Reading Genesis 41-50
We are into the final (tens of) chapters. The narrative follows Joseph in Egypt as he receives his brothers and father in Egypt. But first, he had to interpret Pharaoh’s dream to be placed in the position of second-in-charge of Egypt. The young Joseph’s dreams when he was younger landed him in Egypt, but the same talents granted to him to interpret dreams would place Joseph in a position of authority. Our talents may not always work out the way that we intend it to work out, because our talents are not self-serving. Instead our talents are to serve a wider body. In this case, though Joseph’s dreams, when he was younger did indeed come true, it was not the immediate outcome, because Joseph spoke of his dreams as a way of magnifying himself. However, when he was at the service of God (and Pharaoh), it was no longer for himself but an entire empire.
The narrative then follows the multiple trips Joseph’s brothers made to Egypt to ask for food as famine struck the region. Eventually, the entire Israel came to Egypt, and would form the initial settlers of Hebrews in Egypt, as recorded in the Biblical narrative.
In Jacob’s final days, he adopted Joseph’s two sons as his own offsprings, both Ephraim and Manasseh. Curiously, the theme of “second son” appears again as Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons. Abel over Cain, Seth over Cain, Shem over Japheth, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Joseph over his older brothers, and now, Ephraim over Manasseh, who was older. There is this recurring theme that continues, even beyond Genesis with Moses and Aaron, David and his brothers. This theme of a “reversed” relationship in a culture of the patriarchs is significant as it tells a story of how God can use the “seconds” to carry out His will among men. This same theme is translated into the New Testament, when Jesus preaches the gospel of first being last and last being first; weak over strong, child-like faith over pharisee-like rituals. God’s “upside down” kingdom is portrayed from the first Book into the New Covenant.
Again, we see that Jacob gave his blessings to Joseph and his two sons, before all his other sons, but to his sons also come curses that will affect generations. It is important to read these in line with what happens in the future. This is one of the rare times where, in order to understand what is said, we need to reference texts that have not been referred to before.
To Reuben, the first born, defiler of his father’s bed, will not excel – the first became last.
Brothers Simeon and Levi, people of violence, for which they will not receive allotment of land – Simeon shared with Judah, and Levi was split among all.
Judah shall be praised, from him will come power, might and strength – Lion of Judah, Christ would come from his line.
Zebulun, haven for ships, their eventual allotment of land is between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean.
Issachar became a servant at forced labor, because of their size and abundance, they were often targets of oppressive foreign armies who put them into servitude.
Dan shall judge Israel, but Dan would also devolve into idol worship. Dan is associated with introducing idolatry into Israel (Judges 18:30). King Jeroboam would set up one of his golden calves in Dan (1 Kings 12:26-30), and later Dan became a center of idol worship in Israel (Amos 8:14).
Gad will be warriors and will eventually claim victory, the tribe of Gad supplied many troops for the king David (1 Chronicles 12:14).
Asher will be blessed with riches, and confirmed again by Moses (Deuteronomy 33:24).
Naphtali will be the bearer of godly words. Naphtali would inherit the land near the sea of Galilee, when Jesus would eventually spend most of his time in ministry through speaking.
In his blessings to Joseph, Jacob listed five titles of God – The Mighty God of Jacob, The Shepherd, The Stone of Israel, The God of your father, The Almighty. Through Joseph’s life, Jacob saw who God truly was. No longer was God referred to as the “father of my ancestors”, but now, God was personal.
Benjamin would be the tribe to produce many greats, ruthless and cruel, but great. For example, king Saul (1 Samuel 9:1), and Paul (Acts 8:1-3).
These were the 12 tribes of Israel that stayed in Egypt.
The book of Genesis has an abrupt end with the death of Jacob and Joseph. But this would set the Biblical background for everything else that is to follow till Revelations. Even as I read Genesis and identify themes, it becomes increasingly clear that the Biblical narrative of the 48 Chapters (since the fall of man) points to the coming of Christ. No man was good enough to re-enter Eden, yet God still used sinful man to carry out his big plan of delivering Jesus to the world. Although, this would not happen, until 2000 years from the end of Genesis; but till then, the Biblical narrative continues to write itself, all while pointing to Christ.
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