Genesis 37 - Introduction

A.M. 2275. B.C. 1729.

At this chapter begins the story of Joseph, Jacob's eldest son by his beloved wife Rachel. We have,

( 1,) The malice his brethren bore against him: they hated him, 1, Because he informed his father of their wickedness, Genesis 37:1; Genesis 37:2, Because his father loved him, Genesis 37:3; Genesis 37:3, Because he dreamed of his dominion over them, Genesis 37:5.

(2,) The mischiefs his brethren designed and did to him. 1, The visit he made them, at his father's command, gave them an opportunity, Genesis 37:12; Genesis 37:2, They first designed to slay him, but afterward determined to starve him, Genesis 37:18; Genesis 37:3, They again changed their purpose, and sold him for a slave, Genesis 37:25; Genesis 37:4, They made their father believe that he was torn in pieces, Genesis 37:29; Genesis 37:5, He was sold in Egypt to Potiphar, 36. And all this was working together for good. His whole story is so remarkably divided between his humiliation and his exaltation, that he evidently appears to have been designed to be a type of Christ, who was first humbled and then exalted. His history also shows the lot of all true Christians, who must, through many tribulations, enter the kingdom.