Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionMalice, defined as the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to another, is vividly illustrated in the biblical narrative of Joseph and his brothers. This account, found in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound exploration of familial jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of malice. The account of Joseph and his brothers serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of harboring ill will and the potential for redemption and reconciliation. Biblical Account The account of Joseph and his brothers is primarily recorded in Genesis 37-50. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was favored by his father, which sowed seeds of jealousy and malice among his brothers. Genesis 37:3-4 states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him." Joseph's dreams further fueled the animosity. He dreamt that his brothers' sheaves of grain bowed down to his sheaf and that the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him (Genesis 37:5-11). These dreams, interpreted as Joseph's future rise to prominence, intensified his brothers' envy and malice. The Plot Against Joseph The malice of Joseph's brothers culminated in a plot to rid themselves of him. When Joseph was sent by Jacob to check on his brothers in the fields, they conspired against him. Genesis 37:18-20 recounts, "But when they saw him in the distance and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. 'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to one another. 'Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams!'" Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened to prevent Joseph's murder, suggesting instead that they throw him into a pit, 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 pieces of silver, who then took him to Egypt (Genesis 37:26-28). Deception and Consequences 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). This deception caused profound grief to Jacob, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of their malice. Resolution and Redemption Despite their malice, the narrative of Joseph and his brothers ultimately leads to a account of forgiveness and reconciliation. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Joseph rose to power in Egypt, becoming second only to Pharaoh. During a severe famine, his brothers traveled to Egypt seeking food, unknowingly coming before Joseph, who recognized them but did not reveal his identity immediately. Joseph tested his brothers to see if they had changed, and upon witnessing their remorse and transformation, he revealed himself to them. In a poignant moment of forgiveness, Joseph declared, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you" (Genesis 45:5). Theological Implications The account of Joseph and his brothers underscores the destructive nature of malice and the potential for divine providence to bring about good from evil intentions. It highlights the importance of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of deep-seated animosity. The account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the transformative power of grace and reconciliation. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 37:1And Jacob dwelled in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 42:21 Library Acts ii. 37 Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources Who was John Foxe? What is Foxe's Book of Martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |
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