Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of Joseph and his brothers, found in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound example of conviction and repentance. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, an act that would later lead to their deep remorse and conviction of sin.Background and Context Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was favored by his father, which incited jealousy among his brothers. This favoritism was symbolized by the "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave to Joseph. Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, further fueled their envy and animosity (Genesis 37:5-11). The Act of Cruelty Driven by jealousy, Joseph's brothers conspired against him. Initially, they plotted to kill him but ultimately decided to sell him into slavery. They cast him into a pit and later sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28). To deceive their father, they dipped Joseph's robe in goat's blood, leading Jacob to believe that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). Conviction and Repentance Years later, during a severe famine, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain, unknowingly coming face to face with Joseph, who had risen to power as the governor of Egypt. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. He tested them to see if they had changed, eventually accusing them of being spies and demanding that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt (Genesis 42:6-20). It was during this time that the brothers' conviction of their past sin became evident. They expressed remorse for their treatment of Joseph, acknowledging their guilt. "Then they said to one another, 'Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us'" (Genesis 42:21). Reuben, the eldest, reminded them of his warning not to harm Joseph, further highlighting their collective guilt (Genesis 42:22). Joseph's Revelation and Forgiveness After a series of tests, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. Overcome with emotion, he reassured them, saying, "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5). Joseph's forgiveness and understanding of God's providence in his life underscored the transformative power of conviction and repentance. Significance The account of Joseph and his brothers serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of sin, the process of conviction, and the possibility of redemption. It highlights the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness, and recognizing God's sovereignty in the unfolding of His divine plan. Through their journey from cruelty to conviction, Joseph's brothers exemplify the potential for personal and spiritual growth, even after grave transgressions. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 42:21,22And they said one to another, We are truly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he sought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come on us. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 44:16 Genesis 45:3 Genesis 50:15-21 Library Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Holy War, Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. The Acceptable Sacrifice; The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, Resources What is the conviction of sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org Why is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.org Conviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conviction: Adam and Eve, After Their Disobedience Conviction: After Being Rebuked and Punished for Worshiping the Golden Calf Conviction: After Casting Jonah Into the Sea Conviction: After the Plague of Hail Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Conviction: Belshazzar, when he "Saw the Part of the Hand That Wrote" Conviction: Darius, when Daniel Was in the Lions' Den Conviction: David After the Pestilence Sent on Account of his Numbering the People Conviction: Felix, Under the Preaching of Paul Conviction: Herod, when he Heard of the Fame of Jesus Conviction: Jonah, in the Belly of the Great Fish Conviction: Joseph's Brother, on Account of Their Cruelty to Joseph Conviction: Judas, After his Betrayal of Jesus Conviction: Philippian Jailer, After the Earthquake Conviction: Saul of Tarsus, when he Saw Jesus on the Way to Damascus Conviction: Saul, After Sparing Agag and the Best of the Spoils Conviction: The Death of the Firstborn Conviction: The Death of the Ten Spies and Their Being Sentenced to Wander for Forty Years Conviction: The Plague of Locusts Conviction: Their Complaining Against God and Being Bitten by Fiery Serpents Conviction: Widow of Zarephath, when Her Son Died Related Terms |
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