It was around 1727 B.C. when we read about Joseph and his triumphs over fear. There were many times over long periods when Joseph could have given up. Looking back to his youth, around seventeen years old (Genesis 37:1), we notice his brothers—sons of Bilhah and sons of Zilpah, who were from his father’s wives and servants. This expanded family was accepted during that time period, and God allowed it.
We read that Israel (Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel) learned that Joseph’s brothers were ‘acting up’ and doing things their father would not approve of. Joseph told on them, and they did not like it. This was just one reason for their resentment toward him—he was truthful. Some might say, ‘he’s a mama’s boy.’ Some Bible students might already be familiar with this family account of Joseph and his brethren.
Jacob, unintentionally worsening the situation, favored Joseph. Why? Because Joseph was born in Jacob’s old age. This favoritism only fueled animosity among his brothers. Jacob made matters worse by giving Joseph a ‘coat of many colors.’ This coat was not just any garment—it symbolized priestly and royal status, worn only by the chief and the heir. Jacob openly expressed his favoritism, and this ‘coat’ became a visible symbol of it. His brothers could see their father loved him more, leading to growing resentment and hostility.
As you may know, Joseph was an interpreter of dreams. This later became evident in his encounters with the baker and the butler. However, in his youthful enthusiasm, he made a mistake—he shared his dreams. One dream depicted his brothers’ sheaves bowing to his. This enraged them, as they could not accept the idea of him ruling over them. Even Jacob was not entirely pleased with Joseph’s dreams. Jacob failed to recognize the increasing hostility toward Joseph, perhaps because he did not believe their resentment would escalate beyond anger.
But as Joseph sought out his brothers at his father’s request, they saw him approaching and mocked, ‘Here comes that dreamer.’ This reminds us of Cain and Abel—Cain, jealous of Abel, chose to vent his rage through murder instead of repentance. Similarly, Joseph’s brothers sought to harm him. Judah and Reuben tried to prevent the worst, but divine intervention was ultimately at play. God had assured Joseph, ‘I will be with you.’
This divine plan was reaffirmed in Genesis 46:1-4, where Jacob learns not to fear going to Egypt because Joseph would be there to care for him. Imagine Jacob’s relief—this is the same Jacob who had deceived Esau out of his birthright, who had lost his favorite son to what he believed was death. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and imprisoned for thirteen years, remained faithful and fearless.
His brothers had abandoned him to die in a pit, deceiving their father by staining his robe with a kid’s blood. Yet, their consciences remained unshaken. Years later, during a famine, they journeyed to Egypt for aid, unaware that Joseph, now Pharaoh’s governor, controlled the food supply. When they discovered his true identity, they were overcome with shock and guilt.
Joseph’s words of forgiveness are profound: ‘Do not be distressed. You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good—to save many lives.’ They had sought to eliminate him, yet he became their savior. God had used their cruelty to accomplish His greater plan.
We do not always understand God’s ways, but we can trust that He works all things together for His purpose.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, LA 90043.
Phone: 323-293-9826
Website: www.todaysfreshstart.org
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Ref.: The Holy Bible, Genesis Chapters 37 & 39
Don’t stop praying and hoping. ‘Today is another great day to do good and to be successful.’
