Topical Bible: Hypocrisy: Jacob's Sons, in Deceiving Their Father Concerning Joseph

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Background and Context

The account of Jacob's sons deceiving their father concerning the fate of their brother Joseph is a poignant example of hypocrisy in the biblical narrative. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 37. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was envied by his brothers due to his father's preferential treatment and his own dreams, which suggested he would one day rule over them.

The Deception

Driven by jealousy and resentment, Joseph's brothers conspired to rid themselves of him. Initially, they plotted to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, intervened, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later. However, while Reuben was absent, the brothers sold Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt. To conceal their actions, they resorted to deceit.

The brothers took Joseph's distinctive robe, dipped it in goat's blood, and presented it to their father, Jacob, feigning ignorance of Joseph's whereabouts. They asked, "We found this; examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not" (Genesis 37:32). Their hypocrisy is evident in their pretense of concern and innocence, while in reality, they were the architects of Joseph's disappearance.

Jacob's Grief

Jacob, upon seeing the bloodied robe, concluded that a wild animal had devoured Joseph. His grief was profound and inconsolable. "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days" (Genesis 37:34). The brothers' hypocrisy not only deceived their father but also caused him immense emotional suffering.

Moral and Theological Implications

The hypocrisy of Jacob's sons highlights several moral and theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the destructive power of envy and favoritism within a family. The brothers' actions were fueled by their jealousy of Joseph, exacerbated by Jacob's overt favoritism. Secondly, the narrative illustrates the deceitfulness of sin. The brothers' hypocrisy was a deliberate attempt to cover their wrongdoing, demonstrating how sin often leads to further sin.

From a theological perspective, this account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and providence. Despite the brothers' sinful actions, God used their deceit to fulfill His greater plan for Joseph and the nation of Israel. Joseph's eventual rise to power in Egypt and his role in preserving his family during a famine reveal God's ability to bring good out of human evil.

Conclusion

The account of Jacob's sons deceiving their father is a sobering example of hypocrisy in the Bible. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of envy, deceit, and the failure to uphold truth and integrity. Through this narrative, believers are reminded of the importance of honesty and the assurance that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, even amidst human failings.

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Genesis 37:29-35
And Reuben returned to the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
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The Pilgrim's Progress
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