Joseph, Come Near – Common Hebrew Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG

Joseph, Come Near – Base Art – Common Hebrew Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG

A Brother Recognized

Joseph, Come Near is a 5 Faith Man being from the Hebrew Age with 3 Strength and 6 Hope, featuring Protect (must be Challenged first). He's a reliable board anchor that absorbs pressure and demands deliberate interaction from your opponent.

From the Pit to Power: The Servant Who Prospered

Joseph's story is one of resilience, favor, and divine appointment. Though cast into a pit by his brothers, he never lost the blessing of God. He was sold into Egypt as a slave, yet everything he touched prospered. “And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.” – Genesis 39:3. In the house of Potiphar, then in the prison of Pharaoh’s captains, and finally in the palace of the king himself, Joseph served with wisdom, excellence, and unwavering faith.

Each stage of Joseph’s life mirrors Jesus’ own path. Like Christ, Joseph was beloved of his father, betrayed by his own, sold for silver, and falsely accused. But the hand of God remained steady. When Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and foresaw seven years of famine, he was lifted from the dungeon to the throne. Just as Jesus was raised from the grave to the right hand of the Father, Joseph was exalted to the highest place in Egypt, saving not only a nation but also his own family from starvation.

This card's verse is Genesis 45:4:

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt."

His gift of administration and prophecy led to restoration. Joseph forgave those who had harmed him, provided for his father Jacob, and welcomed his brothers with tears and compassion. This foreshadows the heart of Christ, who reconciles those who once rejected Him, offering not only forgiveness but a future and a home. Through Joseph, we see a preview of Messiah's mission, to redeem the guilty and raise them into glory.

Joseph, Come Near – Full Art – Common Hebrew Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG

A Shadow of Salvation: The Gospel in Egypt

The connections between Joseph and Jesus are deep and woven through every chapter of his life. Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:46), just as Jesus began His ministry at thirty. Joseph prepared bread for the world during famine, just as Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). Joseph hid his identity until the time was right, then revealed himself, weeping and embracing his brothers. In the same way, Jesus will return and reveal Himself to the remnant of Israel, and they will weep as they see the One they pierced (Zechariah 12:10).

Even the seven years of famine and fullness speak of divine preparation and mercy. Joseph was the man appointed to bring salvation during crisis. His storehouses were full because he had seen the need before it arrived. Jesus, too, is our provision before the day of trouble. He was made ready before the foundation of the world, so that all who come to Him would never hunger.

And as the narrative closes, Joseph's final words to his brothers are full of grace: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive.” – Genesis 50:20. This is the heart of the Gospel. Jesus, like Joseph, was harmed by the hands of men, but God turned it into a doorway of deliverance. Joseph reflects the enduring truth that when God's hand is on a man, even prison becomes a path to the throne.

Strategic Use In Gameplay

Joseph, Come Near shines as a defensive stalwart, his high Hope and Protect ability force opponents to spend resources to engage him, buying you time either to build your board or turn the game in your favor. He's especially potent in decks that value board presence and tempo control, serving as a reliable shield and setup piece.

Synergies and Plays

• Protect Anchor: With Protect, he must be targeted first, making him an excellent barrier before your other beings can be challenged.

• Hope Investment: His 6 Hope makes him resilient to sustained aggression, ideal for stalling or baiting overcommitment.

• Set Up Plays: Use him as a springboard, deploying him early to secure the storyline while preparing for mid-game plays.

Joseph, Come Near – Common Hebrew Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Protect prevent damage or just interaction?

A: Protect requires that your opponent must challenge Joseph first before they can target other friendly beings, even if they deal damage from spells or events.

Q: Can Joseph still block attacks from multiple directions?

A: Yes. Once he’s on the storyline, Protect affects your opponent's targeting priority, having to take down the being with Protect first.

Q: Is Joseph better in defensive or midrange builds?

A: He excels in both. As a midrange staple, he anchors tempo; in defensive shells, he locks interaction, enabling synergy with board-build or control strategies.

Joseph, Come Near – Common Hebrew Man – AlephTau Set – Bible TCG