Joseph (2)

v.13 Jacob sends him to check on his brother’s as they pastured the flocks, like in v.2.

Joseph had become trusted by his father because of his faithfulness.

Notice his eager obedience to go wherever his father wants him to go. This is also what God is looking for in us, more than anything else. Are we eager to obey Him? Waiting and prepared to hear His instruction.

v.14 This was no small task. The distance from the Hebron Valley to Shechem was about 50 miles. At least 5 days on foot.

v.15-16 Joseph is faithful to the task given by his father. Not willing to just give up but continuing to pursue them so that he can fulfill the mission he was given.

v.17 Dothan was about 15 more miles north. Another day and a half journey.

v.18-19 We see now just how intense their hatred of their brother Joseph had become. They have gone from not being able to speak peaceably to him to now planning to kill him. They plan not only their murder of their brother but also how they will cover it up.

If we do not deal with our anger the results can be destructive.

The pit they are talking about is a cistern that they would carve out of the rocks to store water.

v.21-22 Although Reuben’s actions may seem noble at first glance it was more than likely for selfish reasons. As the oldest he would have been held responsible more than any of the other brothers and he most likely wanted an opportunity to make up for his past mistakes with his father.

v.25 The brothers, obviously shaken up by what they had just done to Joseph, sit down to eat a meal.

v.26 Judah suggests they should at least make a profit off of Joseph. Again far from being noble.

v.28 Joseph is sold for 20 pieces of silver as Jesus was sold for 30.

v.31-33 The sons send the robe to deceive their father. Rather than telling him what happened they allow him to come to his own conclusion.

Yet even in all these tragic circumstances God was working out His sovereign will and plan. One of the most amazing things about God is that He uses evil to accomplish His good purposes.