Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the moon plays a significant symbolic role in the dreams of Joseph, the son of Jacob, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. Joseph's dreams are pivotal in the unfolding of God's plan for the nation of Israel and serve as a prophetic revelation of future events concerning his family.Biblical Account Joseph's dream concerning the moon is found in Genesis 37:9-10. In this dream, Joseph sees the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him. The Berean Standard Bible records the passage as follows: "Then Joseph had another dream and told it to his brothers. 'Look,' he said, 'I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.' He told his father as well as his brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, 'What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?'" Symbolic Interpretation In Joseph's dream, the moon is commonly interpreted as representing his mother, Rachel. However, since Rachel had already passed away by the time of this dream, some scholars suggest that the moon may symbolize Leah, Jacob's other wife, or even Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant, who took on a maternal role after Rachel's death. The sun is understood to represent Jacob, Joseph's father, while the eleven stars symbolize Joseph's brothers. The dream's imagery of celestial bodies bowing to Joseph signifies the future elevation of Joseph to a position of authority and honor, which would eventually lead to his family seeking his aid during a time of famine. This dream, along with another dream involving sheaves of grain, foreshadows Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Theological Significance Joseph's dream concerning the moon and other celestial bodies underscores the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the events of history. It highlights the divine plan for Joseph's life, which, despite the trials and tribulations he faced, ultimately led to the preservation of the Israelite people. The dream serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to bring about His purposes through human circumstances. Furthermore, the dream illustrates the theme of God's revelation through dreams and visions, a recurring motif in the Scriptures. It demonstrates how God communicates His will and future plans to His chosen servants, often using symbolic language that requires discernment and interpretation. Family Dynamics and Fulfillment The reaction of Joseph's family to his dream reveals the complex dynamics within the patriarchal household. Jacob's rebuke of Joseph indicates a mixture of disbelief and concern over the implications of the dream. The brothers' jealousy and animosity towards Joseph are exacerbated by the dream, eventually leading to their betrayal and Joseph's subsequent journey to Egypt. Despite the initial skepticism and familial strife, the dream's fulfillment is realized when Joseph, as a powerful leader in Egypt, becomes the means of salvation for his family during a severe famine. The bowing of his family before him, as depicted in the dream, comes to pass when they seek his assistance, thus affirming the prophetic nature of the dream and God's providential care over His people. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 37:9And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brothers, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xxxvii The Book of Jubilees Joseph and his Brethren Providence God's Providence Joseph Attacked by the Archers Introduction. The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and ... Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Monos Resources Why didn't Jesus return during the blood-red moon of 2015? | GotQuestions.orgWill the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Unification Church? | GotQuestions.org Moon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Moon: Feast of the New Moon: Traffic at the Time of, Prohibited Moon: Joseph's Dream Concerning The Moon of Changeableness of the World The Moon of Fairness of the Church The Moon of Glory of Christ in the Church The Moon: (Becoming Blood) of Judgments The Moon: (Withdrawing Her Light) Deep Calamities The Moon: Appointed by an Ordinance for Ever The Moon: Appointed for a Light in the Firmament The Moon: Appointed for Signs and Seasons The Moon: Appointed for the Benefit of All The Moon: Appointed: To Divide Day from Night The Moon: Appointed: To Light the Earth by Night The Moon: Appointed: To Rule the Night The Moon: Called the Lesser Light The Moon: First Appearance of, a Time of Festivity The Moon: Has a Glory of Its Own The Moon: Influences Vegetation The Moon: Lunacy Attributed to the Influence of The Moon: Miracles Connected With: Signs In, Before the Destruction of Jerusalem The Moon: Miracles Connected With: Standing Still in Ajalon The Moon: Worshipped As the Queen of Heaven The Moon: Worshipping of Condemned As Atheism The Moon: Worshipping of Forbidden to the Jews The Moon: Worshipping of Jews often Guilty of The Moon: Worshipping of Jews Punished For The Moon: Worshipping of To be Punished With Death Related Terms Moon-ornaments (2 Occurrences) |
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