And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees.
Bible Passage: Joseph: Genesis 37:18-28 (NIV)
18 They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. 19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.
23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. 25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. 28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Analysis and Study:
The story of Joseph, often referred to as the “coat of many colors,” holds profound lessons about purpose, patience, and God‘s sovereignty. In this passage from Genesis 37, we witness Joseph’s journey taking a dramatic turn. His brothers’ jealousy and resentment toward him because of his dreams and their father’s favoritism led to a plot to kill him. However, Reuben’s intervention led to him being thrown into a pit instead.
Here, we see the theme of betrayal and jealousy, which resonates with human experiences throughout history.He’s brothers’ actions remind us of the destructive nature of envy and the consequences it can have on relationships. However, even in the midst of this turmoil, God’s providence is at work. The arrival of the Ishmaelite caravan just as Joseph is cast into the pit highlights the way God orchestrates events to fulfill His plans.
The decision to sell Joseph as a slave rather than killing him is a pivotal moment. Judah’s suggestion to sell him reveals a mixture of motives – a way to remove Joseph from their lives while also profiting from the situation. This shift from murder to sale shows a glimmer of humanity in the brothers’ hearts but still underscores their lack of compassion and brotherly love.
Lessons and Core Learnings:
- God’s Providence Amidst Adversity: The story of Joseph teaches us that even in the darkest moments of our lives, God’s providence is at work. The arrival of the Ishmaelite caravan precisely when Joseph was in the pit reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and He can use unexpected events to steer our lives in the direction of His purpose.
- Dealing with Jealousy and Betrayal: The passage sheds light on the destructive power of jealousy and envy. Joseph’s brothers allowed these negative emotions to lead them to consider murder. This is a reminder to examine our own hearts and address any envy or resentment before it festers and leads us down a destructive path.
- The Importance of Compassion and Forgiveness: While Joseph’s brothers’ decision to sell him was less severe than killing him, it still showcases their lack of compassion. As Christians, we are called to show love and mercy even to those who have wronged us. Joseph’s eventual forgiveness of his brothers in later chapters exemplifies this principle.
- Perseverance and Faith in Adversity: Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace is a testament to his resilience and faith in God. Despite his circumstances, he remained faithful and dedicated to serving God. This encourages us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.
Conclusion:
The story of Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace holds timeless lessons for us as modern-day Christian women. It reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even when we face jealousy, betrayal, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as God used Joseph’s trials to shape his character and fulfill His purpose, He can use our own trials to mold us into the women He intends us to be.
Let us learn from Joseph’s example of forgiveness, compassion, and perseverance. As we navigate our own journeys, may we draw strength from the truth that God is in control, and He has a purpose for each of us. Whether we find ourselves in a pit of despair or a place of blessing, may we echo Joseph’s faith and declare, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20, NIV).
