Topical Encyclopedia Dissembling, or the act of concealing one's true motives or feelings, is a theme that can be observed in the biblical narrative of Joseph, the son of Jacob, in the Book of Genesis. Joseph's account is a profound account of God's providence and the unfolding of His divine plan, even through human deception and misunderstanding.Joseph's Early Life and Dreams 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 "richly ornamented robe" (Genesis 37:3) that Jacob gave him. Joseph's dreams, which he shared with his family, further fueled his brothers' envy. In one dream, Joseph saw sheaves of grain bowing to his sheaf, and in another, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing to him (Genesis 37:5-9). These dreams were prophetic, indicating Joseph's future rise to power and the eventual submission of his family to him. The Deception of Joseph's Brothers The dissembling begins with Joseph's brothers, who, driven by jealousy, plotted to kill him. Instead, they sold him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt. To deceive their father, they dipped Joseph's robe in goat's blood and presented it to Jacob, leading him to believe that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). This act of deception caused Jacob immense grief, illustrating the destructive power of dissembling within a family. Joseph in Egypt In Egypt, Joseph faced trials and tribulations, including being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Despite these challenges, Joseph remained faithful to God, and his integrity and ability to interpret dreams eventually led to his rise as the second most powerful man in Egypt, under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:39-41). Joseph's Brothers in Egypt Years later, during a severe famine, Joseph's brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain. Unbeknownst to them, they were dealing with Joseph, who recognized them immediately. Joseph chose to conceal his identity, testing his brothers to see if they had changed since their betrayal. He accused them of being spies and demanded that they bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt as proof of their honesty (Genesis 42:7-20). Joseph's Revelation and Reconciliation Joseph's dissembling served a greater purpose, allowing him to observe his brothers' remorse and transformation. When Judah offered himself as a substitute for Benjamin, Joseph could no longer contain his emotions. He revealed his identity to his brothers, saying, "I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt!" (Genesis 45:4). Joseph's forgiveness and understanding of God's sovereignty are evident in his words: "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). Theological Implications The account of Joseph highlights the complexity of human relationships and the interplay of deception and divine providence. While Joseph's brothers engaged in dissembling for malicious purposes, Joseph's own concealment of his identity was ultimately redemptive, leading to reconciliation and the preservation of his family. This narrative underscores the belief that God can work through human actions, even those intended for harm, to fulfill His purposes and bring about good (Genesis 50:20). Nave's Topical Index Genesis 42:7-20And Joseph saw his brothers, and he knew them, but made himself strange to them, and spoke roughly to them; and he said to them, From where come you? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 43:26-34 Library How Herod Slew Sohemus and Mariamne and Afterward Alexandra and ... The Resurrection Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. A Divine Colloquy Between the Soul and Her Saviour Upon the ... Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating. Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ... Instruction for the Ignorant: Preface by the Editor. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, A vindication of Gospel Truths Opened, Resources Dissembling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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