THE HEROES OF COMPASSION (EMPATHY) are known for their unwavering commitment to humanity. There is a fidelity and trustworthiness that goes with people of this type. However, of all the virtues, it is perhaps the virtue of Justice (or Righteousness) that surpasses all others in champions of compassion.

Joseph was the epitome of a Tzaddik[1]. No matter the circumstances, Joseph never let them get the best of him; he never took revenge on his wicked brothers, but instead “transformed all the sons of Jacob, particularly Judah, to make them his worthy covenant partners.”[2]

He gets caught by chance in webs of intrigue and finds himself in horrible situations, and somehow not only survives, but thrives. Given to dreams and interpretation of him, his blessing touch to the right people at the right time puts him in the enviable position of Prime Minister of Egypt.

Throughout the story, he maintains his integrity, although to do so he has to manipulate his family. With his brothers, he effectively “refines them to love one another”, an act in cooperation with Providence.[3]. The whole story is summed up: “You wanted to harm me, but God directed it to good to carry out what is now being done, the salvation of many lives.”[4]

Israel’s destiny forever depended on Joseph’s faithfulness. It is said of Joseph that “he was indebted to no one, and that made him a free man; that he owed his success only to his natural gifts; and that, by the use of his natural gifts, he transformed exile into a kingdom, the misery into splendor, and even humiliation into mercy”.[5]

His ethical brilliance is conspicuous when he rejects Potiphar’s wife, since “sexual promiscuity was a perennial feature of all slave societies.”[6] He is often punished twice, but he knows that his Lord is by his side.

Andrews sees Joseph as a kind of example of Christ’s compassion; a righteous brother and leader, and someone who transcended and sacrificed himself, beyond what anyone would or could have expected. Indeed, he is a hero of empathy and compassion, with a vision far beyond his own person.

References:

[1] David Andrews, Christi-Anarchy: Discovering a Radical Spirituality of Compassion (Tafina Press, New South Wales, Australia, 1999), p. 83.A Tzaddik he is a righteous man based on the Hebrew word “Tzedek”, or Justice. The Jewish hero is not the bravado warrior, but one who overcomes evil inclinations, towards pride, power and oppression, and practices justice and humility, and who is, like God, always on the side of the oppressed. A fair person; an example of justice.

[2] Bruce K Waltke, Genesis: a comment (with Cathi J. Fredricks, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2001), p. 491.

[3] Waltke, Ibid., p. 494.

[4] Genesis 50:20 Lev.

[5] Elie Wiesel, Messengers of God (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1977), p. 155. Quoted in Andrews, p. 84.

[6] N. Scabies, Genesis. (Jewish Publication Society, Torah Commentary: Philadelphia, 1989), p. 273. Quoted in Waltke, p. 520.