Open favoritism, where one child is preferred over the others, creates a fertile soil for vices such as jealousy and hatred. When such feelings are allowed to fester, all manner of vices can emerge including deceit and murder.
Verse 5
This verse teaches us the importance of resisting the urge to announce our big dreams or achievements, especially when others may be negatively affected by them. It highlights the dangers of revealing things too early, sharing with the wrong people, or doing so without wisdom.
Joseph, in his excitement, unwittingly set the course of his own destiny with his words. As James 3:3-6 teaches us, our words have the power to direct our lives, and Joseph’s premature revelations about his dreams became a catalyst for the challenges he faced. Of course, we know in the grand scheme of things, God always had a plan.
Thank God for His mercy and goodness in making all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. But Joseph’s path to fulfilling God’s purpose didn’t have to unfold in this way. He could have chosen to tame his tongue and exercise more wisdom.
This is a reminder to all of us, myself included, to put our emotions in check and carefully consider the impact of our words. What we say has the power to shape our lives, and sometimes, it’s better to wait for the right moment and the right people before speaking out.
Verse 6-7: Step Out of Your Head and Into Others’ Shoes
As Joseph began to share his dream with his brothers, he said, “Listen to this dream I had.” You can sense from the way he drew attention to himself that Joseph had a lot of growing up to do. Wasn’t it bad enough that Joseph already seemed more favored, more likely to succeed, and destined for prominence than his brothers? These things often can’t be hidden. There are people you meet, and you just know they’re going to accomplish great things in life. It’s similar to how Jochebed saw Moses—she knew he was a fine child. There was something about him that screamed glory, radiance, the beauty of God. So, she hid him as long as she could. Can you imagine the disaster if she had gone around bragging about her instincts about Moses or shared it with the wrong people?
Verse 8-9
In these verses, you can clearly feel the irritation in their question. But Joseph was so wrapped up in himself that he failed to realize how dangerous his actions were. He just pressed on. Their statement, “Do you really intend to…?” suggests that Joseph had, at some point, hinted at such ideas to them or even their father.
Joseph had the same dream again, and once again, he shared it with them without restraint or consideration for how his brothers would feel. The tone of his voice suggests he was obliviously enjoying the effect it had on them. It was as though he was saying, “Guys, you won’t believe what I just dreamed! I saw all of you bowing before me, and this time, even papa and mama bowed to me!”
Abi who is sun and moon?
Verse 10-11: Achieve in Silence as much as Possible
Word spread quickly, and it’s very likely that Jacob had caught wind of Joseph’s dream but did nothing to caution him. In fact, he probably loved Joseph even more, thinking about how his child was destined for greatness. Jacob might have been happy and proud, wondering if his son would amount to something special—until he himself was roped into the dream! 😂
But this time, Jacob corrected Joseph and told him not to share such things anymore. However, the damage had already been done. His brothers hated him even more, and it was only by God’s mercy that they hesitated to kill him.
Jacob should have taught Joseph the importance of keeping things in mind and not broadcasting to the world the great and mighty things God had planned for him. He should have lived out his life and let the results speak for themselves, showing that God’s hand was upon him. No need to boast about it—what gift or promise do you have that wasn’t given to you? God could easily have used someone else if you hadn’t yielded. In fact, everyone has been called by God; no one comes to the Father unless the Father draws them. No one would accept Jesus Christ unless God, in His mercy, called them.
The fact that Joseph was going to amount to something great had already been determined and settled by God, who fully intended to carry it out. When God speaks once, it’s important, but when He speaks twice, it’s not only important—it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. Nothing can stop that word from coming to pass. Joseph referenced this when he spoke to Pharaoh in Genesis 42:32, giving him the interpretation of his dreams.
Discipline Your Child, or Life Will Teach Them the Hard Way
Jacob should have taught Joseph the importance of exercising restraint when speaking about his brothers and others. I personally feel that Jacob indulged Joseph too much. There were times when Jacob should have cautioned Joseph more, especially as he was not just his beloved son but a young man who needed to be taught proper behavior.
At 17, Joseph was already approaching adulthood, and it was the perfect time for Jacob to provide the discipline Joseph needed. Every child has the tendency to be foolish, but the rod of correction drives it away. The Bible even says that if you don’t discipline your children, you hate them (Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 13:24).
