"And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh."
This verse is part of the story of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (also known as Israel). Joseph was favored by his father, which caused jealousy and resentment among his brothers. In this particular passage, Joseph’s brothers are plotting against him.
Context:To fully understand this verse, it’s important to consider the broader context of the story. In Genesis 37, Joseph shares two dreams with his brothers and father, indicating that they will bow down to him. These dreams further intensify the envy his brothers feel toward him.
Joseph as the "Dreamer":The phrase "Behold, this dreamer cometh" is a sarcastic remark made by Joseph’s brothers. They use it to mock Joseph and belittle him for sharing his dreams, considering them as the product of his imagination or arrogance. The term "dreamer" is used derisively, indicating their disdain for Joseph’s dreams and his favored position.
Symbolism of Dreams:Dreams play a significant role throughout the narrative of Joseph’s life. In this case, his dreams foreshadow his future rise to power and influence in Egypt, where his brothers eventually bow down to him. However, at this early stage in the story, his brothers fail to recognize the significance of the dreams and instead view Joseph as an arrogant dreamer.
Conflict and Jealousy:The verse highlights the deep animosity and jealousy Joseph’s brothers harbor towards him. Their envy stems from both their father’s favoritism and the potential implications of Joseph’s dreams. The brothers feel threatened by the idea of Joseph ruling over them, leading to their plot to get rid of him.
God’s Providence:While this verse focuses on the negative actions of Joseph’s brothers, the story of Joseph ultimately reveals God’s providence and His ability to work through challenging circumstances. Joseph’s dreams come to pass, but it is through a long and difficult journey involving betrayal, slavery, imprisonment, and eventual redemption. God uses these events to shape Joseph’s character and fulfill His purposes.
Application:The story of Joseph and his brothers provides several lessons and applications for our lives:
- Humility and God’s Sovereignty:We should approach our own dreams, visions, or aspirations with humility, recognizing that it is God who guides and fulfills His plans for our lives. We should be careful not to boast or act arrogantly but trust in God’s sovereignty.
- Dealing with Envy:Envy can poison relationships and lead to harmful actions. It is essential to guard our hearts against jealousy and instead seek contentment in God’s blessings and His unique plan for each person’s life.
- Trusting God’s Providence:Even in challenging circumstances, we can trust that God is working out His purposes. Joseph’s story reminds us that God can bring good out of difficult situations and use them for our growth, development, and the accomplishment of His plans.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation:Later in the story, Joseph forgives his brothers and reconciles with them. This demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the opportunity for restoration in broken relationships.
Remember, this study is just a brief exploration of Genesis 37:19, and there are many more valuable insights and applications that can be drawn from this passage.
