How does Genesis 37:15 connect with God's providence in Genesis 50:20? Setting the scene in Shechem Genesis 37:15: “a man found him there, wandering in the field, and asked him, ‘What are you looking for?’ ” • Joseph is far from home, searching for his brothers. • A nameless man happens upon him—seemingly a minor detail. • The stranger’s information (“They have moved on from here”) redirects Joseph to Dothan, the place where his brothers will sell him to Midianite traders. A simple encounter, a sovereign setup • Scripture presents no coincidence here; the “man” becomes God’s instrument to place Joseph exactly where the divine plan requires him. • Psalm 105:17 affirms, “He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave.” God is already “sending” Joseph, and Genesis 37:15 records the first visible nudge. • Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Joseph plans; the Lord directs. From Dothan to destiny • Because Joseph leaves Shechem for Dothan, he is sold into Egypt. • In Egypt he rises to second-in-command, administrates grain during famine, and ultimately saves his family and countless others. • The path is painful—betrayal, slavery, imprisonment—yet every turn is orchestrated by God (Acts 7:9-10). Providence proclaimed in Egypt Genesis 50:20: “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.” • Joseph recognizes the divine thread that began with a stranger in a field. • Human evil (brothers’ envy) becomes the very vehicle God uses to fulfill His saving purposes. • Romans 8:28 echoes the principle: “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…” Tracing the thread • Genesis 37:15—God guides Joseph through an anonymous messenger. • Genesis 39-41—God exalts Joseph through slavery and prison. • Genesis 45:5-8—Joseph sees that God “sent” him ahead. • Genesis 50:20—Joseph declares God’s intention to save many lives. • The small detail of a man’s question links directly to the grand declaration of providence at the story’s end. Living it out • No moment is insignificant when God is writing the story of redemption. • What looks like wandering may be purposeful leading (Psalm 37:23). • God can turn others’ harmful intent into life-giving outcomes for His people. |
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