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 him in a ditch.  Reuben is crafty and tries to dissuade his brothers from killing Joseph.  He wants to reunite Joseph with their father.  Has Reuben thought through the reaction of his brothers if he did that?  Does he care?  Is he the only one with a conscience? 

Judah, the fourth oldest of brothers, who will be the name sake of the Southern Kingdom after the kingdom of Israel splits apart, offers a supposedly reasonable compromise – sell their brother into slavery.  It’s interesting that they sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites – a reference to Ishmael, the son of Abraham to Hagar, who is driven out of the household by Sarah out of jealously.  Family dysfunction is a key theme in Scripture.  

Also of note is that Joseph is sold for 20 pieces of silver, given to his 11 brothers.  When we get to the New Testament, Jesus is handed over for 30 pieces of silver, given to one of his twelve disciples.  

Finally we get to the part of the story where Joseph forgives his brothers.  His brothers continue to live in fear and hatred – still scheming and trying to protect themselves.  They have not learned.  Fear and hatred are too consuming and keep people in bondage.  While Joseph, the one who is the victim of his brothers ends up free.  And frees them of their own bondage to fear and hatred.  At the end of the story, we hear that Joseph speaks kindly to his brothers – another contrast with how they spoke with him earlier.  The contrast of Joseph and his brothers could not be starker.  

Questions for Reflection:

• Reflection on your own family background.  What were the challenges you faced?  What dysfunctions were in your family?  How did you face them and grow as a result?
• Scripture tells us many stories of dysfunctional families.  How is this comforting?  What Good News can we take from these stories? 
• Fear and hatred hold us in bondage.  Peace and forgiveness free us.  Where have you experienced both of these ways in your life?  And what did you learn from them?