Genesis 37:6

He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had:

Study Bible

He said to them
This phrase introduces Joseph as the speaker, highlighting his role as a communicator of divine revelation. In the Hebrew text, the verb "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) is often used to denote the act of speaking with authority or importance. Joseph, though young, is positioned as a conduit for God's messages, which is a recurring theme in his life. Historically, this moment sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through Joseph, emphasizing the importance of dreams as a means of divine communication in the ancient Near East.

Listen
The Hebrew word for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies more than just hearing; it suggests an active, attentive, and obedient response. In the biblical context, listening is often associated with heeding God's word and commands. Joseph's call to listen is not merely a request for attention but an invitation to engage with a message of significance. This reflects the broader biblical theme where God calls His people to listen to His voice, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."

to this dream
Dreams in the ancient world, particularly in the biblical narrative, are often seen as vehicles for divine revelation. The Hebrew word for "dream" (חֲלוֹם, chalom) is used throughout the Old Testament to describe visions that convey God's will or future events. Joseph's dreams are prophetic, foreshadowing his future rise to power and the eventual salvation of his family. This highlights the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to reveal His plans through dreams, a concept that resonates throughout Scripture, as seen in the accounts of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar.

I had
The personal pronoun "I" emphasizes Joseph's personal experience and the unique nature of the revelation given to him. The Hebrew verb form used here indicates possession, underscoring that this dream is something Joseph has received. This personal aspect of the dream suggests that God chooses specific individuals to carry out His purposes, a theme that is evident throughout the Bible. Joseph's dreams are not just personal experiences but are integral to God's redemptive plan for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The central figure in this passage, Joseph is the favored son of Jacob, known for his dreams and the special coat given to him by his father. His dreams play a significant role in his life and the unfolding of God's plan.

2. Joseph's Brothers
They are the recipients of Joseph's dream. Their reaction to his dreams is crucial as it sets the stage for the events that follow, including their jealousy and eventual betrayal of Joseph.

3. Jacob (Israel)
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Jacob is Joseph's father and the patriarch of the family. His favoritism towards Joseph contributes to the tension among the brothers.

4. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family are residing at this time. It is significant as the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.

5. Dream
The dream is a divine revelation given to Joseph, which foreshadows future events. Dreams in the Bible often serve as a means of communication from God.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
Joseph's dreams are a reminder that God reveals His plans in His own time and way. We should be attentive to how God might be speaking to us today.

Handling Favoritism and Jealousy
The dynamics in Joseph's family teach us about the dangers of favoritism and jealousy. We should strive for fairness and love in our relationships.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph's willingness to share his dreams, despite the potential backlash, encourages us to be faithful in sharing what God has revealed to us, even when it is difficult.

Trusting God's Timing
Joseph's account is a testament to trusting God's timing. We may not understand His plans immediately, but we can trust that He is working for our good.

The Role of Dreams in Scripture
Understanding the biblical context of dreams can help us discern their significance in our lives today. We should seek God's wisdom in interpreting any dreams or visions we receive.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's sharing of his dream reflect his character, and what can we learn from his example about sharing our own experiences of God's revelation?

2. In what ways do the reactions of Joseph's brothers to his dream mirror the challenges we face when others do not understand or accept our God-given visions?

3. How can we apply the lessons of favoritism and jealousy from Joseph's family to our own family or community dynamics?

4. What other biblical figures experienced dreams or visions, and how did those experiences shape their lives and the lives of others?

5. How can we discern when a dream or vision is from God, and what steps should we take to seek His guidance in understanding it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:9-11
These verses continue the account of Joseph's dreams, providing more detail and showing the increasing tension between Joseph and his brothers.

Genesis 41:15-16
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is later recognized by Pharaoh, leading to his rise in Egypt. This connection shows the fulfillment of God's plan through Joseph's dreams.

Acts 2:17
This verse speaks of God pouring out His Spirit, leading to dreams and visions. It connects to the idea of God using dreams to reveal His will.

Daniel 2:19-23
Daniel's interpretation of dreams parallels Joseph's experiences, highlighting the theme of God-given wisdom and revelation.