Genesis 37:10

He told his father and brothers, but his father rebuked him and said, "What is this dream that you have had? Will your mother and brothers and I actually come and bow down to the ground before you?"

Study Bible

He told his father and brothers
Joseph shared his dream with his family, which was a common practice in ancient cultures where dreams were often seen as significant and sometimes prophetic. This act of sharing indicates Joseph's youthful naivety and perhaps a lack of awareness of the potential impact of his words on his already strained family relationships.

but his father rebuked him
Jacob's rebuke reflects a protective and corrective response, possibly to prevent further discord among his sons. It also shows Jacob's initial skepticism or disbelief, despite his own experiences with divine dreams and visions. This rebuke may also indicate Jacob's concern for family unity and the potential for jealousy among the brothers.

and said, “What is this dream that you have had?
Jacob questions the nature and source of Joseph's dream, which suggests a level of incredulity. In the cultural context, dreams were often considered messages from God, yet Jacob's question implies doubt about the dream's divine origin or its interpretation.

Will your mother and brothers and I actually come
This phrase highlights the familial hierarchy and the cultural norms of the time, where parents and elder siblings were respected and revered. The mention of "your mother" is intriguing, as Rachel, Joseph's biological mother, had already passed away. This could refer to Leah or Bilhah, who may have taken on a maternal role, or it could be a collective reference to the family unit.

and bow down to the ground before you?”
Bowing down signifies submission and honor, which would have been culturally shocking for a father and elder brothers to do before the youngest son. This foreshadows the future events in Egypt where Joseph's family does indeed bow before him, fulfilling the dream. This act of bowing also serves as a type of Christ, where Jesus, though initially rejected, is ultimately exalted and acknowledged by all.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The central figure in this passage, Joseph is the son of Jacob and Rachel. He is known for his dreams, which foretell his future rise to prominence.

2. Jacob (Israel)
Joseph's father, who rebukes him for his dream. Jacob is a patriarch of Israel and has a complex relationship with his sons, especially Joseph.

3. Joseph's Brothers
They are envious of Joseph and his dreams, which suggest that they will one day bow to him.

4. The Dream
Joseph's dream symbolizes future events where his family will bow to him, indicating his future leadership and authority.

5. Canaan
The land where Jacob and his family reside at this time, which plays a significant role in the account of the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Timing
Joseph's dream was a revelation of God's plan, but it required patience and faith. We must trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises.

Handling Rejection and Criticism
Like Joseph, we may face skepticism or rebuke when sharing our God-given visions or callings. It's important to remain steadfast and humble.

Family Dynamics and Favoritism
Jacob's reaction to Joseph's dream reflects complex family dynamics. We should strive for fairness and love in our family relationships, avoiding favoritism.

The Role of Dreams and Visions
In the Bible, dreams often convey God's messages. We should be open to how God might communicate with us, while also seeking discernment and wisdom.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose
Joseph's account reminds us that God is sovereign and His purposes will prevail, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's dream and his father's reaction reflect the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we relate Joseph's experience of sharing his dream to our own experiences of sharing our faith or personal callings?

3. How do the family dynamics in Genesis 37:10 inform our understanding of the importance of healthy relationships within our own families?

4. What lessons can we learn from Joseph's account about handling criticism and rejection, especially when it comes from those closest to us?

5. How can we discern when a dream or vision is from God, and what steps should we take to seek confirmation and understanding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 42:6-9
This passage describes the fulfillment of Joseph's dream when his brothers come to Egypt and bow before him, not recognizing him as their brother.

Philippians 2:10-11
This New Testament passage speaks of every knee bowing to Jesus, drawing a parallel to the theme of authority and submission found in Joseph's account.

Daniel 2:19-23
Daniel's ability to interpret dreams is similar to Joseph's gift, highlighting the theme of divine revelation and wisdom.