Topical Bible: Lying: Joseph's Brethren

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Introduction

The account of Joseph and his brethren is a significant narrative found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. It provides a profound exploration of themes such as jealousy, betrayal, and redemption. Central to this account is the act of lying committed by Joseph's brothers, which sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the preservation of the family of Israel during a time of famine.

The Deception

The account begins with Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, receiving a coat of many colors, which incites jealousy among his brothers (Genesis 37:3-4). Joseph's dreams, which suggest his future ascendancy over his family, further fuel their animosity (Genesis 37:5-11). The brothers' jealousy culminates in a plot to rid themselves of Joseph.

Initially, the brothers conspire to kill Joseph, but Reuben, the eldest, persuades them to throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). However, while Reuben is absent, the brothers sell Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:28).

To conceal their actions, the brothers engage in a deliberate act of deception. They slaughter a goat and dip Joseph's coat in its blood, presenting it to their father, Jacob, with the implication that Joseph has been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). This lie causes Jacob immense grief, as he mourns the loss of his beloved son.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The lie told by Joseph's brothers is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating the destructive power of deceit. Their falsehood not only causes deep sorrow for their father but also sets in motion a series of events that will test their character and faith. The brothers' deception is a manifestation of their sinful nature, driven by envy and hatred.

From a theological perspective, this act of lying is a violation of the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). It underscores the moral imperative to uphold truth and integrity, as lying is contrary to the nature of God, who is described as the "God of truth" (Isaiah 65:16).

Consequences and Redemption

The consequences of the brothers' lie are far-reaching. Joseph's journey to Egypt, his rise to power, and the eventual reconciliation with his family are all part of God's providential plan. Despite their initial sin, the brothers are given an opportunity for redemption. When famine strikes Canaan, they travel to Egypt seeking food, unknowingly coming face to face with Joseph, who has become a powerful leader (Genesis 42:6-8).

Joseph's testing of his brothers reveals their changed hearts, particularly when Judah offers himself as a substitute for Benjamin, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of their father and brother (Genesis 44:33-34). This act of selflessness contrasts sharply with their earlier betrayal and deceit.

Ultimately, Joseph forgives his brothers, recognizing that God used their actions for a greater purpose: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). This acknowledgment of divine sovereignty highlights the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Conclusion

The account of Joseph and his brethren serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of lying and the potential for redemption through repentance and forgiveness. It illustrates the complexity of human relationships and the overarching providence of God in guiding the course of history for His purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 37:31,32
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xliii
... group get under way and "go down" to the lower lying country of Egypt. ... It has been
rightly remarked that Joseph first confused his brethren by his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliii.htm

Of Lying Defamation.
... title to be the Accuser of the brethren: and when ... brats, the infamous progenies of
the Lying spirit. ... When Joseph's resolute purity had changed the scene of his ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... Joseph's brethren throw him into a pit; afterwards they sell him; then he is cast
into ... sufferings for religion, that He may put a padlock on the lying lips of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

The Enthroned Christ
... before their temples in perfect stillness, with their mighty hands lying quiet on ...
Joseph's brethren, that came up in their hunger and their rags to Egypt, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the enthroned christ.htm

The Resurrection Morning
... the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the ... had not cut him off from
his brethren, and the ... thought that the resting-place in Joseph's new sepulchre ...
/.../the resurrection morning.htm

1 Cor. vii. 1, 2
... For what profit had Joseph's brethren of their freedom? ... Often, at least, when thou
art lying down and sleeping sweetly, he is not only standing, but undergoing ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xix 1 cor vii.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... They their own mercies do despise, Who have regard to lying vanities. ... And Joseph's
brethren came among the rest To buy provision, for they were distress'd. Now ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... which are these: fornication, greediness, fighting, fraud, arrogance, lying, injustice,
and ... and the most inimical to Joseph of all the brethren; but Joseph ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 401. Joseph's brethren, sinned, not having the fear of God before their
eyes, [969]303. ... 258. Lying, a sin of the poor, [1071]346. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

First Greek Form.
... write you this account, that all the brethren from among ... And Joseph said: If thou
hast the courage, brother, take ... into the school, He found a book lying on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of thomas/first greek form .htm