Topical Bible: Conspiracy: Joseph's Brother, Against Joseph

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Background and Context

The conspiracy against Joseph by his brothers is a pivotal narrative found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was favored by his father, which sowed seeds of jealousy and resentment among his brothers. This favoritism was symbolized by the "richly ornamented robe" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave to Joseph, setting the stage for the ensuing conspiracy.

The Nature of the Conspiracy

The conspiracy unfolds in Genesis 37. Joseph's brothers, driven by envy and hatred, plotted to rid themselves of him. Their animosity was further fueled by Joseph's dreams, which suggested that he would one day rule over them (Genesis 37:5-11). The brothers' initial plan was to kill Joseph and throw him into a cistern, fabricating a account that a wild animal had devoured him (Genesis 37:18-20).

Reuben's Intervention

Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened with the intention of rescuing Joseph later. He suggested that they should not shed blood but instead throw Joseph into a cistern in the wilderness (Genesis 37:21-22). Reuben's plan was to return and rescue Joseph, restoring him to their father.

The Sale to the Ishmaelites

While Reuben was absent, Judah proposed a different plan: to sell Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites traveling to Egypt. This plan was motivated by a desire to profit from the situation while avoiding the guilt of fratricide (Genesis 37:26-27). The brothers agreed, and Joseph was sold for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28).

Deception of Jacob

To conceal their actions, the brothers dipped Joseph's robe in goat's blood and presented it to Jacob, leading him to believe that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). Jacob mourned deeply for his son, refusing to be comforted (Genesis 37:34-35).

Theological Implications

The conspiracy against Joseph is a profound narrative illustrating themes of sin, jealousy, and divine providence. Despite the brothers' malicious intent, God's sovereign plan was at work. Joseph's journey to Egypt set the stage for the preservation of the Israelite family during a future famine, as Joseph would rise to a position of power in Egypt and ultimately reconcile with his brothers (Genesis 45:4-8).

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral perspective, the conspiracy highlights the destructive nature of envy and the consequences of deceit. The brothers' actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing jealousy to fester and lead to sin. The narrative also underscores the importance of repentance and forgiveness, as seen in the eventual reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers.

Legacy and Influence

The account of Joseph and his brothers has had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian thought, serving as a testament to God's ability to bring good out of evil circumstances. It is frequently cited in discussions of divine providence, forgiveness, and the moral complexities of human relationships.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 37:18-20
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Conferences of John Cassian
... How it is that, if our brother has any grudge against us ... How friendships entered
upon by conspiracy cannot be lasting ones ... The Second Conference of Abbot Joseph. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cassian/the conferences of john cassian/

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Took The Government After His Brother Judas; And. ... About Aristobulus; As Also Concerning
Joseph And Mariamne. ... Of Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy Against Herod, For ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Acts iv. 36, 37
... Remember Joseph's brothers; they had sold their brother ... We are verily guilty concerning
our brother." (Genesis 42 ... It was a deliberate conspiracy for this purpose ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

Chapter xxvi
... fact, up to this point there was a double conspiracy afoot ... own sons in the case of
the sale of Joseph and the ... are not far off; then will I kill my brother Jacob ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... prison" (Acts 8:3). And thus Joseph's master committed ... In Absalom's conspiracy against
his father, there were two ... see that evil hath taken their brother by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Holy War,
... and would fasten upon father, mother, brother, yea, upon ... I saw the mounts cast up
against the town ... of the treason, horrid rebellion, and conspiracy that they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm