Genesis 37 is the beginning of Joseph's story. This chapter starts in verse two with these words, "This is the account of Jacob. Joseph..."
The chapter tells the story of how Joseph got to Egypt to save the nation of Israel eventually. But, even before it was a nation, it's a cruel story of jealousy, envy, and hatred. These are all synonyms for "evil."
There are several interesting facts that I learned from my reading. Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver and then sold again in Egypt. I doubt that the Ishmaelites sold him without earning a profit. So I imagine that eventually, he was sold for 30 pieces of silver. I'm just guessing. It fits nicely with Jesus' story.
There was a lot of robe ripping going on. The text doesn't say that his brothers tore Joseph's robe, but I hardly think that the bad brothers stripped him gently. Instead, I imagine that they ripped his robe off. Then Ruben rips his robe when he discovers that Joseph had been sold to slavery. Finally, Jacob rips his tunic when he sees Joseph's bloody tunic.
Why all of this tearing up of clothes?
In them thar days, robe ripping was a sign of tremendous sadness, terrible grief, and wondrous woe. The outer robe or tunic was your principal garment and an all-important covering. It protected the entire body against the heat or cold of the day. If you lost your tunic, then you were almost naked. The robe also served to indicate a position in society. Simple people used simple tunics, and elaborate robes demonstrated wealth and importance. Thus Joseph's robe was the first thing that he lost in the slave-sale story.
When you passed through incredible stress and or sadness, you tore your robe to show your despair. You'll see this gesture throughout the Scriptures.
Joseph's brothers would live to regret their tunic ripping actions when, in just a few years, they would be the ones ripping their robes as they discovered Pharaoh's (Joseph's) cup in young Benjamin's grain sack.
Though this chapter tells a sad tale, Joseph gives it the proper perspective when in chapter 50, he shares his understanding of what had happened so many years earlier.
19 But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
It's the silver lining of this robe-ripping tale; God is in charge, rest in that fact, and save your tunics for another day.
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