agree with his concerns about methodological restraint from those camps.
Additionally, he stuffs a lot of potential allusions to Joseph in the NT into a long footnote at the end, which feels hasty. There were a few typos as well in the last chapter, which gave an impression of an almost unfinished work.
But the work that was done was largely fantastic. Joseph is a great picture of the rejected brother who faithfully suffers and, through his suffering and through his forgiving heart, saves his family. In a much greater way, Jesus does the very same thing for his brothers and sisters!
I mostly didn't give it 5 stars because I wanted more. Perhaps my own greed is the fault. But his comments on TIS and figural reading at the beginning seemed a bit of a drive by, though I agree with his concerns about methodological restraint from those camps.
Additionally, he stuffs a lot of potential allusions to Joseph in the NT into a long footnote at the end, which feels hasty. There were a few typos as well in the last chapter, which gave an impression of an almost unfinished work.
But the work that was done was largely fantastic. Joseph is a great picture of the rejected brother who faithfully suffers and, through his suffering and through his forgiving heart, saves his family. In a much greater way, Jesus does the very same thing for his brothers and sisters!
November 26, 2022
Good stuff! It’s great to see typology done in a sensible way, sensitive to the author’s intentions. Emadi helpfully shows how the Joseph cycle forms a fitting conclusion to Genesis as well as setting expectations for the promised seed from Judah. I would have loved a bit more on the interplay between Judah and Joseph! This is a short book, but punches above its weight for good insights. Despite this, it could have been even shorter: Emadi spends a lot of time setting up each chapter (especially the NT bits at the end which had a lot more context than required).
June 12, 2024
I read this to prepare for preaching Genesis 37-50. And this book will be the greatest help to me as i better grasp how each chapter relates to each other and to the rest of Genesis…and more importantly to Jesus.
Sam Emadi is a great theologian and pastor. Great scholarly work here.
Sam Emadi is a great theologian and pastor. Great scholarly work here.
January 28, 2023
Master class in biblical theology. Must read.
April 18, 2023
Definitely one of the top NSBT books I have read. Very insightful and rewarding.
October 26, 2024
So many good insights on the Joseph narrative (esp on C37-39), showing how it's the resolution of the Genesis story. Good chapter on the promise of Kingship in Genesis and particularly how it's fulfilled in Joseph, and how it is inseparably linked to the triple promise of land, seed, and blessing.
April 22, 2025
I've always enjoyed the story of Joseph, and this book shows how it fits into the rest of Genesis and the rest of scripture. I have enjoyed several books in this series.
January 21, 2023
The book began by making grand claims about the importance of the Joseph story in the narrative not only of Genesis but of the Bible's redemptive historical framework, claiming also multiple allusions to the Joseph story throughout the Bible. He proceeded to show that his claims were well-founded by showing that the story of Joseph both fulfills and sheds light on God's promise to Abraham of blessing and showing how God preserved His people as promised, and blessed those who blessed His people. He points out several of the parallels between the story of Joseph and other parts of Genesis, e.g. the initial contrast between Joseph and Judah, the parallels between Joseph and Abel, and the parallels between Joseph and Noah. He notes that though Genesis emphasizes the line through which the promise to Eve would be fulfilled, the story of Joseph powerfully foreshadows the nature and character of the Redeemer though Joseph himself is not in the kingly line. He also shows how Joseph becomes an archetype of the captive in a foreign land who God uses to bless his people - a type upon which Daniel models his autobiography, and to which the book of Esther most likely alludes. Many themes from this "redemption" in a foreign land are echoed as Israel is exiled to Babylon and allowed to return. Joseph also becomes a "type" of Israel, his bones being brought back from Egypt as Israel was brought back from Babylon, and a microcosm of what God wanted His people to look like amidst an idolatrous world. As such themes from the story are echoed not only in exile, but in descriptions of God's desires for his people. Emadi (wisely) does not go so far as to claim that such prophecies and descriptions of Israel allude to the Joseph story, but rather convincingly describes the Joseph story as forming part of a larger pattern which characterizes the history of God's redeeming His people. He also describes how the parable of the wicked vinedressers likely allude to Joseph, and how Stephen retells the story of Joseph to paint a picture of Israel's rejection of those God sends to save her. My main criticism is his approach to proving his points - he often uses the "shotgun approach", bombarding the reader with arguments both strong and week, both specious and valid, which I find annoying. Why mention all the weak (and unconvincing) verbal parallels between the Joseph story and the blessings of Abraham, or between the Joseph story and the parable of the wicked vinedressers, when convincing arguments are about to be presented? On the other hand most of his points are excellent and eloquently formulated, and the way he describes the history of Israel and Jesus through parallels with Joseph while managing not to allegorize beyond what the text requires, is simply awesome. Ok, 5 stars.
June 10, 2025
Joseph’s story takes up a sizable chunk of Genesis (chapters 37-50), yet he is rarely mentioned in the rest of the Bible. This book does an excellent job of connecting Joseph to the Abrahamic covenant, the Exodus, Daniel, and ultimately, Christ.
Some highlights for me
• Joseph’s story (Genesis 37–50) serves as the culmination of Genesis, resolving its central plotlines, particularly the themes of sibling rivalry and the preservation of Abraham’s seed.
• The narrative closes the cycle of conflict begun with Cain and Abel by showcasing reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, ensuring the survival of Jacob’s family.
• Emadi argues that Joseph functions as a type of the Messiah, with his life prefiguring Jesus as a rejected yet exalted deliverer who saves his people.
• New Testament passages, such as Acts 7:9-16 (Stephen’s speech), Hebrews 11:22, and the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21), allude to Joseph as a type of Christ, emphasizing patterns of rejection, suffering, and redemptive triumph.
• Joseph’s story advances God’s covenantal promises to Abraham regarding kingship, seed, land, and blessing.
• Kingship: Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and his brothers bowing to him reflect his royal status, foreshadowing a future Judahite king and fulfilling His dreams that played a major role in His brother’s betrayal.
• Seed: Joseph’s actions preserve and multiply Abraham’s descendants, reversing the threat of sibling rivalry.
• Land and Blessing: His administration in Egypt mediates God’s blessing to the nations, and his instructions about his bones point to the future hope of Canaan.
• Later Old Testament texts, such as Psalm 105 and the book of Daniel, draw on Joseph’s story. Psalm 105 highlights God’s providence through Joseph’s suffering and deliverance, while Daniel’s narrative mirrors Joseph’s with numerous linguistic and thematic parallels (e.g., exile, dream interpretation, and service in a foreign court).
• Other figures like Esther, Mordecai, and Jehoiachin may also allude to Joseph, reinforcing themes of faithfulness in exile and hope for restoration.
• The Joseph narrative fits within Genesis’ tôlĕdôt structure, continuing the book’s covenantal themes and preparing for the exodus.
• Genesis 38 is integral to the Joseph story, highlighting Judah’s transformation and setting the stage for the messianic line, which complements Joseph’s typological role.
• Emadi employs strict criteria for typology (historicity, author-intended, escalation, textual, and covenantal), ensuring that Joseph’s typological connection to Christ is grounded in Scripture rather than mere allegory.
• Joseph’s story underscores God’s sovereignty, showing how He works through suffering and injustice to fulfill His promises.
• His faithfulness in exile, resistance to temptation, and forgiveness toward his brothers model integrity, trust in God, and Christ Himself.
• The narrative influences how later biblical authors depict redemptive history, with Joseph’s life serving as a model for Israel’s story and the ultimate deliverance through Christ.
• The book emphasizes that Joseph’s story is not just for Israel but for all who are part of God’s covenantal promises, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment.
Some highlights for me
• Joseph’s story (Genesis 37–50) serves as the culmination of Genesis, resolving its central plotlines, particularly the themes of sibling rivalry and the preservation of Abraham’s seed.
• The narrative closes the cycle of conflict begun with Cain and Abel by showcasing reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers, ensuring the survival of Jacob’s family.
• Emadi argues that Joseph functions as a type of the Messiah, with his life prefiguring Jesus as a rejected yet exalted deliverer who saves his people.
• New Testament passages, such as Acts 7:9-16 (Stephen’s speech), Hebrews 11:22, and the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21), allude to Joseph as a type of Christ, emphasizing patterns of rejection, suffering, and redemptive triumph.
• Joseph’s story advances God’s covenantal promises to Abraham regarding kingship, seed, land, and blessing.
• Kingship: Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and his brothers bowing to him reflect his royal status, foreshadowing a future Judahite king and fulfilling His dreams that played a major role in His brother’s betrayal.
• Seed: Joseph’s actions preserve and multiply Abraham’s descendants, reversing the threat of sibling rivalry.
• Land and Blessing: His administration in Egypt mediates God’s blessing to the nations, and his instructions about his bones point to the future hope of Canaan.
• Later Old Testament texts, such as Psalm 105 and the book of Daniel, draw on Joseph’s story. Psalm 105 highlights God’s providence through Joseph’s suffering and deliverance, while Daniel’s narrative mirrors Joseph’s with numerous linguistic and thematic parallels (e.g., exile, dream interpretation, and service in a foreign court).
• Other figures like Esther, Mordecai, and Jehoiachin may also allude to Joseph, reinforcing themes of faithfulness in exile and hope for restoration.
• The Joseph narrative fits within Genesis’ tôlĕdôt structure, continuing the book’s covenantal themes and preparing for the exodus.
• Genesis 38 is integral to the Joseph story, highlighting Judah’s transformation and setting the stage for the messianic line, which complements Joseph’s typological role.
• Emadi employs strict criteria for typology (historicity, author-intended, escalation, textual, and covenantal), ensuring that Joseph’s typological connection to Christ is grounded in Scripture rather than mere allegory.
• Joseph’s story underscores God’s sovereignty, showing how He works through suffering and injustice to fulfill His promises.
• His faithfulness in exile, resistance to temptation, and forgiveness toward his brothers model integrity, trust in God, and Christ Himself.
• The narrative influences how later biblical authors depict redemptive history, with Joseph’s life serving as a model for Israel’s story and the ultimate deliverance through Christ.
• The book emphasizes that Joseph’s story is not just for Israel but for all who are part of God’s covenantal promises, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
Aside from re-reads, this is my second 5-Star book of the year the NSBT (New Studies in Biblical Theology) series is always exemplary. They’re very technical, but most of the academic “conversation” takes place in the footnotes, so it doesn’t have to constantly interrupt the flow of thought.
Like all of their volumes, it’s VERY narrowly focused on a single, specific thesis. In this case, proving that the Joseph story is a typological one, and therefore contributes MORE to the biblical metanarrative than just moving Israel from Canaan to Egypt. It elevates the pattern of a messianic covenant mediator, who undergoes rejection and suffering, only to be exalted by God and distribute blessing to his brethren. Joseph’s story is THE biblical story.
Great book, which contributed to my recent study and teaching on Genesis. Definitely recommend for those who are deeply fascinated by the Bible’s first book.
Like all of their volumes, it’s VERY narrowly focused on a single, specific thesis. In this case, proving that the Joseph story is a typological one, and therefore contributes MORE to the biblical metanarrative than just moving Israel from Canaan to Egypt. It elevates the pattern of a messianic covenant mediator, who undergoes rejection and suffering, only to be exalted by God and distribute blessing to his brethren. Joseph’s story is THE biblical story.
Great book, which contributed to my recent study and teaching on Genesis. Definitely recommend for those who are deeply fascinated by the Bible’s first book.
October 15, 2022
My favorite quote from this book relates to Biblical myopia. The author quotes Doug Moo, scholars "learn more and more about less and less - until they know everything about nothing." A solemn warning to anyone who specializes in spiritual fads others claim are in the Bible.
Samuel Emadi has made a fascinating study of Joseph of Genesis fame. He asks why so much space was awarded him in the Book of Genesis, but so little elsewhere in the First Testament and the New Testament? He argues that Joseph completes the story arc of Genesis which starts with a brother killing a brother and ends with a brother forgiving his brothers. The first one (Abel) did not have it coming. The last one's (Joseph's 11 brothers) deserved worse than they received from Joseph. An interesting, academic study. I didn't think I had ordered it from Intervasity, but glad I got it and read it.
Samuel Emadi has made a fascinating study of Joseph of Genesis fame. He asks why so much space was awarded him in the Book of Genesis, but so little elsewhere in the First Testament and the New Testament? He argues that Joseph completes the story arc of Genesis which starts with a brother killing a brother and ends with a brother forgiving his brothers. The first one (Abel) did not have it coming. The last one's (Joseph's 11 brothers) deserved worse than they received from Joseph. An interesting, academic study. I didn't think I had ordered it from Intervasity, but glad I got it and read it.
May 7, 2023
Great little biblical theology of Joseph and his typology as pointing towards Jesus - the rejected, chosen by God, glorified King.
Emadi points out these themes from Genesis 37-50, Daniel, Psalm 118, and finally in the NT.
At times it was very heavy and slow due to his high level thinking. But the argument was brought together wonderfully. Even if you don't agree that Joseph is a type, he makes a sound argument, wrestles with scholars across the spectrum and uses the whole bible.
Emadi points out these themes from Genesis 37-50, Daniel, Psalm 118, and finally in the NT.
At times it was very heavy and slow due to his high level thinking. But the argument was brought together wonderfully. Even if you don't agree that Joseph is a type, he makes a sound argument, wrestles with scholars across the spectrum and uses the whole bible.
October 22, 2025
Great exploration of how Joseph fits into the big narrative of the Bible and Emadi argues that it is Joseph that brings resolution to the Abrahamic covenant and sets Israel up for their next season by bringing reconciliation to his brothers. My one small gripe was that whilst I understand Emadi is a scholar and has a scholarly audience, books like this are so important for lay readers too, but sometimes there was an expectation I knew Hebrew. A quick translation would have not gone amiss.
May 3, 2023
Sam reminds us that “God can pull off the impossible—even through a seemingly insignificant Jew rejected by his own brothers.” This is the story of Joseph. This is the story of the whole Bible. This is the story of Jesus—“the story of the cross and the crown.” This story is for us all. I highly recommend this well-written book!
July 20, 2023
Is Joseph a type of Christ? Yes but Emadi shows how allowing the biblical story to unfold demonstrates this and actually shows the connection in stronger ways. Jesus is the greater Joseph because Jesus is the true Israel and Joseph typologically represents Israel. A good look at how biblical theology brings to light elements that Systematic theology often misses
July 3, 2024
Loved it. Why does Joseph occupy so much space in Genesis if he’s hardly ever mentioned in the rest of the bible (let alone the OT)? This book answers that.
Found his point about how God’s people have always been multiplied while in exile particularly striking (especially seeing how this recurs in Isaiah and then in the Great Commission).
Found his point about how God’s people have always been multiplied while in exile particularly striking (especially seeing how this recurs in Isaiah and then in the Great Commission).
December 13, 2024
(4.5 stars)
Well it only took me 2 years to actually get around to reading this. Emadi presented a solid typological understanding of the Joseph story and how it was built on by later authors.
I just wish he would have compared Joseph with Jeremiah (both are thrown into a cistern with no water and were rescued, both were prophets hated by their brothers, etc).
Thx for the book @Zach Urdy 🧡
Well it only took me 2 years to actually get around to reading this. Emadi presented a solid typological understanding of the Joseph story and how it was built on by later authors.
I just wish he would have compared Joseph with Jeremiah (both are thrown into a cistern with no water and were rescued, both were prophets hated by their brothers, etc).
Thx for the book @Zach Urdy 🧡
August 17, 2022
Truly fantastic. Resources around the biblical theological and typological significance of the Joseph story have been sparse; Emadi's book fills a massive gap. A necessary resource for anyone studying the book of Genesis.
September 2, 2023
A wonderful book that explores the meaning of the Jospeh story in Biblical theology. Emadi does a great job at showing how ridiculous it is to study the Bible with the presupposition it is wrong. He gives us a scholarly proof of how cool and perfect the Bible is.
March 21, 2024
Throughly researched and easy to read. Well done.
September 25, 2024
Top notch scholarship. Top notch biblical-theology.
The first two chapters are worth the price of the book.
The first two chapters are worth the price of the book.
April 6, 2024
As most of these grey books do, it started out a bit bland or overly scholarly (purely a preference thing here and it's not my favorite). But as we get into the meat of the author's main thesis, this book takes off. One particular area of interest was his topic of the reason for Genesis 38 being included in the narrative of 37-50. That passage has always been a bit confusing to me in regards to its importance and purpose, but this book very succinctly knocked it out of the park. There are other sections throughout that shine, but overall I've walked away with more appreciation for one of my favorite Bible stories. What used to be an appreciation for the story alone has developed into a wider appreciation for this story's influence on the bigger narrative of Scripture as a whole and how Joseph's story can be read typologically.
October 3, 2022
What does the Old Testament story of Joseph have to do with the New Testament story of Jesus? In From Prisoner to Prince, Samuel Emadi shows the Joseph story in biblical theology.
Seeds of Promise
As the latest edition in IVP Academic’s New Studies in Biblical Theology series, this book is a masterpiece. Emadi writes with eloquence and effectiveness.
The book begins by defining biblical theology and typology. I was excited to learn the essential features of a type, including historicity, prospective/author-intended, escalation, textual, and covenantal criteria. With all of this in mind, especially considering the historical element, typological claims of Christ cannot be purely allegorical. Christ is a real solution to a historical problem. Types are historical promises, with Jesus being the fulfillment.
I was most interested to learn of the toledot structure in the Joseph story. The toledot structure is a constructed framework by the author of Genesis, who seeks to show us the development of the seed of promise through the unfolding covenants. God works in individuals, families, and nations to bless the entire world.
Children of the Promise
Emadi continues to explain the Joseph story in light of its major themes. The themes of kingship and seed are explored, and I was intrigued to see how the theme of seed conflict and sibling rivalry plays out throughout Genesis. The book of Daniel’s literary dependence on Joseph is shown, and a list of verbal correspondences between Genesis 41 and Daniel 2 is staggering.
Joseph in the New Testament is studied in Acts 7:9-16 and Hebrews 11:22. Stephen argues that Joseph is a type of Christ, and the pattern and fulfillment of promises is convincing. While Hebrews 11 is not necessarily a type, the author does show Jesus as the supreme exemplar of faith. Interestingly, you can find allusions to Joseph in the parable of the tenants. As a probable allusion to the the Joseph narrative, Jesus was aware of the patterns at play in his own life.
This is a book written at a high level of scholarship, but it will speak to your heart in revealing the glories of Christ. I was glad to see the sovereignty of God in Scripture and Biblical history. The Joseph story is a story for Israel, and a story for all who are covered by the blood of the Son of God – the children of the promise.
I received a media copy of From Prisoner to Prince and this is my honest review.
Seeds of Promise
As the latest edition in IVP Academic’s New Studies in Biblical Theology series, this book is a masterpiece. Emadi writes with eloquence and effectiveness.
The book begins by defining biblical theology and typology. I was excited to learn the essential features of a type, including historicity, prospective/author-intended, escalation, textual, and covenantal criteria. With all of this in mind, especially considering the historical element, typological claims of Christ cannot be purely allegorical. Christ is a real solution to a historical problem. Types are historical promises, with Jesus being the fulfillment.
I was most interested to learn of the toledot structure in the Joseph story. The toledot structure is a constructed framework by the author of Genesis, who seeks to show us the development of the seed of promise through the unfolding covenants. God works in individuals, families, and nations to bless the entire world.
Children of the Promise
Emadi continues to explain the Joseph story in light of its major themes. The themes of kingship and seed are explored, and I was intrigued to see how the theme of seed conflict and sibling rivalry plays out throughout Genesis. The book of Daniel’s literary dependence on Joseph is shown, and a list of verbal correspondences between Genesis 41 and Daniel 2 is staggering.
Joseph in the New Testament is studied in Acts 7:9-16 and Hebrews 11:22. Stephen argues that Joseph is a type of Christ, and the pattern and fulfillment of promises is convincing. While Hebrews 11 is not necessarily a type, the author does show Jesus as the supreme exemplar of faith. Interestingly, you can find allusions to Joseph in the parable of the tenants. As a probable allusion to the the Joseph narrative, Jesus was aware of the patterns at play in his own life.
This is a book written at a high level of scholarship, but it will speak to your heart in revealing the glories of Christ. I was glad to see the sovereignty of God in Scripture and Biblical history. The Joseph story is a story for Israel, and a story for all who are covered by the blood of the Son of God – the children of the promise.
I received a media copy of From Prisoner to Prince and this is my honest review.
June 11, 2025
This book is quite technical. Emadi spends a significant amount of time interacting with the critical argument that Joseph is NOT a type of Christ. His interaction with those who are skeptical about Joseph's typological status is helpful, but technical in places. The chapters that deal with Joseph's appearances in the OT (especially Daniel) and the NT (especially Acts) are quite helpful.
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