Joseph was the son of his father’s old age and specially loved by him.
His brothers hated him for this favouritism
In addition, Jacob made for Joseph a lonmg robe with sleeves depicting Joseph as a would be heir instead of Reuben the eldest son. Thus the brothers hated Joseph,
Again, Joseph had a gift for dreams which he narrated to his father and brothers
His brothers hated him the more because all his dreams, implied that Joseph will rule over them.
Furthermore, Joseph’s ill reports about his brothers increased their hatred for him
Joseph was however sold to Ishmaelite traders who also sold him to an officer in Egypt.
How they were reconciled (Genesis 45:1-15)s
Famine in Israel led Joseph’s brothers to seek for corn in Egypt
On their second visit to Egypt, Joseph revealed himself to them, as the one they sold into slavery,
Joseph wept aloud in front of them and inquired about his father
He told them that God sent him before to preserve life/His predicament was thus, a divine scheme
Though what they did was evil, God meant it for good
Joseph have an open invitation to the family to settle in Goshen
He gave them abundant food and clothes to return home
Joseph shed tears of joy over Benjamin and the rest of his brothers with kisses to assure them of his love.
Lessons to be Learnt
Need for genuine forgiveness
Need for true reconciliation
Need to help and do good to those who hurt us
Need to respect our eiders/be diplomatic
Avoid hatred and evil
Avoid favouritism
Need to show remorse when we do wrong/ability o own to own up/accept responsibility for wrong done
What God has destined no one can change
care for others, especially in times of need
being good role models
Avoiding unnecessary disputes/ peaceful settlement of disputes.
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