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Commentary on Genesis 37 verses 12–22
Here is, I. The kind visit which Joseph, in obedience to his father's command, made to his brethren, who were feeding the flock at Shechem, many miles off. Some suggest that they went thither on purpose, expecting that Joseph would be sent to see them, and that then they should have an opportunity to do him a mischief. However, Joseph and his father had both of them more of the innocence of the dove than of the wisdom of the serpent, else he had never come thus into the hands of those that hated him: but God designed it all for good. See in Joseph an instance, 1. Of dutifulness to his father. Though he was his father's darling, yet he was made, and was willing to be, his father's servant. How readily does he wait his father's orders! Here I am, Gen 37:13. Note, Those children that are best beloved by their parents should be most obedient to their parents; and then their love is well-bestowed and well-returned. 2. Of kindness to his brethren. Though he knew they hated him and envied him, yet he made no objections against his father's commands, either from the distance of the place or the danger of the journey, but cheerfully embraced the opportunity of showing his respect to his brethren. Note, It is a very good lesson, though it is learnt with difficulty and rarely practised, to love those that hate us; if our relations do not their duty to us, yet we must not be wanting in our duty to them. This is thank-worthy. Joseph was sent by his father to Shechem, to see whether his brethren were well there, and whether the country had not risen upon them and destroyed them, in revenge of their barbarous murder of the Shechemites some years before. But Joseph, not finding them there, went to Dothan, which showed that he undertook this journey, not only in obedience to his father (for then he might have returned when he missed them at Shechem, having done what his father told him), but out of love to his brethren, and therefore he sought diligently till he found them. Thus, let brotherly love continue, and let us give proofs of it.
II. The bloody and malicious plot of his brethren against him, who rendered good for evil, and, for his love, were his adversaries. Observe, 1. How deliberate they were in the contrivance of this mischief: when they saw him afar off, they conspired against him, Gen 37:18. It was not in a heat, or upon a sudden provocation, that they thought to slay him, but from malice prepense, and in cold blood. Note, Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; for he will be one if he have an opportunity, Jo1 3:15. Malice is a most mischievous thing, and is in danger of making bloody work where it is harboured and indulged. The more there is of a project and contrivance in a sin the worse it is; it is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. 2. How cruel they were in their design; nothing less than his blood would satisfy them: Come, and let us slay him, Gen 37:20. Note, The old enmity hunts for the precious life. It is the blood-thirsty that hate the upright (Pro 29:10), and it is the blood of the saints that the harlot is drunk with. 3. How scornfully they reproached him for his dreams (Gen 37:19): This dreamer cometh; and (Gen 37:20), We shall see what will become of his dreams. This shows what it was that fretted and enraged them. They could not endure to think of doing homage to him; this was what they were plotting to prevent by the murder of him. Note, Men that fret and rage at God's counsels are impiously aiming to defeat them; but they imagine a vain thing, Psa 2:1-3. God's counsels will stand. 4. How they agreed to keep one another's counsel, and to cover the murder with a lie: We will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him; whereas in thus consulting to devour him they proved themselves worse than the most evil beasts; for evil beasts prey not on those of their own kind, but they were tearing a piece of themselves.
III. Reuben's project to deliver him, Gen 37:21, Gen 37:22. Note, God can raise up friends for his people, even among their enemies; for he has all hearts in his hands. Reuben, of all the brothers, had most reason to be jealous of Joseph, for he was the first-born, and so entitled to those distinguishing favours which Jacob was conferring on Joseph; yet he proves his best friend. Reuben's temper seems to have been soft and effeminate, which had betrayed him to the sin of uncleanness; while the temper of the next two brothers, Simeon and Levi, was fierce, which betrayed them to the sin of murder, a sin which Reuben startled at the thought of. Note, Our natural constitution should be guarded against those sins to which it is most inclinable, and improved (as Reuben's here) against those sins to which it is most averse. Reuben made a proposal which they thought would effectually answer their intention of destroying Joseph, and yet which he designed should answer his intention of rescuing Joseph out of their hands and restoring him to his father, probably hoping thereby to recover his father's favour, which he had lately lost; but God overruled all to serve his own purpose of making Joseph an instrument to save much people alive. Joseph was here a type of Christ. Though he was the beloved Son of his Father, and hated by a wicked world, yet the Father sent him out of his bosom to visit us in great humility and love. He came from heaven to earth, to seek and save us; yet then malicious plots were laid against him. He came to his own, and his own not only received him not, but consulted against him: This is the heir, come let us kill him; Crucify him, crucify him. This he submitted to, in pursuance of his design to redeem and save us.
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SUMMARY
Joseph's earnest and obedient inquiry to a stranger: "I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed [their flocks]." This seemingly simple act of filial duty, undertaken at his father's behest to locate his brothers tending their sheep, unwittingly initiates a divinely orchestrated sequence of events that will lead to his profound suffering, betrayal, enslavement, and eventual dramatic rise to power in Egypt, ultimately serving as God's instrument to preserve his family and fulfill the unfolding covenant promises.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 37:16 captures a moment of profound dramatic irony, where Joseph's simple, obedient inquiry unknowingly propels him towards a destiny of suffering and, ultimately, salvation. His words reveal his singular focus on fulfilling his father's instruction, entirely oblivious to the malevolent intentions of his brothers.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse is rich in Dramatic Irony, as Joseph's innocent and diligent search for his brothers, driven by filial obedience, unknowingly leads him directly into the trap they have laid for him. The audience is aware of the brothers' malicious intentions from earlier in the chapter (Genesis 37:4), creating a stark contrast with Joseph's pure motives. This dramatic tension heightens the tragedy of his impending betrayal. Furthermore, the verse employs Foreshadowing, as Joseph's "seeking" his brothers anticipates his later role in "seeking" their welfare and providing for them in Egypt, albeit after a period of profound suffering and separation. The act of "feeding flocks" also serves as a subtle Symbolism of sustenance and provision, which Joseph will ultimately embody for his family and for Egypt.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's earnest inquiry in Genesis 37:16 serves as a powerful illustration of God's meticulous Sovereignty and Providence, even amidst human sin and seemingly random events. Joseph's innocent obedience to his father's command, and the stranger's timely intervention, are not coincidences but integral threads in God's grand tapestry, guiding Joseph towards Egypt to preserve the nascent nation of Israel. This highlights the profound truth that God can use all circumstances, including betrayal and suffering, to accomplish His redemptive purposes, often in ways that are initially incomprehensible to those involved. It underscores the theme of Faithfulness in Small Things, demonstrating how diligence in seemingly ordinary duties can have extraordinary, divinely ordained consequences.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 37:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Joseph's unwavering obedience and diligence in a seemingly mundane task, despite the inherent dangers and the unknown future, serve as a powerful model. It reminds us that our faithfulness in the "small" assignments of life, whether in our work, family, or ministry, can be precisely what God uses to unfold His greater purposes, often leading us through unexpected trials and into positions we never envisioned. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that even when our path seems unclear, or when we face adversity stemming from the actions of others, God is always at work, weaving every detail into His perfect plan for our good and His glory. It challenges us to maintain a posture of obedience and diligence, even when the immediate outcome is uncertain, knowing that our ultimate destination is secured in His divine wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Joseph's simple inquiry so significant in the biblical narrative?
Answer: Joseph's seemingly simple question, "I seek my brethren," is profoundly significant because it is the pivotal moment that directly leads him into the hands of his brothers, initiating the long and complex chain of events that will take him to Egypt. This innocent act of obedience to his father's command sets in motion God's divine plan to preserve the nascent nation of Israel through Joseph's future role as a deliverer. Without this specific inquiry and the stranger's guidance to Dothan (Genesis 37:17), the entire trajectory of Joseph's life, and thus the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, would have been altered, demonstrating how God uses ordinary human actions to fulfill His extraordinary purposes.
Does Joseph's diligence here reflect a broader biblical principle?
Answer: Yes, Joseph's diligence in seeking his brothers, despite the difficulty and distance, reflects a broader biblical principle of faithfulness and perseverance in duty. Scripture often commends those who are diligent in their work and obedient to authority, promising that such dedication leads to blessing and opportunity. For example, Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." In Joseph's case, his faithfulness in this "small" task ultimately positioned him for a "great" role in God's redemptive plan, illustrating that God often uses our present obedience, even in seemingly insignificant matters, to prepare us for future responsibilities and to accomplish His grand designs.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's earnest seeking of his brethren in Genesis 37:16 serves as a poignant and multi-faceted foreshadowing of Christ. Like Joseph, who was sent by his father to seek out his estranged brothers, Jesus was sent by His Heavenly Father to "seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). Just as Joseph's brothers, out of envy and malice, rejected him and plotted his harm, leading to his suffering, death (figuratively, through the pit and slavery), and eventual exaltation for the salvation of his family, so too did Christ come to His own, and "His own people did not receive Him" (John 1:11), leading to His crucifixion and death. Yet, through this ultimate act of rejection and suffering, Christ was exalted to the right hand of God, becoming the source of eternal salvation and spiritual sustenance for all who believe, reconciling estranged humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) and gathering His scattered "brethren" into one family, the church (Hebrews 2:11-12). Joseph's innocent search for his family culminates in their physical preservation; Christ's divine mission culminates in the spiritual and eternal preservation of all who trust in Him.