How Did Joseph’s Brothers React to His Dreams?
Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, is a central figure in the Book of Genesis. His story is marked by divine revelation, family conflict, and eventual triumph. One of the key moments that intensified tension within Jacob’s family was Joseph’s sharing of his dreams—dreams that symbolized his future dominance over his family. The reactions of his brothers to these dreams reveal much about human emotions, jealousy, and the consequences of favoritism.
1. The First Dream: Sheaves in the Field
Joseph’s first dream, as recorded in Genesis 37:5-8, involved him and his brothers binding sheaves of grain in the field. In the dream, Joseph’s sheaf stood upright while his brothers’ sheaves gathered around and bowed to his sheaf.
When Joseph shared this dream with his brothers, their reaction was immediate and severe:
-
Jealousy and Resentment: His brothers were already resentful of Joseph because he was their father’s favorite. The dream, suggesting that they would one day bow to him, amplified their jealousy.
-
Mockery and Contempt: Genesis 37:8 notes that “his brothers said to him, ‘Do you intend to reign over us? Or do you intend to rule over us?’” Their response was sarcastic, showing both disbelief and contempt.
-
Hatred: The narrative explicitly mentions that Joseph’s brothers hated him because of his dreams and his attitude, which they perceived as arrogant.
This first dream sowed seeds of discord, escalating the tension between Joseph and his siblings.
2. The Second Dream: Sun, Moon, and Stars
Joseph’s second dream (Genesis 37:9-10) further fueled the animosity. In this vision, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. Joseph shared this dream with his father, Jacob, as well as with his brothers.
-
Exacerbated Jealousy: His brothers’ hatred deepened, as the dream suggested not only that Joseph would rule over them but that even their parents would bow to him.
-
Parental Concern: Jacob, unlike the brothers, was more thoughtful. While he did not despise Joseph, he rebuked him, saying, “Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to you?” Jacob’s reaction reflects concern rather than outright envy.
-
Alienation: The second dream made Joseph increasingly isolated within his family. His brothers’ jealousy transformed into outright animosity, setting the stage for future betrayal.
3. Underlying Causes of Their Reaction
Several factors explain the intensity of the brothers’ reaction:
-
Parental Favoritism: Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph, symbolized by the “coat of many colors,” had already created jealousy and rivalry.
-
Perceived Arrogance: Joseph’s sharing of his dreams may have been interpreted as boasting or presumption, exacerbating their anger.
-
Prophetic Insight: Although the dreams were divinely inspired, the brothers lacked spiritual insight. They saw only a threat to their status within the family.
-
Sibling Rivalry: Long-standing tensions among the brothers made them quick to react with hostility.
4. Consequences of Their Reaction
The brothers’ reaction to Joseph’s dreams led to significant consequences:
-
Plot to Harm Joseph: Their hatred ultimately resulted in a plot to kill him, though they later decided to sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28).
-
Family Disintegration: Joseph’s absence created long-term familial challenges, including grief for Jacob and later reconciliation struggles.
-
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Ironically, their hatred and betrayal were steps in God’s plan, as Joseph’s rise in Egypt ultimately saved his family from famine.
5. Lessons from the Reaction
The reaction of Joseph’s brothers teaches several important lessons:
-
Jealousy Can Lead to Destruction: Unchecked envy can escalate to harmful actions against loved ones.
-
Favoritism Has Consequences: Parental favoritism can create deep divisions within families.
-
Divine Plans Often Unfold Through Human Conflict: Even acts of jealousy and malice can be woven into a larger purpose.
Conclusion
Joseph’s brothers reacted to his dreams with a mixture of jealousy, anger, and disbelief. Their animosity, fueled by perceived favoritism and rivalry, led them to plot against him, demonstrating how human emotions can conflict with divine plans. Yet, these reactions, while morally wrong, set the stage for Joseph’s eventual rise and the fulfillment of God’s promise to his family. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of family dynamics, the dangers of envy, and the overarching sovereignty of divine providence.