What is the meaning of Genesis 37:20? Come now • “Come now” (Genesis 37:20) signals an urgent call to action. The brothers move from grumbling (Genesis 37:4) to plotting. • This moment mirrors Psalm 36:4—“He plots trouble on his bed; he sets himself on a path that is not good.” • James 1:14-15 reminds us that unchecked desire quickly conceives sin and brings forth death. Jealousy that began in their hearts has reached the tipping point. let us kill him • Premeditated murder is on their lips, breaking the sixth commandment (Exodus 20:13). • The trajectory echoes Cain’s envy and violence toward Abel (Genesis 4:8; 1 John 3:12). • What seems like a hopeless end for Joseph will become the very means God uses to preserve life (Genesis 50:20), proving His sovereign hand even when human intent is evil. and throw him into one of the pits • Disposing of the body is meant to erase evidence and distance them from guilt. • Similar pits (dry cisterns) were used against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:6) and later by enemies of Daniel (Daniel 6:16). • Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns, “He who digs a pit may fall into it,” hinting at the poetic justice still ahead: the brothers will face their own “pit” of famine-driven desperation. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him • A calculated lie offsets murderous intent with plausible deniability. • Their scheme violates the command against false witness (Exodus 20:16). • Ironically, they echo their father Jacob’s earlier deception with goatskins (Genesis 27:16-18). Galatians 6:7 rings true: “God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams! • The dreams in question—sheaves bowing, stars bowing (Genesis 37:5-11)—are God-given previews of Joseph’s future authority. • By attacking the dreamer, the brothers think they can silence the dream, yet their very plot propels Joseph toward Egypt where the dreams will be fulfilled (Genesis 42:6). • Psalm 2:1-4 captures the futility of resisting divine purpose: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Job 42:2 affirms, “No purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Romans 8:28 assures that God works all things—even betrayal—for good to those who love Him. summary Genesis 37:20 lays bare the jealousy, violence, deceit, and unbelief festering in Joseph’s brothers. Each phrase tracks their descent from envy to murderous conspiracy, yet every step ultimately advances God’s redemptive plan. Human sin cannot annul divine promise; instead, the Sovereign Lord turns wicked schemes into the very pathways that accomplish His foreordained good. |
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