We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine." We were binding sheaves of grain in the fieldThis phrase introduces the setting of Joseph's dream, which is agricultural, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient Canaan. The act of "binding sheaves" involves gathering stalks of grain, a common task in the harvest season. The Hebrew word for "sheaves" is "אֲלֻמִּים" (alummim), which signifies bundles of grain. This imagery would have been familiar to Joseph's family, who were shepherds and farmers. The field represents the world or the sphere of human activity, suggesting that the events of the dream have broader implications beyond the immediate family. and behold, my sheaf rose and stood upright
The word "behold" (Hebrew: "וְהִנֵּה", vehinneh) is often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or surprising. Joseph's "sheaf" rising and standing "upright" symbolizes elevation and authority. The Hebrew root for "rose" is "קָם" (qam), meaning to arise or stand up, often used in contexts of resurrection or establishment. This imagery foreshadows Joseph's future rise to power in Egypt, where he would stand as a leader and savior during a time of famine. while your sheaves gathered around
The gathering of the brothers' sheaves around Joseph's sheaf suggests a coming together or convergence. The Hebrew root "סָבַב" (sabab) means to surround or encircle, indicating a position of subordination or acknowledgment of Joseph's authority. This part of the dream hints at the future dynamics within the family, where Joseph's brothers would eventually come to him in Egypt seeking help. and bowed down to my sheaf
The act of bowing down (Hebrew: "תִּשְׁתַּחֲוֶין", tishtachaven) is a gesture of respect, submission, or worship. In the cultural and historical context, bowing was a common way to show deference to someone of higher status. This prophetic element of the dream points to the eventual fulfillment when Joseph's brothers come to Egypt and bow before him, not recognizing him initially as their brother. This act of bowing is significant in the narrative of reconciliation and the unfolding of God's providential plan for Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. JosephThe favored son of Jacob, who receives dreams from God that foretell his future rise to prominence. 2. Joseph's BrothersThe sons of Jacob who become envious and hostile towards Joseph due to his dreams and their father's favoritism. 3. The FieldRepresents the setting of Joseph's dream, symbolizing the world or the place of labor and harvest. 4. Sheaves of GrainSymbolic elements in Joseph's dream representing the brothers and their future subservience to Joseph. 5. The DreamA divine revelation given to Joseph, indicating God's plan for his life and the future dynamics within his family. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in DreamsJoseph's dream illustrates how God communicates His plans and purposes, often in ways that are not immediately understood. The Role of Humility and PatienceJoseph's journey from dream to reality required humility and patience, teaching us to trust God's timing and process. Family Dynamics and God's PlanDespite familial strife and jealousy, God's purposes prevail, reminding us that He can work through difficult relationships for His glory. Faithfulness in AdversityJoseph's life encourages believers to remain faithful and steadfast, even when circumstances seem contrary to God's promises. The Importance of ForgivenessJoseph's eventual reconciliation with his brothers highlights the power of forgiveness and restoration in God's redemptive plan. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:7 foreshadow his future role in Egypt, and what does this teach us about God's foreknowledge and planning? 2. In what ways can we see the theme of humility and exaltation in Joseph's life, and how does this relate to the life of Jesus as described in Philippians 2:9-11? 3. How can we apply the lessons of patience and trust in God's timing from Joseph's account to our own lives, especially when facing trials? 4. What can Joseph's interactions with his brothers teach us about handling jealousy and conflict within our own families or communities? 5. How does the fulfillment of Joseph's dream in Genesis 42:6-9 encourage us to hold onto God's promises, even when they seem delayed or impossible? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 42:6-9This passage describes the fulfillment of Joseph's dream when his brothers come to Egypt and bow before him, recognizing his authority. Philippians 2:9-11This New Testament passage parallels the theme of exaltation after humility, as seen in Joseph's life and ultimately in Christ's. Psalm 105:16-22This psalm recounts Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership, highlighting God's providence and faithfulness. People Bilhah, Ishmaelites, Jacob, Joseph, Medanites, Midianites, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Reuben, ZilpahPlaces Canaan, Chezib, Dothan, Egypt, Gilead, Shechem, Valley of HebronTopics Arisen, Behold, Binding, Bow, Bowed, Bundle, Bundles, Erect, Field, Fields, Gathered, Getting, Grain, Kept, Midst, Obeisance, Rose, Round, Sheaf, Sheaves, Standing, Stems, Stood, Suddenly, Themselves, Upright, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 37:7 4412 binding corn
4456 grain Genesis 37:1-11 8730 enemies, of believers Genesis 37:1-35 5738 sons Genesis 37:5-7 1409 dream Genesis 37:5-8 4428 corn Genesis 37:5-9 5935 riddles 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 37:7 NIVGenesis 37:7 NLTGenesis 37:7 ESVGenesis 37:7 NASBGenesis 37:7 KJV
Genesis 37:7 Commentaries
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