12: Joseph

This chapter has 111 Meccan verses, except for vv. 1, 2.3 and 7 which date from Madina. It comprises twelve sections, and was revealed after the previous one
which is entitled Hud [the Messenger] 11 and before Stoneland 15. It might
almost be considered a short story, for it forms one of the enduring tales in world
literature, and a great theme that has been known for millennia throughout the
Middle East. It has even inspired modern writers like Thomas Mann.
Joseph at the beginning is clearly a boy, a younger brother who will relax and
play while the rest of the family are out working (II). Thus he provokes sibling
jealousy He matures through trial and misfortune until he ends as an advanced
civil servant or statesman.
If this chapter carries any message, it is the need for trusting God entirely
through any period of trial. Moses' mystic journey (l8:IX-X) serves as another
example of this advice. Watch for the unkind cut when Joseph was falsely accused
of stealing (IX), and especially for the noble figure of the here nameless elder
brother who also appears at il and x; the family was not all bad. It is interesting
too that the ruler of Egypt is here called a king rather than Pharaoh (VI-VII).