Genesis 37:20 – “‘Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.’”
Extended Explanation
Genesis 37:20 captures a dark moment where Joseph’s brothers conspire to kill him. Fueled by their jealousy and hatred, they plan to murder him and dispose of his body in a cistern, a large pit typically used for storing water. Their intent is to eliminate Joseph and the threat they believe he poses because of his dreams, which suggested that he would one day rule over them. Their plan also includes a cover-up story: they would claim that a wild animal had killed Joseph, hoping to convince their father, Jacob, of this lie. This verse shows how far their bitterness has driven them—to the point of plotting fratricide and deceit.
Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, cisterns were common and often essential for survival in arid regions. These large pits could be deep and wide, making them suitable places to hide or dispose of something—or in this case, someone. The idea of throwing Joseph into a cistern was not just practical but also symbolic, as the brothers sought to bury their problem literally and figuratively. Additionally, the cultural context of honor and shame in family dynamics meant that the brothers’ desire to rid themselves of Joseph was tied to more than just personal jealousy—it was about maintaining their status and power within the family.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the severity of sin when left unchecked. The brothers’ jealousy, which began as an internal struggle, has now escalated into a plan for murder. This passage demonstrates how sin can corrupt relationships and lead to devastating actions. It also brings to light the consequences of ignoring God’s revelations. Instead of seeking to understand Joseph’s dreams, the brothers chose to fight against them, thinking they could thwart God’s plan by eliminating Joseph. This verse serves as a reminder that human attempts to resist God’s will are ultimately futile. God’s purposes will be fulfilled, even through the evil actions of people.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Genesis 37:20 is a critical moment in the narrative, marking the point where the tension between Joseph and his brothers reaches its peak. The verse is filled with irony and foreshadowing. The brothers’ statement, “Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams,” is particularly ironic because their very actions are what will eventually lead to the fulfillment of those dreams. The plot they devise is meant to silence Joseph and his dreams, but it instead sets in motion the events that will lead to Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt. This verse also serves to build suspense and engage the reader, as the gravity of the brothers’ plan is laid bare.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 4:8 – The story of Cain and Abel, where jealousy similarly leads to murder, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked sin.
- Jeremiah 38:6 – The prophet Jeremiah is also thrown into a cistern by those who oppose his message, paralleling Joseph’s experience of being rejected and cast away.
- Psalm 21:11 – A reminder that though people may plot evil, God’s purposes will stand, reflecting the outcome of the brothers’ plan against Joseph.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Genesis 37:20 is a sobering reminder of the consequences of letting sin, especially jealousy and hatred, take root in our hearts. The brothers’ actions show how quickly negative emotions can escalate into severe wrongdoing when they are not addressed. This verse encourages believers to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and to seek reconciliation and understanding in relationships rather than allowing bitterness to fester. It also challenges Christians to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or contrary to our desires. Ultimately, it reassures us that God is in control, and His purposes will prevail despite human opposition.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse relates to a loving God who, even in the face of human sin and evil, is working out His divine purposes. Despite the brothers’ malicious intent, God’s love for Joseph and His plan for his life remain steadfast. God’s love is evident in how He uses even the darkest moments to bring about good, as He eventually uses Joseph’s suffering to save many lives, including those of his brothers. This verse reminds us that God’s love is powerful and redemptive, capable of turning evil intentions into something that serves His greater purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Genesis 37:20 connects to Jesus Christ through the theme of betrayal and God’s sovereignty over human schemes. Just as Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and cast into a pit, Jesus was betrayed by Judas and handed over to be crucified. In both cases, what seemed like a defeat was actually part of God’s plan for redemption. The brothers’ words, “Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams,” echo the mockery Jesus faced on the cross, yet just as Joseph’s dreams were fulfilled, so was Jesus’ mission to bring salvation. This verse points to the truth that God’s purposes will always be accomplished, even through the worst of human actions.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond when you recognize jealousy or bitterness in your heart? What steps can you take to prevent it from escalating into something destructive?
- What can Joseph’s brothers’ actions teach us about the importance of addressing sin before it leads to serious consequences?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems threatened by others’ actions or intentions?
- In what ways does Joseph’s experience of betrayal parallel the betrayal of Jesus, and how does that deepen your understanding of God’s sovereignty?
- How can you apply the lessons from this verse to your own relationships, especially when dealing with conflict or feelings of resentment?