Meaning of Genesis 37:20

This verse reveals the depth of animosity and envy harbored by Joseph's brothers, culminating in a plot to murder him and conceal their crime. Their motivation stems from Jacob's favoritism, evidenced by the "coat of many colors" and Joseph's prophetic dreams, which the brothers interpreted as a sign of his intended future dominion over them. The proposal to dispose of Joseph and fabricate a story about a wild animal highlights their desperate attempt to remove him from their lives and, more importantly, to thwart what they perceived as his arrogant aspirations, thereby preserving their own perceived status and power within the family. This act marks a significant turning point, initiating Joseph's descent into hardship but also setting in motion the divine plan for his elevation and the salvation of his family.

Context and Background

The narrative unfolds within the patriarchal history of Israel, specifically during the life of Jacob. Jacob, having favored Joseph over his other sons, bestowed upon him a special garment, a symbol of his unique position. This favoritism bred resentment among the brothers, which was exacerbated when Joseph recounted two dreams where his family bowed down to him. The brothers' reaction was one of anger and jealousy, leading them to plot against him. When Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers in Dothan, they saw their opportunity. Reuben, though later intervening to save Joseph's life from immediate death, was absent when this specific plot was hatched by the others, particularly Judah, who suggested selling Joseph into slavery rather than outright murder.

Key Themes and Messages

• Envy and Jealousy: The primary driving force behind the brothers' actions is their intense envy of Joseph. His gifts, his dreams, and his father's favoritism all fuel their malice.
• Rejection and Betrayal: Joseph, the beloved son, is brutally rejected and betrayed by his own kin. This theme of rejection by those closest to us is a recurring motif in Scripture.
• Divine Providence: Despite the brothers' wicked intentions, God's hand is subtly at work. Their plan to dispose of Joseph ultimately leads to his survival and eventual rise to power, fulfilling his dreams in a way they could not have imagined.
• The Peril of Favoritism: Jacob's partiality towards Joseph, while perhaps unintentional in its severity, sowed seeds of discord that had devastating consequences.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the human tendency towards sin, particularly the destructive power of envy and hatred. It demonstrates how unchecked negative emotions can lead to heinous actions. Spiritually, it foreshadows the rejection of Jesus by his own people, who envied his relationship with God and his authority. For individuals, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of controlling one's emotions, fostering healthy relationships, and recognizing the dangers of favoritism. It also highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for God to bring good out of the most dire circumstances.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Genesis 37:20 is a pivotal moment that propels the Joseph narrative forward, setting the stage for his enslavement in Egypt. This enslavement, in turn, is crucial for the survival of the Israelite people during a future famine, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. The story of Joseph's suffering and subsequent exaltation is a powerful allegory for the suffering and eventual triumph of God's chosen people, and ultimately, for Christ himself. His experience of betrayal, unjust suffering, and eventual vindication mirrors the larger redemptive arc of biblical history.

Analogies

The brothers' plot can be likened to a group of colleagues who, consumed by jealousy over a coworker's success, conspire to sabotage their career, hoping to see them fired and forgotten. Or, imagine a group of heirs who, resentful of a parent's favor toward one child, plot to disinherit that child. The underlying motive is the same: to eliminate a perceived threat to their own status or advantage.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 37:4: "When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him." This verse directly establishes the foundation of the brothers' hatred.
• Genesis 37:21-22: "When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. 'Let's not take his life!' he said. 'Blood is not to be shed! Throw him into this cistern here in the desert, but don't lay a hand on him.' Reuben said this to rescue him from them and lead him back to his father." This shows the initial, albeit incomplete, attempt to mitigate the evil, highlighting internal conflict even among the perpetrators.
• Acts 7:9: Stephen recounts this history, stating, "The patriarchs were jealous of Joseph and sold him as a slave to Egypt. But God was with him." This New Testament reference underscores the divine oversight even in the face of human wickedness.
• Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This overarching theological principle is exemplified in Joseph's life, as his suffering ultimately led to the preservation of his family and the fulfillment of God's plan.