Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionMalice, a deep-seated animosity or ill will, is vividly illustrated in the biblical narrative of Joseph and his brethren. This account, found in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound exploration of human emotions, familial relationships, and divine providence. The account of Joseph and his brothers serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of envy and hatred, as well as the redemptive possibilities of forgiveness and reconciliation. Biblical Account The account of Joseph and his brothers is primarily recorded in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, was favored by his father, which incited jealousy among his brothers. Genesis 37:3-4 states, "Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him." Joseph's dreams, which foretold his future rise to prominence, further fueled the brothers' malice. In Genesis 37:5-8 , Joseph shares a dream where his brothers' sheaves of grain bow down to his sheaf, prompting them to ask, "Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?" Their hatred intensified, as they perceived Joseph's dreams as a threat to their own status and authority. The Act of Malice The brothers' malice culminated in a plot to rid themselves of Joseph. Initially, they conspired to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, intervened, suggesting they throw him into a cistern instead, intending to rescue him later. However, when an opportunity arose, the brothers sold Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver, as recorded in Genesis 37:28 : "So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." To conceal their deed, the brothers dipped Joseph's robe in goat's blood and presented it to their father, leading Jacob to believe that Joseph had been devoured by a wild animal (Genesis 37:31-33). Consequences and Divine Providence The malice of Joseph's brothers set off a chain of events that would ultimately fulfill God's sovereign plan. Joseph's journey to Egypt, his rise to power, and his eventual role in saving his family from famine demonstrate how God can use even the most malevolent intentions for good. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph reassures his brothers, saying, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Lessons and Reflections The account of Joseph and his brothers offers several lessons on the nature of malice and its consequences. It highlights the dangers of favoritism within families, the corrosive effects of envy, and the potential for malice to lead to grievous actions. Yet, it also underscores the power of forgiveness and the possibility of reconciliation, as Joseph ultimately forgives his brothers and provides for them during the famine. This narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding one's heart against malice and trusting in God's providential care, even in the face of adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 37:19,20And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer comes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God The Trials and visions of Devout Youth Thanksgiving Versus Complaining A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ... Recognition and Reconciliation The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy. The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. Resources What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conflict resolution? | GotQuestions.org Dealing with mean people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |
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