Genesis 37:5

Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.

Study Bible

Then Joseph had a dream
The phrase "Joseph had a dream" introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative of Joseph's life. The Hebrew word for "dream" is "חֲלוֹם" (chalom), which often signifies a divine revelation or message. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dreams were considered significant and often seen as a means through which God communicated with individuals. Joseph's dreams are prophetic, foreshadowing his future rise to power and the eventual fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham's descendants. This moment marks the beginning of a journey that will lead Joseph from the depths of a pit to the heights of Egyptian authority, illustrating God's sovereign plan and providence.

and when he told it to his brothers
The act of Joseph sharing his dream with his brothers is crucial. The Hebrew verb "told" (וַיְסַפֵּר, vayesaper) implies recounting or declaring something significant. Joseph's decision to share his dream can be seen as an expression of youthful naivety or a bold declaration of the vision God has given him. In the cultural and familial context, sharing such a dream would have been provocative, especially given the implications of authority and leadership over his older siblings. This act sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and animosity between Joseph and his brothers, highlighting themes of jealousy and rivalry that are prevalent throughout the patriarchal narratives.

they hated him all the more
The phrase "they hated him all the more" underscores the intensifying animosity Joseph's brothers felt towards him. The Hebrew word for "hated" is "שָׂנֵא" (sane), which conveys a deep-seated enmity or hostility. This hatred is not new; it builds upon previous tensions, such as Joseph being favored by their father, Jacob, and receiving the coat of many colors. The dreams exacerbate these feelings, as they suggest Joseph's future preeminence and the brothers' subservience. This growing hatred is a catalyst for the subsequent actions of the brothers, leading to Joseph's sale into slavery. It serves as a reminder of the destructive power of envy and the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, themes that are ultimately resolved in the later chapters of Joseph's story.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The favored son of Jacob, known for his coat of many colors and his prophetic dreams. His dreams play a significant role in his life and the unfolding of God's plan.

2. Joseph's Brothers
The sons of Jacob who become envious and hostile towards Joseph, partly due to his dreams and their father's favoritism.

3. Jacob (Israel)
The father of Joseph and his brothers, who shows favoritism towards Joseph, exacerbating the tension within the family.

4. Dream
A significant event in Joseph's life, symbolizing God's communication and future plans for him. Dreams in the Bible often serve as divine messages.

5. Hatred
The growing animosity of Joseph's brothers towards him, which sets the stage for future events in Joseph's life, including his eventual sale into slavery.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Dreams
God often uses dreams to reveal His plans and purposes. We should be attentive to how God might communicate with us, though we must discern and test such revelations against Scripture.

The Dangers of Favoritism
Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph sowed discord among his sons. We must strive for fairness and love in our relationships to prevent envy and strife.

Responding to Envy and Hatred
Joseph's brothers' hatred serves as a warning against allowing jealousy to take root in our hearts. We should seek to cultivate love and forgiveness instead.

God's Purpose in Adversity
Despite the hatred and betrayal Joseph faced, God used these circumstances to fulfill His greater plan. We can trust that God is at work even in our trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:5 foreshadow future events in his life, and what does this teach us about God's foreknowledge and planning?

2. In what ways can favoritism within families or communities lead to division and conflict, as seen in Joseph's account?

3. How can we guard our hearts against envy and hatred, especially when we perceive others as more favored or blessed?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How might God have been working through that situation for a greater purpose, similar to Joseph's experience?

5. How do other biblical figures, like Daniel, who received divine revelations through dreams, help us understand the role of dreams in God's communication with His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:9-11
Joseph's second dream further fuels his brothers' jealousy and his father's contemplation, highlighting the recurring theme of dreams in Joseph's life.

Genesis 50:20
Joseph later reflects on his brothers' actions, recognizing God's sovereignty and purpose in using their evil intentions for good.

Acts 7:9-10
Stephen recounts Joseph's account, emphasizing God's presence and favor with Joseph despite his brothers' betrayal.

Daniel 2:19-23
Similar to Joseph, Daniel receives divine revelations through dreams, underscoring the theme of God communicating His plans through dreams.