“Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.”
Context:Genesis 37 is the beginning of the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel), and his dreams. Joseph was favoured by his father, which caused jealousy among his brothers. In verse 20, his brothers are plotting to harm him due to their envy.
Jealousy and Sibling Rivalry:The verse reflects the deep-rooted jealousy and sibling rivalry within Joseph’s family. His brothers were envious of the attention and favouritism shown to him by their father. Jealousy is a destructive emotion that can lead to harmful thoughts and actions, as seen in this verse.
The Pit:The brothers’ plan was to throw Joseph into a pit, which symbolises a place of abandonment and isolation. The pit can also represent a metaphorical prison or a pitfall in life. Their intention was to get rid of Joseph and prevent his dreams from becoming a reality.
God’s Providence:Although the verse highlights the evil intentions of Joseph’s brothers, it also underscores the sovereignty of God and His ability to work even through the darkest of circumstances. God had a bigger plan for Joseph, which included his eventual rise to power in Egypt and the preservation of his family during a severe famine.
Dreams and God’s Purpose:Joseph’s dreams, which his brothers mocked, were a glimpse into God’s plan for his life. These dreams revealed that Joseph would have a position of authority and his family would bow down to him. God often uses dreams and visions to communicate His purposes, and Joseph’s dreams were no exception.
Lessons for Us:
- Avoid jealousy and envy:Jealousy can blind us to God’s blessings and lead us to hurt others. Instead, we should rejoice in the success and blessings of others.
- Trust God’s providence:Even in difficult situations, we can trust that God is in control. He can work through adversity to fulfil His plans.
- Hold onto dreams:Joseph’s dreams served as an encouragement during challenging times. Similarly, we should hold onto the dreams and promises God has given us, even when circumstances seem contrary.
Genesis 37:20 highlights the jealousy and wicked intentions of Joseph’s brothers. However, it also reveals God’s providence and His ability to work through difficult situations. The verse reminds us to guard against jealousy, trust in God’s plan, and hold onto the dreams He has given us.
