About the Reading:
We continue in reading Joseph’s life. First is the story of Pharaoh’s dream in which, after many others cannot do it, Joseph is summoned and interprets the dream for him. As a result, Pharaoh honors Joseph by making him governor of the land saying that only the throne would put Pharaoh above him.
We learn of Joseph’s brothers coming to him and, as he dreamed years ago, bowing down to him. Joseph put them through quite a bit to get food and come back with the youngest brother, Benjamin, whom Jacob had kept at home with him.
My Thoughts and Notes:
Joseph does not take credit for interpreting dreams. He knows that he is only a vessel through which God speaks to interpret these dreams for others. Genesis 41:16
‘Not I,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’
Is anyone else reading a bit of affection from Joseph to his brothers? I almost see a bit of a smirk on his face as he is pulling one over on them, but it seems to be a boys-will-be-boys, but there seems to be a bit of affection and, most definitely, a need to know that his family is okay.
Maybe it’s just me. I’m sure there is a bit of resentment to his brothers for the way they treated him. What do you think?
I have often wondered if Joseph put his brothers through all that he did out of revenge or for some other reason. So lets look at it closer.
ReplyDeleteJoseph recognized is brothers, but they didn't recognize him. He remembers his dreams about them bowing down to him, which they were doing. So he accused them of being spies and locks them up for 3 days. Doesn't exactly sound like a loving brother. Then he releases them and demands that one of them stay behind and they bring Benjamen to him. Simeon stays behind and the brothers begin the journey home. That night they discover that their money has been returned to them. This scares them, because they think Joseph will accuse them of stealing the money. Here we get a glimpse at the guilt the brothers have lived with for all these years. Perhaps they did feel some remorse for what they had done to Joseph. I find it a bit amusing that Rubin says "I told you not to do it? But you wouldn't listen to me!" Trying to vindicate himself I suppose. Jacob, however, absolutely refused to let Benjamen to to Egypt. When they ran out of food again, Jacob told them to go buy more food in Egypt, but Judah reminded him that they couldn't go back without Benjamin. Jacob finally consented to let them take the boy and back to Egypt they went. This time Joseph had them brought to his house and ordered a feast prepared for them. He was so overwhelmed with joy in seeing his younger brother (his only fill brother, remember) that he had to find a place to hide away and cry. The brothers were amazed that they were seated in their exact birth order. Here we see that Joseph loves his brothers, especially Benjamen, and does not hold anything against them. I think the treatment Joseph gave his brothers on their first trip was to test them to see if they were still meaning him harm, and to make sure his brother and father were still alive and in good health. He also wanted to see Benjamen. Did he resent his brothers for the way they treated him? I don't think so. Joseph was able to see that God had placed him in Egypt to fulfill the dreams that he had had, and to save his family.