Genesis 37:9

Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. "Look," he said, "I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me."

Study Bible

Then Joseph had another dream
The phrase "another dream" indicates a continuation of divine revelation to Joseph. In Hebrew, the word for dream is "חֲלוֹם" (chalom), which often signifies a message from God. Dreams in the ancient Near East were considered significant, often seen as a means through which the divine communicated with humans. Joseph's dreams are prophetic, foreshadowing his future rise to power and the eventual submission of his family to him. This highlights God's sovereignty and His plans for Joseph, which are beyond human understanding.

and told it to his brothers
Joseph's decision to share his dream with his brothers, despite their previous hostility, suggests a level of naivety or perhaps a deep-seated belief in the truth and importance of the dream. The Hebrew verb "וַיְסַפֵּר" (vayesaper) implies recounting or declaring, indicating that Joseph felt compelled to share this revelation. This act sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan, as it further incites his brothers' jealousy and animosity, leading to pivotal events in Joseph's life.

'Look,' he said
The word "Look" is translated from the Hebrew "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which is an interjection used to draw attention to something important. It serves as an invitation for his brothers to pay attention to the significance of the dream. This highlights Joseph's earnestness and the weight he places on the dream's message, underscoring its divine origin and importance.

'I had another dream
Reiterating the occurrence of a second dream emphasizes the certainty and divine confirmation of the message. In biblical narratives, repetition often serves to establish truth and reliability. Joseph's dreams are not mere coincidences but are orchestrated by God to reveal His future plans for Joseph and his family.

and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars
The imagery of the "sun and moon and eleven stars" is rich with symbolism. In the ancient world, celestial bodies often represented authority and power. The sun and moon likely symbolize Joseph's parents, while the eleven stars represent his brothers. This celestial imagery conveys the idea of cosmic order and divine orchestration, suggesting that Joseph's future role is part of a larger, God-ordained plan.

were bowing down to me
The act of bowing down, translated from the Hebrew "מִשְׁתַּחֲוִים" (mishtachavim), signifies submission and reverence. This prophetic vision foreshadows the eventual fulfillment of Joseph's rise to a position of authority in Egypt, where his family will indeed come to him in need. This phrase encapsulates the theme of God's providence and the reversal of fortunes, where the one who is despised and rejected becomes the savior and leader, a motif that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and divine purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Joseph's Brothers
The eleven sons of Jacob who become envious and hostile towards Joseph due to his favored status and his dreams, which suggest his future dominance over them.

3. Jacob (Israel)
The father of Joseph and his brothers, who later becomes the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is initially skeptical of Joseph's dreams.

4. The Dream
Joseph's second dream, symbolizing his future rise to power and the eventual submission of his family to him. The imagery of celestial bodies bowing is significant in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture.

5. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family reside at this time, which is significant as the Promised Land given to Abraham and his descendants.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Dreams
Joseph's dreams were not mere fantasies but divine revelations of God's plan. This teaches us to discern and seek God's will in our lives, understanding that He can communicate in various ways.

The Role of Humility
Joseph's sharing of his dreams, though truthful, lacked humility and wisdom, leading to strife. We should learn to balance truth with grace and humility in our interactions.

Family Dynamics and Jealousy
The envy and strife among Joseph's brothers serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of jealousy. We are called to foster love and unity within our families and communities.

God's Faithfulness
Despite the immediate negative consequences of Joseph's dreams, God's faithfulness is evident as His plans unfold. This encourages us to trust in God's timing and purposes, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Joseph's dreams reflect God's sovereignty and plan for his life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we communicate our God-given visions or insights with humility and wisdom, avoiding unnecessary conflict?

3. How does the account of Joseph and his brothers illustrate the dangers of jealousy, and what steps can we take to prevent jealousy from taking root in our relationships?

4. Reflect on a time when God's plan for your life was not immediately clear. How did you see His faithfulness in hindsight, and how does this encourage you in your current circumstances?

5. How does the imagery of the sun, moon, and stars in Joseph's dream connect to other biblical passages, and what significance does this hold for understanding God's overarching account in Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37:5-8
Joseph's first dream, which also suggests his future leadership and causes further animosity from his brothers.

Genesis 42:6-9
The fulfillment of Joseph's dreams when his brothers come to Egypt and bow before him, not recognizing him as the brother they sold into slavery.

Revelation 12:1
The imagery of the sun, moon, and stars is echoed in the vision of the woman clothed with the sun, which can be seen as a symbolic representation of Israel.