Key Verse: Genesis 37:19-20
"They said to one another, ‘Here comes this dreamer! Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.’”
Genesis 37 introduces Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob, and the beginning of his incredible journey from slave to ruler. This chapter is about jealousy, betrayal, and God's sovereignty, even when life seems out of control.
1. Joseph’s Dreams – A Revelation of His Future
"Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more." (Genesis 37:5)
Joseph has two prophetic dreams where his brothers bow down to him.
Instead of keeping quiet, he tells them about it.
His brothers already dislike him because Jacob openly favors him, giving him a special robe (the coat of many colors).
Key Lesson:
God sometimes reveals parts of our future before we are ready.
Not everyone will celebrate your calling—some will envy it.
2. The Brothers’ Hatred – When Envy Turns to Violence
"His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him." (Genesis 37:4)
The brothers resent Joseph because of Jacob’s favoritism.
When Joseph comes to check on them in the fields, they plot to kill him.
"Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits." (Genesis 37:20)
Reuben, the eldest, tries to rescue him by suggesting they throw him into a pit instead of killing him.
Judah later convinces them to sell Joseph as a slave instead of leaving him to die.
Key Lesson:
Jealousy leads to dangerous decisions.
Hatred grows when it is unchecked.
3. Joseph is Sold Into Slavery – But God is Still in Control
"Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver." (Genesis 37:28)
Joseph is sold to traders heading to Egypt.
The brothers deceive Jacob by dipping Joseph’s robe in animal blood and saying he was killed by a wild beast.
Jacob is devastated, believing his favorite son is dead.
Key Lesson:
People may betray us, but God’s plan cannot be stopped.
Even in suffering, God is working behind the scenes.
4. Joseph Arrives in Egypt – A New Chapter Begins
"Meanwhile, the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard." (Genesis 37:36)
Joseph is now a slave in Egypt.
His journey looks like a disaster, but it is part of God’s greater plan.
Lessons from Genesis 37
God’s calling will often be opposed.
Joseph’s dreams were from God, yet they made others hate him.
Not everyone will celebrate what God is doing in your life.
Jealousy and hatred lead to destruction.
The brothers let bitterness control them, leading to an evil act.
Unchecked envy can destroy relationships and futures.
God is in control, even in betrayal.
Joseph was sold, but this was part of God’s plan to save Israel.
God can turn even the worst circumstances into something good.
Are We Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense?
Joseph had a dream, but his life seemed to fall apart.
Have you ever felt like God gave you a promise, but everything went wrong?
Do you trust that even in betrayal and suffering, God is still working?
Joseph’s story reminds us: God is always in control, even when we don’t understand.
Comments