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Joseph’s Dreams and His Brothers’ Jealousy
Jacob, also known as Israel, had a large family with his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah. Rachel, his beloved wife, bore him two sons: Joseph, the firstborn, and Benjamin, the youngest. Jacob’s deep affection for Rachel led him to favor Joseph, which caused tension among his other sons.
Joseph’s Dreams and His Brothers’ Jealousy
Joseph, at seventeen, tended his father’s flocks alongside his brothers. His father Israel loved him more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
One night, Joseph had a dream in which he and his brothers were binding sheaves of grain in the field. His sheaf stood upright, while his brothers’ sheaves gathered around and bowed to it. He shared this dream with them, and they responded, “Do you intend to reign over us?” He had another dream, this time involving the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. He told his father and brothers, and his father rebuked him, saying, “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Joseph’s Brothers Plot Against Him
Israel sent Joseph to check on his brothers who were grazing the flocks near Shechem. When they saw him approaching, they plotted to kill him. Reuben, the eldest, intervened, suggesting they throw him into a cistern instead, intending to rescue him later. However, Judah proposed selling him to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt. They agreed, and Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver.
Deception of Jacob
The brothers dipped Joseph’s coat in goat’s blood and presented it to their father, leading him to believe Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Jacob mourned deeply, refusing to be comforted.
Joseph in Egypt
Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar entrusted him with all his household affairs. However, Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph. He refused, stating, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” When she falsely accused him of misconduct, Joseph was imprisoned.
Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison
In prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. He predicted the cupbearer’s restoration to his position and the baker’s execution. Both events occurred as Joseph had foretold. He asked the cupbearer to remember him and mention him to Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgot.
Joseph Interprets Pharaoh’s Dreams
Two years later, Pharaoh had troubling dreams that none could interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph, and he was summoned. Joseph explained that the dreams foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. He advised Pharaoh to appoint a wise man to oversee the collection and storage of grain during the years of plenty. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command over Egypt.
Joseph’s Administration and Family
During the years of abundance, Joseph collected and stored vast amounts of grain. When famine struck, he sold grain to the people of Egypt and surrounding nations. His brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, but they did not recognize Joseph. He accused them of being spies and demanded they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to prove their honesty. They returned home, and Jacob reluctantly allowed Benjamin to accompany them.
Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers
Upon their return, Joseph invited them to a meal and secretly returned their money in their sacks. He then placed a silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and accused him of theft. Judah pleaded for Benjamin’s release, offering himself as a substitute. Moved by their change of heart, Joseph revealed his identity, saying, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.” He forgave them, stating that it was God’s plan for him to be in Egypt to save lives. He invited his father and all his family to live in Egypt.
Jacob’s Family Settles in Egypt
Jacob and his family moved to Egypt and settled in the land of Goshen. Joseph continued to oversee the grain distribution during the remaining years of famine. Before his death, Jacob blessed his sons and prophesied their futures. Joseph lived to see his great-grandchildren and made the Israelites swear to carry his bones out of Egypt when they left. He died at the age of 110 and was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
The story of Joseph and his brothers is a narrative of jealousy, betrayal, and eventual reconciliation. It highlights themes of forgiveness, divine providence, and the importance of family unity.
