Today we finish the book of Genesis. As Israel comes near the end of his life, he calls Joseph and requests burial back in Canaan. He also blesses Joseph's sons, giving Ephraim, the younger, the first blessing. He then blesses each of his sons individually. Again, it is important to pay attention to the blessing for Judah. It is amazing that after the burial, once again Joseph's brothers express their concern over his possible revenge. I have always wondered if Israel (Jacob) ever got the details of the disappearance of Joseph. I am almost certain that, in his shoes, I would have demanded a full account. "What were you thinking? Go to your rooms and don't come out until I call you!" But there is no detail given to this possibility. Joseph weeps when he receives their message and then reassures them that he fully accepts God's will in the unfolding of events. He was certainly a model of forgiveness. Finally at the age of 110 Joseph dies. He lives to enjoy his greatgrandchildren.
It has taken three full weeks to read the first book of the Bible. We have gone from creation of all things to the destruction of all but a handful through the flood. We have seen the establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel through their father Abraham. We leave them in Egypt where they have grown greatly in number since 70 members of Jacob's clan traveled there during the famine.
No comments:
Post a Comment