We begin the series on the story of Joseph by reviewing key events in the life of his father, Jacob.
Negatively, two themes in Jacob's life are repeated in the life of his son Joseph. First, Jacob's brother, Esau, seeks to kill him because, in his mind, Jacob has "stolen" the birthright. (Even though the Lord had told Rebekah, his mother, that "the elder shall serve the younger." Both Esau and Isaac are striving against God's word.) However, the Lord uses Esau's anger and Rebekah's godly counsel to Isaac to cause Jacob to leave home and serve his Uncle Laban, where he would prosper in his business, marry, and have children. Similarly, the Lord uses the anger of the sons of Jacob, who are jealous of Joseph, to move Joseph to the land of Egypt, where he also will prosper, have a family, and save God's chosen people.
Second, Isaac's favoritism of Esau over Jacob creates havoc in his family. Ironically, years later, Jacob's favoritism of Joseph over his other sons sparks again jealousy and hatred that almost leads to murder.
Positively, God renews his covenant with Jacob and then works out the covenant promises in his son's life. In reaffirming his covenant, God appears to Jacob, "the supplanter," eight times. He never appeared to Joseph. But Joseph enjoys the benefit of the covenant when it is said repeatedly that the "Lord is with him." |