Topical Bible: Deceit: Joseph's Brothers

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The narrative of Joseph and his brothers, found in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound exploration of deceit and its consequences within a family dynamic. This account is pivotal in understanding the themes of betrayal, guilt, and eventual redemption in the biblical context.

Background

Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was favored by his father, which incited jealousy among his brothers. Jacob's preferential treatment of Joseph, symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3), exacerbated the brothers' animosity. Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, further fueled their envy and resentment.

The Act of Deceit

The brothers' deceitful actions are recorded in Genesis 37. Driven by jealousy, they conspired to rid themselves of Joseph. Initially plotting to kill him, they ultimately decided to sell him into slavery. They stripped Joseph of his robe and cast him into a pit, later selling him to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28).

To conceal their treachery, the brothers engaged in a calculated act of deceit against their father, Jacob. They slaughtered a goat and dipped Joseph's robe in its blood, presenting it to Jacob with the implication that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal. "We found this," they said. "Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not" (Genesis 37:32). This deception plunged Jacob into profound grief, believing his beloved son was dead.

Consequences and Guilt

The deceit of Joseph's brothers had far-reaching consequences. Their actions not only caused immense sorrow to their father but also set in motion a series of events that would lead to their own moral and spiritual reckoning. The guilt of their betrayal lingered, as evidenced in later chapters when they faced Joseph in Egypt, unknowingly, during a time of famine. Their conscience was pricked, and they attributed their misfortunes to their past sin against Joseph: "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us" (Genesis 42:21).

Joseph's Response

Despite the deceit and betrayal, Joseph's response was marked by forgiveness and reconciliation. When he revealed his identity to his brothers, he reassured them, saying, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you" (Genesis 45:5). Joseph recognized the providential hand of God in the events, transforming their deceit into a means of deliverance for the family and the broader region during the famine.

Theological Implications

The account of Joseph and his brothers underscores the destructive nature of deceit and the potential for divine redemption. It illustrates how God can work through human sinfulness to achieve His purposes, turning what was meant for evil into good (Genesis 50:20). This narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, the power of forgiveness, and the sovereignty of God in the lives of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 37:31,32
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Growth by Transplanting
... He had promised his brothers a home in that ... to pastoral life, and its vicinity to
Joseph when in ... because used for unselfish purposes and unstained by deceit. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/growth by transplanting.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... vexation over their treatment of their brother Joseph and over ... if the lad was less
robust than his brothers. ... But Judah is using deceit in counselling Tamar to ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Chapter xxxiii
... delightful reconciliation takes place between brothers long estranged ... children and
Rachel last with Joseph, who, as ... Jacob's deceit in the matter of the blessing ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

Questions.
... 23. What had been the doctrine of Joseph? 24. ... LESSON XXVII. 1. Who were the two brothers
who reigned together? ... 2. What deceit was practised upon the people? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

The Holy War,
... they came about, or whether to assault it with words and ways of deceit. ... 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

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... True, some of his relations, as he, are gone to their place and long home, but
thousands of thousands are left behind; as brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their ... women,
committing them to prison" (Acts 8:3). And thus Joseph's master committed ...
/.../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