Bible Study Online ArticleLocated at the Bottom of Page In the last article we explored the possibility that Joseph was perhaps, struggling with the notion of seeking revenge against his brothers.
I say "perhaps" being that they're different viewpoints amongst Bible scholars when it comes to Joseph's true agenda after the Lord had delivered his brothers into his hands. For me personally, I believe that Joseph's overall agenda against his brothers is of one, that's constantly evolving throughout the Sacred Account. Now keep in mind that this is my personal opinion, for I see that Joseph really didn't know his brothers at this point in his life. But make no mistake, Joseph continues to learn more about his brothers' true nature as time goes on. As for Joseph's agenda when it comes to his brothers, and the reason why I see it as constantly evolving. Comes from the very first moment that God had first delivered Joseph's brothers into his hands. For I truly believe that when Joseph had first seen his brothers after so many years, his old emotions were stirred. It would probably be at this point that Joseph's struggle to seek revenge against his brothers was first discovered, and it was probably during this time that the feeling was at its strongest. But something would happen while Joseph was thinking and struggling about the notion of seeking revenge? Joseph would soon learn that his little brother Benjamin was still alive. Now it would be at this moment that Joseph's agenda would evolve again. For we find that Benjamin's safety meant more to him at this time, than some personal vendetta. Now personally, I'd like to think that this little bit of important information regarding Benjamin had helped to give Joseph pause, when it came to seeking vengeance against his brothers. But how did Joseph get to this vengeful tipping-point, when it came to his brothers in the first place? And for us to fully understand how this was made possible, it wouldn't hurt for us to do a quick recap on what has taken place so far, when it comes to Jacob's household. For we must remember that among all twelve brothers, that there were four mothers between them. Also keep in mind that Joseph and Benjamin had the same mother, which was Rachel. And out of all four women, Rachel was the only one that Jacob truly loved. Now from out of all the four women, Rachel was also the one that had trouble when it came to bearing children. Because of this, she would be the last of Jacob's wives, to have had the experience, and pleasure of bearing a child of her own. So therefore, when Joseph was finally born, he instantly became Jacob's favorite. Know that these are very important facts to know, for you must also understand that these are the reasons why a strong competitiveness and envy had existed between, not just Jacob's wives, but between Jacob's sons as well. Now one would think, that it shouldn't be that far fetched to grasp hold of the notion that Jacob's household environment had become very toxic. And because of this stressful situation, a betrayal process that was full of envy, was started by Joseph's brothers, that would eventually place Joseph on a path that would at some point, take him all the way to the second most powerful seat within the Egyptian kingdom. And on the other hand, we also learnt how God would move through the natural and reveal to Joseph the true nature, when it came to the hearts and minds of his brothers. And by us looking at the way Joseph's brothers had treated him earlier in his life, it shouldn't be hard, to see how Joseph would view them as being very wicked and evil men. But in the meantime, Joseph would have to deal with the fact, that this may have been the case some twenty years ago, when it came to how his brothers were. But these are different times, and Joseph may have to face the possibility that his brothers may have changed from what they use to be. He may also have to accept the fact, that his brothers were no longer at a point in their lives - where jealousy and envy were the dominating force within their hearts and minds. Now with that being stated, we must also keep in mind that although Joseph had been given the honor to have his storied account recorded from within God's Sacred Writings, he was, after all, still human. It's absolutely crucial that we remember this very important fact, while we continue on our journey throughout God's Word. And by remembering that Joseph is only human, will help us to see past the natural limits that we continue to place on ourselves, especially when it comes to a specific time-period or culture. Imagine the spiritual possibilities, if we're able to learn how to completely trust and adopt a limitless perception when it comes to God's Word? Know that it would enable us to have a better, overall understanding and connection when it comes to God's Testament to the human-race. I challenge you, to learn how to look and go beyond your natural understanding of things. Don't be afraid to let go of your rational mindset when it comes to the Word of God. I'll tell you this, you'll be amazed at how alive your Biblical studies will become when you learn to trust the Sacred Record for all its worth. While standing confidently and courageously, on the fact, that God's Word is transcending, and transforming, and nothing else comes close. Anyhow, let's move forward... "Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain; to put each man's silver back in his sack; and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done to them, they loaded their grain on their donkeys and left." -- (Genesis 42:25) Now this Scripture informs us that Joseph had the money that his brothers had used to purchase the grain with, returned back to them. This is another clear sign that Joseph is allowing God to continue to lead him in this ordeal in spite of his own feelings. Know that this is the first sign that God is winning the battle within Joseph's heart and mind: "Do this and you will live, for I fear God: If you are honest with me, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.'" -- (Genesis 42:18-20) The mere fact that Joseph mentions that he has the fear of God, shows that he realizes that he will still be held accountable by the Almighty even though, by reasonable standards, Joseph had the right to seek revenge against his brothers. Now don't make the mistake of thinking that Joseph had the money secretly return to his brothers in order for him to trump up more charges against them. For he had already had them charged as spies, now this added situation, would make them thieves as well. Understand that Joseph has a good heart and has shown excellent character throughout this whole ordeal. But he's now at a crucial point within his own life. And with things going so well for him, I just don't see him all of a sudden changing for the worse and risk compromising his favored position with God - in spite of his inner angry emotions towards his brothers. However and with that being stated, Joseph's brothers have now headed out, going back home to their father in order for them to retrieve Benjamin and bring him back to Joseph, in exchange for Simeon who Joseph was keeping in prison. But on their way back, they decided to stop and rest for the night, and much to their surprise, one of them opened his sack and found the sliver that they had used to buy grain with. Now keep in mind, that this wasn't good news for Joseph's brothers, not at all. For it was at this point they realized the horrible ramifications behind this fearful discovery: "My sliver has been returned,' he said to his brothers. 'Here it is in my sack.' Their hearts sank and they turned to each other trembling and said: 'What is this that God has done to us?'" -- (Genesis 42:28) Now personally, I'd like to think that this Scripture takes us further into the process of how God is dealing with these men, in regards to their past actions against Joseph. I believe that Joseph's brothers never really had inner-peace after they had betrayed him some twenty years ago. Then for them to go and tell the untruthful horrible news to their father Jacob - then to stand there and watch the crumbling of his breaking heart after he'd heard the bad news about Joseph. For he now believed that Joseph - his favorite son, was dead. And for Joseph's brothers to live that with corrupt moment, that wicked secret, and to watch the endless mournful season that they shackled their father with... Leads me to ask the question: "Where's the inner-peace in that?" When Joseph's brothers first left for Egypt it was ten of them, now they return with one of them missing. How will Jacob respond to, perhaps, losing another son? How will Jacob respond to the story that his sons are about to tell him? And what about his new favorite son, Benjamin - will Jacob allow him to depart from him and now go to Egypt with his brothers? Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 84) Joseph's Dark Dreams Interpretation 85) Joseph the Overseer of Egypt 86) Joseph the Revealer of Secrets 88) The Seven Years of Abundance 90) Joseph the Egyptian Prime Minister 91) Joseph the Temptation of Revenge 93) The Confessions of the Ten Tribes 94) <-CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE PAGE-> 
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