Joseph Transforms his Brothers

This story shows us the anger of Simeon and Levi, two brothers 'joined at the hip' in anger, acting on their emotions and without thought to the bigger possible impact.

Jacob attempts to chastise them by relating the bigger picture and threat of repercussions from surrounding nations, but the brothers react in a passive aggressive fashion - 'would you make our sister a harlot?'

After his aunt Rachel passes away, Reuben improperly rearranges his father's bedroom.

I'm listing this out of order, as this chronologically occurs after the sale of Joseph, and I do so because the opening aspect again shows the temperament of Joseph's brothers.

Judah leaves the rest of the family behind, and there is no discussion or emotion shown about crafting a new beginning on his own. Once again, we see each brother thinking small, playing a small, selfish game and concerned only with the here and now.

To be fair, the long-term implications of this story are seen as positive - Judah publicly acknowledges his missteps, thereby creating a personal turning point that will continue to evolve.

Things are in a bad place to begin with - Jacob's favoritism to Joseph already has the brothers on edge.

The brothers and Jacob easily recognize Joseph's (literal) dreams of grandeur for what they are: the family bowing to him as if he were royalty.

Note: this does not go over well.

In fact, it goes over so poorly, the brothers decide to kill him. Some last minute negotiation spares Joseph's life.

One might expect that they brothers would be arguing, having a difficult time with their actions or deliberating, however the Scripture implies that they had a leisurely time and were only interrupted by the 'fortuitous' passing by of an Ishmaelite caravan.

Here it is - 22 years later (Joseph was 17 when he was sold; 30 when he interpreted Pharoah's dreams = 13; + 7 years of bumper crops + 2 years of famine = 22 years later).

The brothers arrive in Egypt to buy food and finally bow before Joseph.

But he no longer has dreams of grandeur. Egypt is at the pinnacle of societal heights and he is the #2 ruler in the land - he no longer requires his brothers' approval (if he ever did).

But before he can forgive and forget he needs to know: have they changed? Did they learn their lesson?

Josephs sets a grand plan in motion.

He forces them to recognize their weakness relative to the world, puts them in jail and threatens their ability to sustain their families. Finally he relents and will let them return with food, but insists on keeping one prisoner- Simeon.

The brothers reaction?

It may be 22 years later, but the brothers put the pieces together immediately - they're being forced to deal with their lack of empathy, pity and understanding for their brother Joseph.

Who is "The one?" Levi - who's hip-brother Simeon was kept behind in Egypt.

Despite recognizing how their actions led to their current predicament, when the brothers return to inform Jacob of what transpired, they sound shockingly similar to Adam and Eve telling God about eating from the tree of knowledge - lots of story and not so much accountability.

This is very much an X=Y+Really Good Story situation

Oddly, Reuben makes the strangest offer to his father - whereby, if he doesn't return Benjamin then Jacob can kill his own grandchildren. Because losing a son is only recompensed by losing grandchildren?!?

Finally someone gives it straight to Jacob - There's only one way we get food: if Benjamin comes. If so, we'll go; if not, we stay...but let's not pretend there are other options.

In this next conversation, Judah finally crosses the void and holds himself accountable in a way that makes us think Jacob has been desiring for years on end.

Finally one of his sons stands up and says that he will be accountable for ensuring the next generation persists, the family is kept together and the only way to know it will be true is to trust his word: I will return him to you or bear the blame forever.

Jacob's reaction? Immediately agrees to it, and sets a plan of appeasement in place - take 2x the money, take a gift, etc.

No squabbles, no arguments. Just an "Ok, here's how it plays out."

(Makes me wonder just how relieved Jacob was to hear those words.)

Back in Egypt, the brothers are easily frightened - where are we, what do they do here, are they going to kill us, make us slaves, and what about our donkeys!!?!?!

(What is up with the donkeys here?)

The brothers were seated in age order at Joseph's house, but they still don't know who Joseph is, so it freaks them out. Part of Joseph's plan.

Bigger aspect of Joseph's plan - treat Benjamin to extra gifts, extra nice gifts - how will the brothers react? Will they be jealous as they were of Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat?

Just when you thought it was safe to leave Egypt, the local cop's cherry top rips the holy night.

Joseph's goblet is found in Benjamin's sack and Benjamin faces certain servitude and possible death in Egypt. How do the brothers react?

They begin to mourn, they rend their clothes, and as a family, head back to Egypt to face the music.

Judah, given his role as responsible for Benjamin, steps up to talk with Joseph, but is playing team(family) here, not at all an individual or random individuals - they are all for one and one for all. We'll all stay and be slaves, but we're not abandoning Benjamin.