Stroll through Scripture for September 22, 2024

Based on Genesis 37:3–8, 17b-22, 26–34; 50:15–21

Joseph’s story, like Abraham is a key story in Scripture. And like Abraham, it is a long story, taking up many chapters of Genesis. While Abraham’s story can be considered a type of origin of faith and faithfulness story, Joseph’s story is a different type of origin story. It is a type of origin story for Israel, pre-exodus. The tribes of Israel are quite literally made from Israel’s sons, which include Joseph and his brothers. And like most families, the family dynamic has some challenges.

When we get to Genesis 37, the very beginning of the selected reading gives us a foreshadowing of the problems that this family is going to face. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children…”. Uh oh! If that doesn’t spell trouble, I don’t know what will.

As a result, there is resentment and hatred. In the first two verses of this selection we have a contrast of love and hatred. We are told that Joseph’s brothers “could not speak peaceably to him.” There is brotherly strife and conflict coming — it is almost palpable.

Given all of this, one has to wonder how aware Joseph was of his brother’s jealousy and hatred of him. Starting in vs. 5 we hear about Joseph’s dream (which doesn’t help his situation), and him telling his brothers about it. What did he think would happen in response?

In the middle of the reading we hear about his brothers’ plans — most want to kill him and throw…