Meaning of Psalms 105:17

This verse, Psalms 105:17, highlights a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, framing Joseph's difficult journey as a divinely orchestrated precursor to God's deliverance of his people. The psalmist looks back on the enslavement and subsequent rise of Joseph not as a mere personal tragedy or triumph, but as a deliberate act of God's providence. Before the full weight of the famine would descend and necessitate Jacob's family's migration to Egypt, God "sent a man before them," specifically Joseph, who was "sold as a slave." This act of sending, though seemingly a human action of betrayal by Joseph's brothers, is presented here as God's active involvement, setting the stage for the future survival and growth of the covenant line.

Context and Background

Psalms 105 is a hymn of praise that recounts God's faithfulness to his covenant promises, particularly focusing on the Exodus narrative. Verse 17 is part of a longer section (verses 16-22) detailing the trials and tribulations of the patriarchs, specifically Joseph, that ultimately led to their presence in Egypt. Joseph's story, as told in Genesis, involves his being favored by his father Jacob, his prophetic dreams, the intense jealousy of his brothers, his sale into slavery in Egypt, his unjust imprisonment, and his eventual rise to power as second-in-command to Pharaoh. This verse succinctly summarizes the initial, most vulnerable stage of Joseph's ordeal: his being sold into slavery.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Providence: The overarching theme is God's sovereign control over historical events, even those that appear disastrous or driven by human sin. God uses human actions, including betrayal and suffering, to accomplish His purposes.
• Preparation and Foreknowledge: God's actions are not reactive but proactive. He "sent" Joseph, indicating a plan that predated the immediate circumstances. This foresight ensured that the covenant family would be positioned in Egypt to survive the impending famine.
• Suffering as a Means to Salvation: Joseph's suffering, his enslavement and imprisonment, was not meaningless. It was a necessary step that led to his elevated position, from which he could save his family.
• Faithfulness in Adversity: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, Joseph's own story demonstrates remarkable faithfulness to God despite his circumstances, which is implicitly honored by this psalm.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers profound encouragement to believers facing hardship. It reminds us that our struggles, however painful, may be part of a larger divine plan. God can use even the most unjust situations to prepare us for future roles or to protect us and those we love. It calls for trust in God's overarching purpose, even when the immediate path is unclear or fraught with difficulty. It teaches that suffering can be a crucible for character development and a pathway to greater usefulness in God's kingdom.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Joseph's story is a crucial link in the Abrahamic covenant. His being in Egypt, and the subsequent migration of his family there, directly sets the stage for the enslavement of the Israelites and the subsequent Exodus, the foundational event of God's redemptive work for His chosen people in the Old Testament. This verse positions Joseph's personal suffering as the initial thread in this grand tapestry of salvation history. His story foreshadows Christ's own suffering and exaltation, and the way God works through seemingly negative circumstances to bring about ultimate redemption.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a skilled weaver who, while working on a complex tapestry, uses dark threads and knots that appear out of place in isolation. However, when viewed as part of the whole design, these elements are essential for creating the richness, depth, and beauty of the final image. Similarly, Joseph's sale into slavery was a dark thread, but it was integral to the grand design of God's salvation for Israel. Another analogy could be a surgeon who must make an incision (painful) to remove a tumor (dangerous) and ultimately bring about healing. Joseph's suffering was the necessary "incision" that led to the "healing" and preservation of his family.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 37-50: This is the primary narrative context from which Psalms 105:17 draws. The entire story of Joseph illustrates the themes of betrayal, suffering, God's faithfulness, and eventual vindication.
• Genesis 45:5, 7-8: After Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he explicitly states God's hand in his suffering: "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life... So it was not you who sent me here, but God. And he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler of all the land of Egypt. ... And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors." This directly echoes the sentiment of Psalms 105:17.
• Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This New Testament verse encapsulates the theological principle illustrated by Joseph's life and highlighted in Psalms 105:17.
• Acts 7:9-10: Stephen, in his defense before the Sanhedrin, recounts Joseph's story and emphasizes God's presence with him in his suffering: "But the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household."