What is the meaning of Genesis 37:11? And his brothers were jealous of him Genesis 37:11 opens with the plain statement, “And his brothers were jealous of him”. The narrative has just recounted Joseph’s dreams (37:5-10), dreams that unmistakably point to his future exaltation. •Jealousy here is more than a passing irritation; it mirrors the murderous envy Cain felt toward Abel (Genesis 4:4-8) and foreshadows the hostility of Saul toward David when songs of victory lifted David above the king (1 Samuel 18:8-9). •Acts 7:9 underscores that “the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt,” confirming that jealousy was the engine driving their later betrayal. •Envy consistently breeds destructive acts (James 3:14-16). What begins in the heart soon spills over into words (Genesis 37:19-20) and finally into cruel deeds (37:23-28). •The brothers’ jealousy also exposes their rejection of God’s revealed plan. Like later vineyard tenants who plotted against the heir (Mark 12:7-8), they imagine they can extinguish the dream by silencing the dreamer. but his father kept in mind what he had said The verse continues, “but his father kept in mind what he had said”. Jacob is no stranger to divine dreams (Genesis 28:12-15), and his reaction is markedly different from that of the sons. •Jacob “kept in mind” (or “kept the matter in mind”) in the same way Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” after hearing the shepherds’ report about Jesus (Luke 2:19). •By pausing rather than dismissing or opposing the revelation, Jacob positions himself to witness God’s unfolding purposes, reminiscent of how Job clung to God’s words while circumstances seemed contrary (Job 23:12). •Jacob’s quiet reflection demonstrates the wisdom of Proverbs 23:17-18—“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD, for surely there is a future...” He suspects that God is indeed speaking through Joseph, and he chooses expectancy over envy. •This posture will later bear fruit when the brothers’ actions collide with God’s sovereignty, leading Jacob to Egypt and the preservation of the family (Genesis 45:26-28; 46:2-4). summary Genesis 37:11 contrasts two heart responses to God’s revelation: the brothers’ jealous resistance and Jacob’s contemplative openness. Jealousy blinds and drives to sin, while thoughtful faith waits to see how the Lord will fulfill His word. |
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