The Identities of Joseph and Esther from the Old Testament Essay

The Identities of Joseph and Esther from the Old TestamentThe Bible is all-inclusive of common themes, yet there one prominent underlying medal that runs constant throughout is that in entrap to be prestigious, people ar placed in positions where they are able to assimilate to the common culture, nevertheless are still set apart from other ordinary people. preoccupation is defined as the process where a group adopts the customs of the familiar culture, whereas consecration refers to someone who is set apart as sacred. Due to the apparently impertinent definitions, it seems as though the both cannot coexist with one another. In fact, they level appear to be paradoxical, however, both ingredients are necessary in order for people to influence the lives of many more. Conformity in culture and predict consecration are in reality exclusively dependent on for each one other for a person to be influential and this is displayed by two prime examples of the Old Testament Jos eph and Esther.After Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt and is introduced to its culture, he loses his Jewish identity and becomes completely transformed from a scrimpy shepherd boy to an Egyptian official. When Joseph interprets Pharaohs dream, the Pharaoh is pleased with him and Joseph is minded(p) a new name Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. Thus Joseph gained authority over the land of Egypt (Genesis 41.45). The fact that he is given a new forename has much significance beca design it implies his lifes specific calling. The people are given new names in the Bible because in this way, God reveals his intended purpose for their lives. Prior to the grade of Joseph, this same alteration of nam... ...s, Esthers destiny is disclosed by the haggle of her relative. The unique identity that both Joseph and Esther have is that they live amongst society, yet are not of it due to their given destiny. There were living contradictions that God chooses to use in a significant way. This principle that they lived out is so important, that it is up to now echoed in the New Testament with the teachings of Jesus. Centuries following the life of Joseph and Esther, this principle continues to tickle as Jesus commands Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 122). You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world (John 15.19). Demonstrating these commands in their lives, it is unmistakable that Joseph and Esther would not have been the influential people that they became, if they had failed to possess either of the two qualities mentioned.