Hiding His Identity: When his brothers sought "foreign aid" from the Egyptians, their own brother, Joseph, was the "servant" to save them. First, he
did so without revealing his true identity. When he finally revealed himself it was in humble family circumstance and he apparently prophesied that in Latter-days another Joseph would save his
family again. From the Book of Mormon we find a reiteration of that prophecy:
Joseph Prophecy: ". . . Joseph truly saw our day . . . out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah,
but a branch which was to be broken off . . . made manifest unto them in the latter days . . . bringing of them out of darkness unto light . . . he shall be esteemed highly . . . even to the
bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers . . . And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be
like unto me . . . shall bring my people unto salvation . . . who shall do much good, both in word and in deed . . . with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing which is
great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren." (Excerpts from 2
Nephi 3)
Fulfillment: Latter-day Saints feel this prophecy has been fulfilled in the nineteenth century through the mission of Joseph Smith Jr. Part of the testimony of Joseph Smith
included the heavenly visitor who laid his hands on him and his companion, Oliver Cowdery. ". . . While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven
descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying: Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the
keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of
Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness."
(Joseph Smith History 1:68-69)
Overcoming Pride: Ancient Joseph overcame his "pride" and served his brothers forgivingly (at first without identifying himself). He thereby established a pattern for a
latter-day Joseph, who for the time being is keeping his identity from Judah and should release all forms of pride as he serves his family forgivingly.
Serving: The concept of being a servant is also paramount in Judaism: "Being the Chosen People means receiving God's love and protection, but it also means accepting
responsibilities. The prophet Isaiah says that Israel, God's servant, has been chosen for the task of spreading salvation. Israel must convince the other nations of the world that there is only
one God, and must spread the true religion, and through it, happiness."
(Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
First Temple Site in Ephraim’s Hand: Another pattern that is interesting is that the first Israelite temple in the land of Israel was in the hands of the tribe of Ephraim.
"Situated in the mountains of central Erez (land of) Israel, Shiloh was in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim and housed the "temporary sanctuary" or Tabernacle containing the Ark of the
Law."
(Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
Latest Temple Sites in Ephraim’s Hands: The latest temples outside the land of Israel are now in the hands of Ephraim, the Latter-day Saints. The destiny is that Joseph and
Judah will eventually come together to build the temple in Jerusalem.