January 15, 2026 - Genesis 37-39

Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and, as they saw him approaching the city of Dothan, they “saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him” (37:18).  However, when Reuben heard about this plot, “he rescued him out of their hands, saying, ‘Let us not take his life’” (37:21), and they threw Joseph into a pit, eventually selling him as a slave to a caravan of Ishmaelites who, in turn, sold him into slavery in Egypt.  Another sordid affair with Judah and Tamar.  What a mess with these brothers and, surely, all has not been told!  But the mess with Judah is an interesting thing.  Why tell this story?  The contrast with righteous Joseph (chapter 39 & the deal with Potiphar’s wife) is startling.  Judah is shown at his worst.  And the mystery deepens even more when we remember that from Judah comes the line of King David and Messiah.  Would it not make more sense if from the line of Joseph the kings and Messiah came?  But God know what he is doing even if we do not understand.  We are reminded of Isaiah’s words:  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform.

He plants his footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in the dark and hidden mines,

With never-failing skill,

He fashions all his bright designs

And works his sov’reign will.

So God we trust in you.

O God, we trust in you.

When tears are great and comforts few,

We hope in mercies ever new,

We trust in you.   -- William Cowper (1774)