Joseph, wrongly interpreted?

 

When we are introduced to Joseph in Genesis 37, we see a young man who I believe we too often picture in light of our own experiences and through the lens of children’s stories. However, the facts can be seen in more than one light. Here are the facts:

1. Joseph was 17

2. Joseph told his father how his brothers did something or things bad

3. Jacob loved his son more than the others (not Joseph’s fault by the way)

4. Jacob gave Joseph a special coat and he wore it (possible a sign Joseph would be Jacob’s firstborn heir)

5. Joseph’s brothers hated him (because of Jacob’s actions)

6. Joseph had two strange dreams he shared

7. Jacob sent Joseph out to check on his brothers and he went as told.  

8. Joseph’s brothers except Rueben wanted to kill Joseph

9. Joseph’s brothers except Rueben sold Joseph into slavery

These facts don’t make Joseph a hero, villain, brat, or saint. It is how we interpret them. I originally saw Joseph at this time on his life as a brat. However, someone once pointed out that nowhere in scripture is Joseph condemned for doing anything wrong. The person also pointed out that Joseph was in one way a picture of Christ in that Joseph pointed out the evil, was loved by His Father, promised to be the leader/ chosen one, and through suffering brought deliverance to Israel. This challenge caused me to see Joseph in a new light. 

Instead of the spoiled brat tattling on his brothers and lording over them what if there is a different story?

Joseph was new in the family business and at person risk blew the whistle on his brothers who were doing something horribly wrong which could have destroyed the business and his father’s reputation. Joseph was given the coat of may colors and wore it not as a sign of privilege but to show his father he appreciated the trust His father was showing in him. The brothers who were scoundrels hated the Joseph because he was living the way they knew they were supposed to.  Joseph shared dreams he instead knowing that dreams could be prophetic and was asking, “Could this really be true?” Jacob hearing this prophetic dream was upset. Jacob was the patriarch and master of the family so hearing God was going to demote him was upsetting. Jacob yelled at Joseph to remember his place. Joseph knowing his brothers were out to get him went to check on them in the middle in nowhere because his father sent him, even though he knew it was dangerous. Rueben the one person who had blown it in the past wanted to do right by his dad and rescue Joseph but was thwarted. 

This is a far different story then the spoiled brat story, but do have any reason to believe this version isn’t true other than our own desire to hold on to what we have thought or perhaps because we find ourselves like Joseph’s brothers sinful and jealous? 

Something to consider…