Now Joseph's brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. Now Joseph’s brothersThe phrase "Joseph’s brothers" refers to the sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. These brothers are the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "brothers" is "אַחִים" (achim), which can denote not only biological siblings but also close kinship or fellowship. In this context, it highlights the familial bond that is tragically marred by jealousy and hatred. The brothers' actions are a stark reminder of the destructive power of envy and the breakdown of family relationships, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. saw him in the distance
The act of seeing "in the distance" suggests a physical and metaphorical separation between Joseph and his brothers. The Hebrew verb "רָאָה" (ra'ah) means to see, perceive, or understand. This moment of seeing Joseph from afar is laden with anticipation and foreboding. It underscores the brothers' awareness of Joseph's favored status and their growing resentment. The distance also symbolizes the emotional and spiritual chasm that has developed between them, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. and before he arrived
The phrase "before he arrived" indicates a premeditated action. The brothers' decision to act before Joseph reaches them shows their intent to intercept and harm him. This preemptive plotting reveals the depth of their animosity and the urgency with which they wish to rid themselves of Joseph. It is a moment of decision that reflects the human tendency to act on impulse and emotion rather than reason and righteousness. they plotted to kill him
The word "plotted" comes from the Hebrew "נָכַל" (nakhal), which means to conspire or deceive. This plotting is not just a spontaneous thought but a deliberate and calculated plan. The brothers' conspiracy to "kill him" is a grave sin, highlighting the severity of their jealousy and hatred. This act of plotting murder is a direct violation of God's commandments and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing sin to fester in one's heart. It also foreshadows the redemptive arc of Joseph's story, where God uses even the evil intentions of men to fulfill His divine purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams that foretold his future rise to power. His brothers' jealousy towards him is a central theme in this account. 2. Joseph's BrothersThe sons of Jacob, who are envious of Joseph's favored status and his dreams. Their jealousy leads them to plot against him. 3. DothanThe place where Joseph's brothers were pasturing their father's flocks and where they plotted against Joseph. It is significant as the location of the brothers' betrayal. 4. Plot to KillThe brothers' conspiracy to murder Joseph, which marks a pivotal moment of betrayal and sets the stage for Joseph's eventual journey to Egypt. Teaching Points The Destructive Power of JealousyJealousy can lead to devastating actions, as seen in the brothers' plot against Joseph. Believers are called to guard their hearts against envy and seek contentment in God's provision. God's Sovereignty in AdversityDespite the brothers' evil intentions, God's plan for Joseph's life was not thwarted. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with betrayal or hardship. The Importance of ForgivenessJoseph's account ultimately leads to reconciliation and forgiveness. Christians are encouraged to forgive those who wrong them, following Joseph's example and Christ's teaching. Family Dynamics and FavoritismJacob's favoritism towards Joseph contributed to the brothers' jealousy. This serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of favoritism within families and the importance of treating all family members with love and fairness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the jealousy of Joseph's brothers compare to other biblical examples of envy, and what can we learn from these accounts about handling jealousy in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Joseph foreshadow the life and mission of Jesus Christ, particularly in terms of betrayal and redemption? 3. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty in Joseph's life to our own situations of adversity or betrayal? 4. What steps can we take to prevent favoritism in our families or communities, and how can we promote unity and love instead? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced betrayal or hurt. How can Joseph's response to his brothers inspire you to pursue forgiveness and reconciliation? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 4:8The account of Cain and Abel, where jealousy leads to murder, parallels the brothers' plot against Joseph. Matthew 27:18Pilate recognizes that Jesus was handed over out of envy, similar to Joseph's situation, highlighting the destructive power of jealousy. Acts 7:9Stephen recounts how the patriarchs, moved by envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, drawing a direct line from the Old Testament account to the New Testament understanding of God's providence. People Bilhah, Ishmaelites, Jacob, Joseph, Medanites, Midianites, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Reuben, ZilpahPlaces Canaan, Chezib, Dothan, Egypt, Gilead, Shechem, Valley of HebronTopics Afar, Close, Conspire, Conspired, Death, Design, Distance, Draweth, Kill, Plotted, Reached, Secret, SlayDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 37:1-35 5738 sons Genesis 37:12-33 5661 brothers Genesis 37:17-22 6634 deliverance Genesis 37:17-23 5817 conspiracies Genesis 37:18-20 5047 opportunities, in life
6718 reconciliation, believers
8765 grudge Genesis 37:18-27 8828 spite Genesis 37:18-28 5828 danger
5910 motives, examples Library Joseph, the Prime Minister
'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. 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. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Man's Passions and God's Purpose
'And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
Thomas De Witt Talmage was born at Bound Brook, N.J., in 1832. For many years he preached to large and enthusiastic congregations at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. At one time six hundred newspapers regularly printed his sermons. He was a man of great vitality, optimistic by nature, and particularly popular with young people. His voice was rather high and unmusical, but his distinct enunciation and earnestness of manner gave a peculiar attraction to his pulpit oratory. His rhetoric has been criticized …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8 The Crucifixion.
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."--Isaiah liii. 7. St. Peter makes it almost a description of a Christian, that he loves Him whom he has not seen; speaking of Christ, he says, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Again he speaks of "tasting that the …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 37:18 NIVGenesis 37:18 NLTGenesis 37:18 ESVGenesis 37:18 NASBGenesis 37:18 KJV
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