Joseph has always been one of the most fascinating characters in the Old Testament to me. This story has so many aspects that make up a great story: character development, redemption, irony, etc. On top of it all God is sovereignly working through all of it in the midst of even suffering and dysfunction to bring about his purposes.
Joseph's story is the final story in a long line of stories in the book of Genesis. Genesis, along with the other first five books of the Old Testament, were most likely written by Moses and document the beginnings of creation along with God's covenant relationship with his people, Israel. Genesis provides the theological and historical backdrop for God's redemption plan through the people of Israel. The videos below will help you get the big picture of the book of Genesis.
Narrative is the literary style of the book of Genesis. We must remember that Genesis is an ancient, eastern narrative and when we read it we must allow for the type of literature that it is. We cannot impose modern, western criteria on the narrative of Genesis. The videos below will help you better understand how to read the narrative style of Genesis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EQDGax19xk&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FuT8WtoAK0&feature=youtu.be