Week of Sunday August 9, 2020
Bible Study for Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Like last week, the text for Sunday is but a very small part of the larger narrative that begins in Genesis 37. You will recall that last week, we studied the account of Jacob wrestling with God which then was followed by his reconciliation with Esau, a climax perhaps in the narrative of Jacob that we have been following (chapters 25-35). This narrative was preceded by that of Isaac (chapters 22-27) and of Abraham (12-23). This week’s reading marks a shift from the story of Jacob to the story of Joseph, which story is part of that of the Hebrews being in Egypt. In between the meeting of Jacob and Esau and this week’s text is the rape of Jacob’s and Leah’s daughter, Dinah and the deceit of Dinah’s brothers and the plunder of the city in retaliation (chapter 34); the deaths of Rachel and Isaac (chapter 35); and a census of sorts of the offspring of Esau (chapter 36).
And as we turn to this week’s text, the story of Jacob shifts to the story of his sons, specifically to Joseph; a story that we know well and has even made it to the Broadway stage, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
The first verses of Chapter 37, succinctly lay out the basis for the family dynamics and conflict. As you read 37:1-4, describe the relationships. How do you see these in this image of a stained glass work by Liz Quantock?
Copied from http://www.emajain.com.au/blog/original-sin-jealousy-god-
sibling-rivalry-genesis/josephs-coat-of-many-colors/ on August 2, 2020.
Note again, that the one most loved by Jacob was the youngest (except for Benjamin, whose birth resulted in his mother’s, Rachel’s, death.) We see again a type of inversion or reversal of what society would expect. While 37:5-11 are not part of the lectionary reading, they are integral to understanding this story. What do you see in the dream? (Note the role of dreams in Jacob’s life and we shall see more of Joseph and his dreams in chapters to come.) What are some of the things that brought the brothers to this point of extreme conflict? Where else have we seen these things in the stories of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob?
What do you think about the explanation given to Jacob and the destruction of the coat in 37:29-34?
God is not spoken of in this story thus far. How do you understand that?
Where do you see the same kinds of tensions and dynamics in play today?
Let us pray: O God, we are grateful to you for so much. Even in our brokenness and sin, even in our envy and insecurities, your steadfast love endures forever. Heal us Lord and strengthen our relationships with all of your people. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
