Yosef was not the first to confront cultural assimilation—and emerge victorious.
Cultural assimilation is a challenge people have faced throughout history. Before we go further, let’s clarify what we mean by such an expression: it is the process by which a person or group adopts, in part or in whole, the customs, values, norms, language, and behaviors of another culture—often one that is dominant or different from their own. This process can be voluntary, as a form of integration, or it can result from social, economic, or political pressures. While assimilation can make living and adapting in a new environment easier, it can also lead to the loss or dilution of one’s original cultural identity.
Yosef in Egypt
Yosef was not the first to confront the problem of cultural assimilation—and he overcame it successfully. Abraham, Isaac (Yitsjak), and Yosef’s father, Israel (Ya’akov), were able to maintain their identity and loyalty to Yehovah, even while surrounded by pagan peoples.
Now Yosef was alone. Sure, Yehovah was with him, but none of his family was there. Yet he was able to preserve his values and his trust in the God of his fathers, which becomes clear when he speaks to his brothers in their first encounter after seventeen years:
I fear Elohim (God).
Genesis 42:18
Not only had Yosef not assimilated, he also influenced those around him. This is evident when, on the second trip back, his servant returns the brothers’ money and says:
Peace to you; do not be afraid. Your Elohim, the Elohim of your father, gave you a treasure in your sacks; your silver has been given to me.
Genesis 43:23
Even though Yosef outwardly appeared Egyptian—he spoke the Egyptian language and bore an Egyptian name, Tsafnat Paneach—he never stopped being Yosef, the son of Ya’akov. Once established in Egypt, he could have forgotten his family and his beliefs, especially since his brothers had coldly rejected him and sold him as if he were not part of the family. Yet he clung to his identity. This conviction directed Yosef’s actions, even toward his own family.
And You—Have You Assimilated?
You are not of the world, because you were “taken out of Egypt” when you accepted submission to Yeshua the Messiah. But… if you dress according to the world’s fashion, speak like everyone else, eat what everyone eats, pursue goals set by the world (money, a good reputation, power), conduct your business the same way as those around you, and also celebrate the world’s holidays and traditions—then the answer is a lamentable YES. YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIMILATED!