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Explanatory notes
Joseph
Generally considered last of the patriarchs, he was the 11th son of Jacob but his favourite for being the first son of Rachel. His childhood was spoiled, arousing the jealousy of his brothers. After being sold into slavery in Egypt, he was unjustly accused and imprisoned. Accurate interpretation of dreams led to his release and rapid promotion to a key role beside the Pharoah. Wise stewardship ensured the Pharoah's continued wealth and Egypt's survival of a severe famine. Reconciled to his family, Joseph ensured their safety by moving them to inside the Egyptian border.
Ephraim
Second son of Joseph, he was born before the years of famine. Jacob's final blessing to him and his brother Manasseh acknowledged that Ephraim would be the greater. Events through the books of the Exodus and Judges confirm a greater standing of this tribe. Throughout the United Kingdom there were expressions of discontent with the chosen rulers, and when the ten northern tribes broke away, an Ephraimite was chosen as king.
Beriah
Son of Ephraim. The lineage from Ephraim to Nun recorded in 1 Chronicles 6 is the most comprehensive of the various ones spanning the time from the Genesis patriarchs to the time of the Exodus. As such, it is extremely valuable for estimating the length of time involved.
Rephah
Son of Beriah.
Resheph
Son of Rephah.
Telah
Son of Resheph.
Tahan
Son of Telah.
Laadan
Son of Tahan.
Ammihud
Son of Laadan.
Elishama
Son of Ammihud.
Nun
Son of Elishama.
Joshua
Son of Nun. Moses chose him as personal assistant at a young age, and he became the leader of the nation of Israel in their efforts to enter and conquer Canaan, an action denied to Moses. He was a capable military commander and wise ruler of the nation.
Caleb
A loyal and outstanding leader within the tribe of Judah, he assisted Joshua in the conquest of Canaan.
Amram
Husband of Jochebed, father of Miriam, Aaron, and Moses.
Aaron
Moses' older brother, he acted as spokesman for Moses to both Pharaoh and the Israelites. He became High Priest, and his sons Nadab and Abihu priests.
Moses
Born a Levite to Amram and Jochebed, but raised in the house of Pharaoh, Moses' life is divided into three blocks of forty years. In the first he lived as an Egyptian, and Josephus relates his rise to fame including military success. After killing a man in defence of a Hebrew slave he fled into the desert, joined the Midianites, and married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro. Eventually God called him back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom. Their journey through the desert took the remainder of Moses' life, as he died at the border of Canaan. Later parts of his life are covered in the
Exodus and Judges page.
Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, who gave Moses a home after his flight from Egypt and approved his marriage to Zipporah. He advised Moses about delegation of responsibility on meeting him at Mt. Horeb after the Exodus. Also referred to as Reuel in ***
