There are several timeless themes in the Joseph story that are still relevant today. This narrative focuses on the basics of human nature which over time have not changed. Human shortcomings like jealousy, arrogance, deceit and even denial are still present in our modern times and are likewise illustrated in this rich account of sibling rivalry.
Here we have a father, Jacob who has several sons. Jacob also known as Israel has one son which he loves above the others. Joseph the only son of Jacob’s wife Rachel was shown favoritism, and as one would expect, his brothers were resentful. Especially among siblings, who are naturally in competition for their parent’s affections, envy remains present in today’s social structure.
As another blow to his brothers’ egos, Joseph would brag about his visions of authority. He dreamt of his brothers kneeling before him and he boasted about it. Again we see characteristics to which we in modern times can relate: Joseph’s arrogance and his brothers’ reprisal. After Joseph conveys his interpretation of the dream his brothers’ feelings of inferiority and spite were heightened and they plotted against him.
And his brothers said unto Joseph, shalt thou indeed reign over us? Or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet more for his dreams and for his words
The story goes on to tell how the eleven brothers conspire to kill Joseph but instead collectively decide to sell him so that his blood will not be on their hands. At this point we see an exhibition of denial. The brethren attempt to convince themselves that selling their brother into slavery is somehow more excusable then murdering him. Even today when we feel guilty about our wrongdoings we often times try to find ways to validate those actions i ...