Thursday: Joseph and His Brothers
Just as Jacob deserved a lot worse from his brother Esau after the way he treated him, we see something similar in the story of Joseph and his brothers.
Here, again, we see brother hating brother because of one being shown favor over the other (Gen. 37:3-4). The tunic of many colors was not just made from a striped bed sheet. The original word implies that it was an expensive robe worn by royalty and would have been covered with rich embroidery and colorful needlework, taking up to a year to make.
Then, when Joseph told his brothers about his dreams (Gen. 37:5-11,) he produced even more hatred and envy against himself. So, at the first opportunity, they plotted to get rid of him (Gen. 37:19-20.)
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
The brothers must have congratulated themselves on how easy it was to remove him from their lives. None, though, had any idea how God would use this situation to save them years later.
Read Genesis 45:4-11. What was the bigger picture that Joseph saw? What was his main focus?
Think of what might have gone through Joseph’s mind as a boy in chains, walking behind a camel and looking toward the hills of his boyhood home as they disappeared into the distance. Then being put on the auction block, and inquisitive buyers prodding him and humiliating him in their close inspection before bidding for him. Many have given up their faith for less humiliation and suffering than this.
Joseph could have chosen to become bitter and anti-God, but he chose instead to maintain his faith amid this harrowing struggle, the great controversy being played out in his own life in a dramatic way. He soon adjusted to the household of one of the most important military men in the country, and under the blessing of God he soon gained his trust (Gen. 39:1-4.) Eventually, the slave became a leader in Egypt.
Despite the incredible family dysfunction revealed in this story, despite the treachery and evil, it had a happy ending. How, though, do you keep your faith intact and have a gracious attitude when things don’t seem to be turning out as well as they did for Joseph?
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Does this mean accept your lot whatever comes to you was unavoidable? Just believe this and carry on not to retaliating just forgiving. What affect did his acceptance have on his brothers did they feel guilty? Did it have a positive affect on their hearts? I know it all worked out for them. Can they then believe they did the right thing to Joseph?
That God fulfills His will despite human actions does not make those actions right. So, no, the brothers' actions were not right.
When we make our decisions prayerfully, we allow the Lord to guide us, and we can accept the results cheerfully, even if they don't seem good.
Shortly after Joseph was given a message from the Lord through his dreams he shared same with his brothers first and then his father (Genesis 37:5-11). The family would later bow to Joseph, not in worship, but in subordinate roles. The favored youngster would rule over his elder brothers and parents, but this advance notice would not go down well with those given to envy and possessed with pride (Acts 7:9).
Was Joseph in error to relate the dreams to the others, at least so soon? Were these ‘in your face’ moments? Should the young man have acted more prudently and keep the prophetic things a secret and thereby spare himself the hate and spite of others?
The young prophet acted in innocence to share the word of the Lord. In doing so he expressed faith in God, not knowing the details of the future. The brothers by their wicked scheming would only be allowed by Jehovah to plot a course to the predicted end (Genesis 45:7-8; 50:18-21).
Some among the remnant may be reluctant to share the full Three Angels’ Messages (Revelation 14:6-12) because it might incur the wrath of others. So they may opt to remain silent sparing themselves while waiting for the fulfilment. The example of Joseph in promptly sharing by faith the prophetic word without trying to preserve himself may be instructive (Hebrews 11:22).
There is no need for an ‘in your face’ attitude, and certainly unnecessary hostility is to be avoided. However the heralds of the final warning message may not keep silent and still exercise the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12). Inspired by the goodness of God they do His bidding and share His grace.
Excellent question Hugh. I believe Joseph was actually perplexed by the dream and sought help from the family to understand it. This was God, in mercy, allowing them to know that when it unfolded, God had led in every circumstance for their good. This foreknowledge would help in the healing process of not only forgiving, but being forgiven. The guilty need more help than the guiltless don't they? God is so merciful in dealing with our natural weaknesses.
The faith of Joseph to God helped and gave him the tolerance to all the temptation which faced him. For us,learn great lesson from the story of Joseph from to his father to Pharao.
their are times when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances and situations we feel the Lord is not on our side because of these circumstances but God never forsakes His own that is why we are admonished to be grateful in all situation. 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.' Romans 8:28 . all things whether good or bad they happen to Gods children to fulfil His purpose. in all situations praise and thank the Lord. the Lord has promise to guide and lead you even as He lead Israel of old . they passed through ways their forefathers knew not but they were never weary nor their feet sore. they passed through serpent's but they were not harmed the Lord will lead you in the valleys of death fear not.
Sometimes our story may not turn out like Joseph own, but amidst all these we must still trust and obey because God is still at the place he was when Jesus was killed .
Lord your eyes are upon the righteous and your ears are open to their cries. I now pray that the weapons of injustice, envy, ostracism, and malice will not prosper against those who humble themselves and serve you. Lord please represent your people who are mistreated and abused by their families; deliver them speedily O lord, in your name I pray, amen.
We sh'd coppy the xters of Joseph that is "FORGIVING".
I have been there before. Fortunately for us the lord knows all and sees all, and if we just trust him, wait on him we will eventually see our happy ending. Be faithful to the Lord, keep his commandments in spite of all adversity you will be a winner. Don't allow yourself to become self absorbed in self pity it is a trap and will only consume you.
I always keep in mind how the Lord has lead me in my past struggles.
Just have faith in God believing that he know the end from the biggining,and obey his command to forgive seven times seventy,and also follow his example in his dealing with scribes and Phariees in John 8:3-9 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].
8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. It had a positive effect on their hearts, for verse 9 says, And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. Their own conscience convicted them.
The story of Joseph and his brother's is eye opener to all those who hate or envy some of their family member's, just because their good or blessed with something to change blessing to one can save your family or others.we always need think how the coming of Christ to die saves m altitudes.
Joseph is a type of Christ. Our sins sold Him into slavery, but because of our betrayal He now sits next to God in the Kingdom of heaven and has made a place for us--the best place with the best food of the land. Glory be to His name.
We meant it for evil, but God meant it for good! Hallelujah!!
So many things are happening in the case of Joseph's family. To start with, his father is showing him more direct love than his siblings. Do we parents fall into this trap? Do you think if it was not Jacob showing tremendous love to his son, his brothers would have not plotted to kill him? Thankfully with God's plan they did not killed but instead sold him. (talk of slavery and slave trade). One interesting thing is the brothers knew about the commandment "Do not kill" long after it was officially given to Moses at Mt. Sinai. The whole episode ends up saving them all. Real believers will go through lots of temptations just as we show from our very fast lesson that Satan is very busy and unless we cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus, we're doomed to perish.
....the brothers knew about the commandment 'Thou shall not kill' long before it was officially given to Moses at Mount Sinai....
Orina you asked the question:
"Do you think if it was not Jacob showing tremendous love to his son, his brothers would have not plotted to kill him? "
People get angry when other people do good and are loving and then the good puts them to shame. So if the father had been impartial, Joseph's brothers may still have hated him.
I don't know Rita, perhaps another way at looking at this is that if try really hard at remembering that He is in control and that He is using us for some greater purpose, we would be less inclined to look and wonder if the others around us have indeed repented and feel remorse for whatever wrong done. It is kinda like they are on spiritual path and maybe you are just ahead of them in this aspect. Plus, we could also look at Joseph's situation and say by so graciously forgiving his brothers he was heaping on the coal and that would more than likely bring them to true repentance even faster.
Dear Rita, Joseph's captivity might never have taken place if Jacob, his father had not shown such favortism toward him. This story is a perfect example of how sin brings natural consequences. Jacob's own sin of stealing his brother's birthright, and decieving his father played a part in the brother's treatment of Joseph. Oh what a tangeled web we weave, but God works all things together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Some things and happenings will never be understood by sinful earthly man.
The most important thing is to do the right thing despite the toils and sufferings. Do the right thing not because you want a favor from Jehovah but because it is the right thing to do. You will feel good on your own.
If Jehovah rewards you here on earth or eternally then that is a blessing. If he punishes those punishing you that is his prerogative. My prayer is that at the end of the day the wrong doers see light and turn from evil and enjoy the good feeling of doing good.
Like Joseph, he always did the right thing and felt good in his heart. I am sure that is what Jehovah wants and not to blackmail him. My thoughts.
Such a wonderfully amazing story; Joseph, who through all the injustices and severe trials, became a partaker of the Divine Nature. This was exhibited in all he did, and God was glorified.
How, though, do you keep your faith intact and have a gracious attitude..?
It is in taking upon us the yoke of Jesus, by learning of Him, that we find Rest from the tormented frustration of being self-important, and learn to seek the welfare of others first. This is the partaking of the Divine Nature, which comes through the transforming power of God through faith in His “exceeding great and precious promises”.
We must trust God that all things work together for good. While it is occurring we might not feel that positive, but look ahead and keep on believing God, He never breaks a promise even to the third and fourth generation.
"How, though, do you keep your faith intact and have a gracious attitude when things don’t seem to be turning out as well as they did for Joseph?"
~ It seems the faith and/or confidence in the Lord God that Joseph's story portrays is tantamount to all human spiritual practice. Then as it is now, I find edification in the simple exercise of surrendered will, surrender comes when we no longer ask, "Why is this happening to me?"
True freedom and the end of suffering is living in such a way as if you had completely chosen whatever you feel or experience at this moment. This inner alignment/cooperation with the Holy Spirit within us during these present situations in life, is the end of suffering.
Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer and take courage; I have overcome the world." ~ John16:33
I think the power of forgiveness played a major role in Joseph's life......had he not forgiven his brothers , maybe he wouldn't have been blessed the way he was......FORGIVENESS!!!
Joseph is the favorite of his father, but he is certainly not the favorite among his brothers.
What a warning for parents! The actions of Joseph's father [in connection with Joseph] were extremely provocative!
"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children... And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him." (Gen 37:3-4)
Blatant provocations (like favoritism) are warned against in the New Testament :
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath..." (Eph 6:4)
Jacob bore huge responsibility for the anger and the dysfunction that existed in his family. But the great thing we see in this whole story is that God is a Master at bringing light out of darkness!
"...Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report." (Gen 37:2)
This is an opening part to the story of Joseph, and what interesting details!
Joseph was the 11th son in the family. And Joseph had only one full brother - Benjamin - who was only about 4 years old when the problems began to come to a head. Little Benjamin had no part in the selling of Joseph.
I find it interesting that the verse (Gen 37:2) says that it was after Joseph had spent time with the sons of Bilhah (i.e. Dan and Naphtali), and with the sons of Zilpah (Gad and Asher), that Joseph went to his father and complained about the way they were treating him. Those four half-brothers to Joseph seem to have been mean-spirited young men. They felt provoked. But perhaps we should ask the question, Is there anything that justifies bullying?
With 2 wives (one a favorite) and a total of 4 different mothers for the siblings, could anyone expect a peaceful home environment free of discord?
This is one of several examples in scripture of polygamy not being God's idea.
It's not difficult to see that Joseph's leaving home to get an "education" was imperative.
The dreamer
This was the name given to this great prophet, innocently he shared his dreams what most of us would do in his position, even his father who loved him got angry when he told them that they would bow down to him. What would this boy child be talking of, every dream elevated this young man. The elders had no clue what the Lord hath in store for them. He was obedient just like Abraham and jealousy was engraved in the hearts of his older brothers as in Cain. They made him a slave even so the Lord lifted his upon the land of slavery, this will give me a picture of how Christ was lifted from humble beginnings to greater Heights. I'm humbled to have such a Savior.
I rally appreciated the comments, and the help of of our dear brothers and sisters to help us understand how important it is to forgive and give all to God he knows what's best, I pray we will stand firm when temptation and the hurt and things others say and do ,because they do not understand the word and the love God really has for us ,Praise God and thank you Jesus for all you did for us,
Joseph was atype of Christ.Like Christ his pain and suffering lead to the saving of his family from severe famine.As God's people we should not be discourage nor give up because who knows, someone may be saved in the end.
i think whatever happens in our life happen for the purpose.this why Paul said in everything we must thank God,for it is His will.
This is true Stephen, for those who pray "Thy will be done" and surrender themselves in obedience through faith. Those who don't will often have circumstances that God does not intend.
I don't see that Jacob stole anything. Esau sold it to him and when his father Issac told him he was ready to give it to him he should have manned up and said, sorry dad, I sold it. The only thing Jacob did wrong was pretend to be Esau. Esau was wrong to treat his brother that way
Indeed the story of Joseph and his brothers has great object lessons for the church.The question is our church uses majority vote,but majority in this story agreed to kill their own?
Whenever God revels a truth,it should be shared no matter who feels hurt.This was what Joseph innocently did and landed in trouble in the hands if his brothers who were hurt.But God had decided what would be and nobody could change it.The selling of Joseph was a Devine design to actualize God's purpose.Let's trust that God's purpose for each of us must come to pass.
So Ugochukwo, are you suggesting that God, knowing the hearts of Joseph's brothers as He did, used those two dreams to guide them to fulfill His purpose? As One who sees the end from the beginning, coupled with infinite wisdom, it would be too easy to harness their sinful plotting, which ultimately was for their own good.
It was their choice to make, but sinners are predictable aren't they? But then, so is God who is perfect. "Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty...!"