Topical Bible: Brother: Joseph's, for his Brethren

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Introduction:
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in relation to his brothers. His account, primarily found in the Book of Genesis, illustrates themes of familial conflict, divine providence, and reconciliation. Joseph's relationship with his brothers is marked by jealousy, betrayal, and eventual forgiveness, serving as a profound narrative of God's sovereignty and grace.

Jealousy and Betrayal:
Joseph's relationship with his brothers was strained from the beginning due to Jacob's favoritism. Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, as evidenced by the "robe of many colors" he gave him (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph's dreams that foretold his future prominence over his family (Genesis 37:5-11), fueled his brothers' jealousy and hatred.

The animosity reached its peak when Joseph's brothers conspired to kill him. Reuben, the eldest, intervened, suggesting they throw Joseph into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). However, while Reuben was absent, the brothers sold Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver, who then took him to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Joseph in Egypt:
In Egypt, Joseph's life took a dramatic turn. Despite being sold into slavery, he rose to prominence in Potiphar's house, only to be falsely accused and imprisoned (Genesis 39:1-20). Yet, even in prison, God's favor was upon him, and he eventually interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, leading to his appointment as second-in-command over Egypt (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reconciliation:
The famine that Joseph had predicted brought his brothers to Egypt in search of grain. Unbeknownst to them, the brother they had betrayed was now the powerful governor they stood before (Genesis 42:6-8). Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. He tested their character and repentance through a series of interactions, including the demand to bring Benjamin, the youngest brother, to Egypt (Genesis 42:14-20).

Joseph's emotional revelation to his brothers is a pivotal moment in the narrative. He declared, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!" (Genesis 45:4). Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph comforted them, attributing the events to God's providential plan to preserve life: "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God" (Genesis 45:8).

Forgiveness and Restoration:
Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers is a testament to his faith and understanding of God's sovereignty. He reassured them, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph's actions exemplify the biblical principles of forgiveness and reconciliation, reflecting the heart of God towards His people.

Legacy:
The account of Joseph and his brothers is a powerful narrative of redemption and divine purpose. It underscores the themes of forgiveness, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the transformation of hearts. Joseph's journey from betrayal to reconciliation with his brothers serves as a profound example of God's ability to bring good out of human intentions for evil, ultimately pointing to the greater redemption found in Christ.

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Genesis 43:30-34
And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn on his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.
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Genesis 45:1-5
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
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Genesis 50:19-25
And Joseph said to them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
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Library

Joseph and his Brethren
... Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren;
for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him. And ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

How Joseph was Thus Sold by his Brethren into Egypt, by Reason of ...
... He begged of them, therefore, not to kill their brother with their ... Gilead to the
Egyptians, after Rubel was gone, advised his brethren to draw Joseph out of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how joseph was.htm

Joseph and his Brethren.
... JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN. How ... truth. Joseph had one younger and ten elder
brothers. The name of the younger brother was Benjamin. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joseph and his brethren.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... for the deliverance of his brother, cast himself down at Joseph's feet, and earnestly
labored to assuage and pacify his anger. All his brethren also fell down ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

How Antipater is Hated of all Men; and How the King Espouses the ...
... orphans; how great affection the Jews bare to those brethren of his ... Malthace, the
Samaritan, as was his daughter Olympias, which his brother Joseph's [43] son ...
/.../chapter 28 how antipater is.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... his father was coming, for Judas his brother was come ... at this unexpected and great
joy; however, Joseph revived him ... he himself took five of his brethren with him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning
... do not call themselves his brethren, but his slaves, as ... their hearts were as untouched
by Joseph's years of ... Our Brother, against whom we have sinned, wants love ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a calm evening promising a.htm

Recognition and Reconciliation
... not answer' and 'were troubled at his presence.' They ... a ruler; they had found the
ruler their brother. ... would remember the severity of Joseph's past intercourse ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... that stood by to withdraw them, and when all men were gone out sauf he and his brethren,
he began to say to them weeping: I am Joseph your brother, liveth yet ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

How Joseph, the Youngest of Jacob's Sons, was Envied by his ...
... dreams and not as one that was a brother, with whom ... in great fear about them, he
sent Joseph to the flocks, to learn the circumstances his brethren were in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how joseph the.htm