When it comes to the culture of sibling hatred, this is not only the story of Jacob’s family, but an ongoing story of the people of Israel. Just as the tribes continue to quarrel here in the Book of Genesis, this runs throughout the entire Bible—and it continues to this day.
Fulfillment of prophecy
It is interesting to observe how Joseph deals with the pain his brothers inflicted on him in our story. The opportunity arises when famine reaches Canaan. Jacob sends his ten sons (keeping Benjamin with him) to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him. When the brothers bow down before him, the prophecy Joseph had seen in his dream is fulfilled.
Joseph acts as though he does not know the men and speaks harshly to them. He has them thrown into prison for three days. Why does he do this? If he had wanted revenge, he could have had their heads cut...
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