Genesis 37:14-15 So he said to him, “Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.” Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. When Joseph arrived at Shechem, a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, “What are you looking for?”
Joseph is annoying. He’s the favorite, he doesn’t have to work as hard as his brothers, AND he tattles to daddy when the work of the brothers isn’t up to snuff. I absolutely get the brothers being annoyed. HOWEVER, the brothers’ solution in verse 18 is to KILL Joseph. That seems extreme.
Genesis 37:16 He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?”
It seems so extreme that it’s got me wondering if it were included in this story in this way precisely so that we would pay attention. Murder? That seems like a lot. Why do the brothers react so strongly? What can we, what should we learn about God and His ways from this extreme behavior?
Genesis 37:17 “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan.
Precious Savior, I honestly have no idea if I get it right when I dig into Your word, but You know my heart. You know that I earnestly seek to draw closer to You through my studies. Thank You for the ability to ask questions, to pay attention, looking for Your wisdom as I read Your Word. Thank You. Amen.
Genesis 37:18 But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
Have a blessed day.