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Commentary on Genesis 37 verses 5–11
Here, I. Joseph relates the prophetical dreams he had, Gen 37:6, Gen 37:7, Gen 37:9, Gen 37:10. Though he was now very young (about seventeen years old), yet he was pious and devout, and well-inclined, and this fitted him for God's gracious discoveries of himself to him. Joseph had a great deal of trouble before him, and therefore God gave him betimes this prospect of his advancement, to support and comfort him under the long and grievous troubles with which he was to be exercised. Thus Christ had a joy set before him, and so have Christians. Note, God has ways of preparing his people beforehand for the trials which they cannot foresee, but which he has an eye to in the comforts with which he furnishes them. His dreams were, 1. That his brethren's sheaves all bowed to his, intimating upon what occasion they should be brought to do homage to him, namely, in seeking to him for corn; their empty sheaves should bow to his full one. 2. That the sun, and moon, and eleven stars, did obeisance to him, Gen 37:9. Joseph was more of a prophet than a politician, else he would have kept this to himself, when he could not but know that his brethren did already hate him and that this would but the more exasperate them. But, if he told it in his simplicity, yet God directed it for the mortification of his brethren. Observe, Joseph dreamed of his preferment, but he did not dream of his imprisonment. Thus many young people, when they are setting out in the world, think of nothing but prosperity and pleasure, and never dream of trouble.
II. His brethren take it very ill, and are more and more enraged against him (Gen 37:8): Shalt thou indeed reign over us? See here, 1. How truly they interpreted his dream, that he should reign over them. Those become the expositors of his dream who were enemies to the accomplishment of it, as in Gideon's story (Jdg 7:13, Jdg 7:14); they perceived that he spoke of them, Mat 21:45. The event exactly answered to this interpretation, Gen 42:6, etc. 2. How scornfully they resented it: "Shalt thou, who are but one, reign over us, who are many? Thou, who are the youngest, over us who are older?" Note, The reign and dominion of Jesus Christ, our Joseph, have been, and are, despised and striven against by a carnal and unbelieving world, who cannot endure to think that this man should reign over them. The dominion also of the upright, in the morning of the resurrection, is thought of with the utmost disdain.
III. His father gives him a gentle rebuke for it, yet observes the saying, Gen 37:10, Gen 37:11. Probably he checked him for it, to lessen the offence which his brethren would be apt to take at it; yet he took notice of it more than he seemed to do: he insinuated that it was but an idle dream, because his mother was brought in, who had been dead some time since; whereas the sun, moon, and eleven stars, signify no more than the whole family that should have a dependence upon him, and be glad to be beholden to him. Note, The faith of God's people in God's promises is often sorely shaken by their misunderstanding the promises and then suggesting the improbabilities that attend the performance; but God is doing his own work, and will do it, whether we understand him aright or no. Jacob, like Mary (Luk 2:51), kept these things in his heart, and no doubt remembered them long afterwards, when the event answered to the prediction.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 37:11 vividly portrays the escalating familial discord surrounding Joseph, highlighting his brothers' intense envy in stark contrast to Jacob's thoughtful contemplation of Joseph's prophetic dreams. This pivotal verse not only underscores the destructive potential of human sin within intimate relationships but also subtly introduces the theme of divine sovereignty, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's overarching plan through Joseph's life.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Contrast as a primary literary device, sharply juxtaposing the brothers' destructive envy with Jacob's contemplative observation. This highlights the divergent responses to divine revelation and the differing states of their hearts. The brothers' immediate, visceral reaction of envy stands in stark opposition to Jacob's more measured, patient, and discerning approach. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the future unfolding of God's plan. Jacob's act of "observing" suggests that the dreams hold a deeper, prophetic significance that will eventually come to pass, even if through difficult circumstances. This foreshadows Joseph's eventual rise to power and the fulfillment of the dreams. The dreams themselves serve as Symbolism, representing God's divine purpose and Joseph's future role, which Jacob, unlike his sons, seems to instinctively recognize as more than mere fantasy.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 37:11 profoundly illustrates the pervasive theme of human sin, particularly the destructive nature of envy, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering sovereignty. The brothers' bitter jealousy serves as a stark warning against allowing such corrosive emotions to take root, demonstrating how they can lead to profound relational breakdown and even violence. Yet, in contrast, Jacob's thoughtful observation of the dreams subtly points to a divine hand at work, suggesting that even through human malice and suffering, God's overarching plan for Joseph and his family will ultimately prevail. This tension between human sin and divine providence is a central theological thread woven throughout the biblical narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today, inviting us to examine our own hearts and trust in God's unfolding plan. Firstly, the brothers' envy serves as a potent reminder to guard diligently against the insidious nature of jealousy, which, as Proverbs 14:30 warns, "rots the bones." Cultivating contentment, practicing gratitude, and genuinely celebrating the successes of others are vital antidotes to this destructive emotion. Secondly, Jacob's response encourages us to adopt a posture of patient observation and discernment when faced with circumstances that are unclear, challenging, or even seemingly contradictory to our expectations. Like Jacob, we are called to ponder God's workings in our lives and in the world, trusting that clarity often comes through patient waiting, prayer, and reflection, rather than immediate dismissal or despair. Finally, Joseph's story, set in motion by this verse, powerfully testifies to God's sovereign ability to orchestrate His perfect will even through human evil and suffering, transforming malevolent intentions into instruments of divine grace and ultimate triumph.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "observed the saying" imply about Jacob's understanding of Joseph's dreams?
Answer: Jacob's act of "observing the saying" (Hebrew: shâmar) indicates that he did not dismiss Joseph's dreams outright, despite his initial rebuke. It suggests he carefully considered their meaning, storing them in his mind for future contemplation. While he may not have fully understood their prophetic implications at that moment, he recognized their potential significance, perhaps sensing a divine hand at play, given his own history of divine encounters and the cultural understanding of dreams as potential divine revelation. This contrasts sharply with his sons' immediate, hostile reaction, highlighting Jacob's greater spiritual maturity and discernment.
Why was the brothers' envy so destructive in this narrative?
Answer: The brothers' envy was profoundly destructive because it was not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated, festering resentment fueled by Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams. This unchecked envy led them to dehumanize Joseph, culminating in their plot to kill him and ultimately selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28). It demonstrates how envy, when allowed to take root and fester, can lead to extreme malice, break familial bonds, and result in severe consequences for all involved, illustrating the biblical principle that negative emotions, if not managed, can lead to sin and widespread destruction.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 37:11 profoundly prefigures Christ in the narrative of Joseph's rejection and eventual exaltation. Joseph, envied and rejected by his own brothers—his own people—foreshadows Jesus, who was similarly "despised and rejected by mankind" by His own people (Isaiah 53:3 and John 1:11). Just as Joseph's brothers' envy led to his suffering and apparent defeat, which God sovereignly used to save his family and many others from famine, so too did the envy and rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders lead to His crucifixion. This ultimate act of human malice was, in God's perfect plan, the very means for the salvation of all humanity (Acts 2:23). Both narratives powerfully underscore God's ability to work His perfect will through human sin and suffering, transforming evil intentions into instruments of divine grace and ultimate triumph, culminating in the exaltation of the rejected one, as seen in Christ's resurrection and ascension (Philippians 2:8-11).