Exploring the Scripture

The story of Joseph’s brothers plotting to kill him, but instead selling him to nomads on their way to Egypt sets the stage for Jacob’s family migrating to Egypt. The story connects a family of roughly 70 people to their progeny, the ancient Israelites, expecting oppression by Pharaoh and their eventual liberation in the exodus by Moses. These verses begin the final chapters of Genesis which is best known as the Joseph Narrative (chapters 37–50). This account’s theological message is that God works through human acts and in the ways of the world.

To understand and preach this set of verses, the preacher should remind the congregation of the outcome of this treacherous act of selling a brother to slavery. By the end of Genesis, the brothers reunite with the full restoration of healthy relations. Many scholars believe this part of Genesis was written in the 10th century BCE when the writers in the Solomonic period wanted to recognize the hidden acts of God in the Israelite nation. This literary section of Genesis shows how God engages in the struggles of a family about issues of power and favoritism and plans to do good despite the jealousy among the brothers. Fundamentally, the passage explores the good that God intends despite human shortfalls.

Our text starts with “This is the story of the family of Jacob” and introduces Joseph as Jacob’s favorite son. Immediately, the text sets forth the disruption of the proper family order and status. Joseph is the first son of Jacob and his favorite wife, Rachel. Hatred and jealousy among the older brothers of Jacob’s other wives immediately seep into the broken relationship when Jacob’s other sons note the favoritism. They do not “speak peaceably” to Joseph (v. 4). The gift of the long robe with sleeves plays a special role in the story by symbolizing the special relationship between Jacob and Joseph and conferring royal status to Joseph.

Although not in today’s text, Joseph’s dreams of leadership and power over his brothers in verses 5 through 11 aggravate the ill-will between the brothers. Ancient dreams such as these were thought of as divinely-given forecasts of the future. Note that later in the Joseph narrative, specifically, chapter 50, the dream is realized.

Although silent in the passage, God is the main actor of the story. Joseph’s brothers try to thwart divine providence by plotting to kill Joseph and throw his body into an underground cistern. They remark in verse 20, “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits…then, we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Here, the author shows the brothers were trying to thwart Joseph’s calling.

Thanks to Reuben and Judah, the brothers eventually decide to sell Joseph to nomads on their way to Egypt. This act sets the stage for the rest of the story in Genesis. Years later, the brothers travel to Egypt because of famine and meet Joseph. Joseph forgives them, and the brothers are reconciled. Their offspring, the ancient Israelites, end in bondage to Pharaoh waiting for liberation by God. Their story is told in the book of Exodus. Through even the brothers’ hostility, violence, anger, deceit, and jealousy, the authors of Genesis portray God as hidden, yet reliable, and at work regardless of human acts or attitudes.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. God acts in human history with divine purpose.
2. God is trustworthy. God’s ways are sure and reliable.
3. Even in times of power struggles, pain, jealousy, and hurt, God is present and engaged. Christian hope means the future is bright.

Questions to Consider

1. Where has God acted in the life of the congregation during seemingly difficult times?
2. Like Joseph, what dreams do we dream? What promises does God give us on our behalf? What is God’s divine purpose for us?
3. Like Joseph’s brothers, how have we denied God’s wishes and dreams in our lives? Have we tried to thwart God’s divine purpose in our lives, our church, our communities, and our world?