Genesis 37:15
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou?
Genesis 37:15 (KJV)
Context
Genesis 37:15 is part of the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was favoured by his father and had dreams that indicated he would have authority over his brothers. This caused jealousy and animosity among his siblings, leading to a pivotal moment in Joseph’s life.
In this verse, Joseph is described as wandering in the field. At this point, his brothers had gone to Shechem to graze their father’s flocks. Joseph was sent by his father to check on them and bring back a report (Genesis 37:12-14). However, when he arrived in Shechem, he could not find his brothers there, so he continued wandering in the field.
Meaning
The man who found Joseph is later identified as the angel of the Lord (Genesis 37:17). He did not immediately reveal his identity but engaged Joseph in conversation, guiding him to his brothers in Dothan. This encounter illustrates God’s providential care and guidance in the midst of confusion and uncertainty.
The man’s question, “What seekest thou?” invites self-examination of one’s desires and motives. It prompts Joseph to reflect on his purpose and intentions. Likewise, it prompts us to examine our own motives and intentions. When we face challenges or find ourselves in uncertain situations, we should ask ourselves if our desires align with God’s will and if we are seeking Him above all else.
Biblical connections
This verse underscores the biblical theme that God is sovereign over human affairs and directs the steps of His people, even when they are lost or uncertain. The encounter with the man in the field serves as a reminder that God often provides guidance through ordinary means and unexpected encounters. This aligns with the biblical call to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
God’s plan extended beyond Joseph’s current circumstances, and His guidance was instrumental in fulfilling that plan. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and He is able to work all things together for good for those who trust in Him (Romans 8:28).
Application
Seek God’s guidance: When we find ourselves in challenging or uncertain situations, we should seek God’s guidance through prayer and reading His Word. He is always available to guide us.
Reflect on our motives: The question, “What seekest thou?” encourages us to examine our desires and align them with God’s will. It reminds us to seek Him above all else.
Trust God’s providence: Even in times of wandering and confusion, trust that God is working behind the scenes and has a purpose for your life. He can use every situation to fulfill His plans.
Reflection
Joseph’s wandering in the field before encountering the man serves as a metaphor for the times in our lives when we may feel directionless or uncertain. However, even in those moments, God is present and working behind the scenes. He uses these times of wandering to teach us, mould us, and ultimately lead us to His purpose for our lives. Joseph’s wandering led him to be reunited with his brothers and eventually played a crucial role in God’s plan for his life.
This encounter is just one piece of the larger narrative of Joseph’s life. God had a greater purpose in store for him—to save his family and the people of Egypt from a severe famine. The narrative encourages trust in God’s providence, knowing that He can use every situation to accomplish His plans. It also highlights the importance of persistence and perseverance in seeking God’s purpose, even when the path is unclear.
