The Very Rev Colin Sinclair focuses on the lessons of Genesis 46 to 49 in the continuing study of Joseph.

WHEN the story of Joseph is told in the UK, we tend to self-edit and omit these chapters. The revelation of Joseph to the brothers and their reconciliation is the perfect moment to bring down the curtain on this great drama.

When I worked in Africa and listened to people tell the story in their own culture these chapters were not overlooked. The lesson from Joseph was not primarily about the faith of Joseph who kept trusting God in adversity and was vindicated for his faith. Nor was it primarily about the faithfulness of God who was true to his promises and who never lets us out of his sight. While both these lessons are important and help us to face difficult times in our lives, there is more to this story.

In Africa they would add a third lesson. “In all his changing circumstances Joseph never forgot his family”. In African culture, with the importance of the extended family and their dependence on those who go to the city to support those back in the village, this story adds leverage to their belief. In fact, half the story is about the drama we know only too well, and the other half is about the family and its relationships. Perhaps that is why we need the whole church to understand the bible in all its depth and wisdom.

There is also more going on for in these chapters we find why the children of Israel left the “Promised Land” and how they ended up in Egypt. This is the background to the story of Moses and the Exodus. As Jacob set off to Egypt, he wanted to remain close to God. As he sacrificed to him at Beersheba (46:1-4), God confirmed his decision to go, but promised that though he would die in Egypt, his family would return one day.

We read of his moving reunion with the son he had thought lost for so many years. Not unsurprisingly, many tears flowed. Joseph had not switched his brain off in the joy of the moment but instead uses his political wisdom to ensure that they have an agreed “cover story” to bring before Pharaoh. This will allow them to settle in part of the land (Goshen) where they can live, without interference or the loss of their own culture and faith.

As the family settled Joseph ensured that control of the land and its people was put in Pharaoh’s hands. A future system of 20% taxation was established. After 17 years it came time for Jacob to die. He made Joseph promise to bury his bones back in Canaan and finally blessed his own family. To Joseph was given a double blessing through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

“ The lesson from Joseph was not primarily about the faith of Joseph who kept trusting God in adversity and was vindicated for his faith.

When Jacob blessed his sons, he showed that age had not blinded him to the strengths and weaknesses of his children. He spoke prophetic words about what they each had become and would be. Within these perceptive words, Judah, no innocent, is told that the great promise will come through his line. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah...until he comes to whom it belongs.” Unsurprisingly, of all the sons he speaks of Joseph in the warmest terms and entrusts him to the God who had watched over them both. ¤