Topical Bible: Jealousy: Joseph's Brothers, of Joseph

◄ Jealousy: Joseph's Brothers, of Joseph ►

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Introduction

Jealousy is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a destructive force that leads to sin and discord. One of the most illustrative examples of jealousy is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. This narrative highlights the deep-seated envy that Joseph's brothers harbored against him, which ultimately led to a series of events that would shape the history of Israel.

Biblical Context

The account of Joseph and his brothers is found in Genesis 37-50. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was favored by his father above his brothers. This favoritism was symbolized by the "robe of many colors" that Jacob gave to Joseph, an act that exacerbated the brothers' jealousy (Genesis 37:3). Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence and his family's subservience to him, further fueled their envy and animosity (Genesis 37:5-11).

The Nature of Jealousy

Jealousy, as depicted in this narrative, is a powerful and destructive emotion. It is rooted in the brothers' perception of inequality and favoritism, which leads to resentment and bitterness. The brothers' jealousy blinds them to the familial bond they share with Joseph and drives them to contemplate and commit grievous acts against him.

The Brothers' Actions

The jealousy of Joseph's brothers culminates in a plot to rid themselves of him. Initially, they conspire to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, intervenes, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). However, when an opportunity arises, the brothers sell Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver, effectively removing him from their lives (Genesis 37:28). They then deceive their father, Jacob, by dipping Joseph's robe in goat's blood, leading him to believe that Joseph has been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33).

Consequences of Jealousy

The jealousy of Joseph's brothers sets off a chain of events that have far-reaching consequences. While their actions are intended to harm Joseph, they inadvertently set the stage for God's providential plan. Joseph's journey to Egypt, his rise to power, and his eventual reconciliation with his brothers demonstrate how God can use even the sinful actions of individuals to fulfill His purposes.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Joseph and his brothers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty. It underscores the destructive nature of envy and the way it can lead individuals to act against their own family and moral principles. At the same time, it highlights God's ability to redeem and transform even the most dire situations for His glory and the good of His people.

Conclusion

The account of Joseph and his brothers is a profound exploration of human emotions and divine providence. It serves as a reminder of the perils of jealousy and the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiveness. Through this narrative, believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan and to guard their hearts against the corrosive effects of envy.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 37:4-11,18-28
And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Children's Bible
... JOSEPH'S FORGIVENESS OF HIS BROTHERS. JOSEPH'S LOYALTY TO HIS FAMILY. THE BOYHOOD
AND TRAINING OF MOSES. ... SAUL'S MEAN JEALOUSY. JONATHAN'S LOVE FOR DAVID. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... The first was, that while the brothers were all in ... It may seem strange that Joseph
should relate any thing ... what he did hot know, that their jealousy and enmity ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... To the hatred of v.8 jealousy or envy is now added ... strong encouragement of the double
dream; the sparing of Joseph's life when his brothers had determined ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... of his Rachel had led to the brothers' hatred, though ... is a miserable story of ignoble
jealousy and cruel ... These crimes and this 'affliction of Joseph' were the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

Genesis
... his death and funeral honours, l.1-14, Joseph's magnanimous forgiveness of his brothers,
and his ... which in J is due to Sarah's jealousy (xvi.), in E ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

Questions.
... What had been the doctrine of Joseph? ... 6. Who fostered the ill-will between the brothers? ...
What crimes did Herod's jealousy of the royal line lead him to commit? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... I am jealous over you with godly jealousy." Be not ... was consigned to servitude under
his brothers Shem and ... stolen and afterwards sold as a slave, as was Joseph. ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Thus Paul, "haling men and women, committing them to prison" (Acts 8:3). And thus
Joseph's master committed all his prisoners to him, to his custody, to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Holy War,
... councilmen, and others; as bailiffs, sergeants, constables, and others; but all
of them like to those afore-named, being either fathers, brothers, cousins, or ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm