Topical Bible: Jacob: His Grief Over the Loss of Joseph

◄ Jacob: His Grief Over the Loss of Joseph ►

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Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelite tribes, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life is marked by numerous trials and triumphs, but one of the most poignant episodes is his profound grief over the loss of his beloved son, Joseph.

Background

Jacob, also known as Israel, was the father of twelve sons who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph, the firstborn son of Jacob's favored wife Rachel, held a special place in Jacob's heart. This favoritism was symbolized by the "robe of many colors" that Jacob gave to Joseph, which incited jealousy and animosity among his brothers (Genesis 37:3).

The Deception

The narrative of Joseph's apparent demise begins with his brothers' growing resentment, which culminates in their decision to sell him into slavery. To conceal their actions, they devised a plan to deceive their father. They took Joseph's distinctive robe, dipped it in goat's blood, and presented it to Jacob, leading him to believe that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal.

Jacob's Grief

Upon seeing the bloodied robe, Jacob's grief was immediate and overwhelming. Genesis 37:34-35 describes his reaction: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. 'No,' he said, 'I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.' So his father wept for him."

Jacob's mourning was profound, reflecting the depth of his love for Joseph and the despair of believing he had lost him forever. His refusal to be comforted indicates the intensity of his sorrow, as he anticipated a lifetime of grief, expecting to carry his mourning to the grave.

Theological Implications

Jacob's grief over Joseph is not merely a personal tragedy but also a significant moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Despite Jacob's despair, God's providence was at work. Joseph's journey to Egypt, though initiated by betrayal and deceit, would eventually lead to the preservation of Jacob's family during a severe famine. This narrative underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of human suffering and loss.

Legacy

Jacob's grief is a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child and serves as a reminder of the human capacity for deep emotional pain. His account resonates with those who have experienced loss, offering a biblical perspective on mourning and the hope of eventual restoration. Jacob's eventual reunion with Joseph, orchestrated by divine providence, highlights the possibility of redemption and reconciliation, even after the darkest of times.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 37:34,35
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
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Library

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... Jacob might have felt that bitterness, as he looked round ... he had brewed; and the
heart-broken grief which darkened ... years had sprung from seed of his own sowing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... as he was bidden, the sons of Jacob, knowing nothing of ... us together with him, as
partners of his crime,"for ... to be reserved to kill ourselves for grief of our ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

Chapter xlii
... grief rests there in eternal shadowy grief," and cites ... under the shadow of doubt,
and his word hardly ... Jacob, therefore expresses only this thought: My last days ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

Chapter xxxv
... a monument to a godly servant whose loss was deeply ... it is proper to mention his death,
though ... Strange to say, Isaac lived to witness Jacob's grief over Joseph. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Those Things which are Generally Looked on as Good are Mostly ...
... which are accounted terrible as regards the grief they cause ... the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob"? ... what was even worse than this, his daughter's incestuous ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v those things which.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... a monument to a godly servant whose loss was deeply ... it is proper to mention his death,
though ... Strange to say, Isaac lived to witness Jacob's grief over Joseph. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... xxxii.); the death of Bilhah and Dinah for grief at the loss of ... the name Esau"Art
thou my very son?" and his answer, "I am thy son""clears Jacob from a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... Passionate grief and despairing murmurs he had felt and flung ... man's religion is his
conviction that God is his. Jacob will not be content with thinking of God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... and say, Here I am' (Isaiah 58:9). When Jacob wept, then ... such that it swallowed up
the loss of his two children ... Spiritual grief must preponderate over all other ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Jacob, his care of Laban's sheep, [1379]354 ... command over created things, [1607]411;
his righteousness availed ... mother at Antioch, [1610]453; grief often relieves ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm