Theme Of Forgiveness In Genesis

Joseph’s, life was in the pits, no literally. Being the favorite son of ten brothers by his father Jacob caused his brothers to despise him, so they did what normal brothers would have done, throw him into a pit of snakes and scorpions. But Joseph rises above more than just the pit in a new land, being sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers. Joseph’s actions when coming into power under a hybrid identity reveals his character’s purpose and his true compassion towards his family. Joseph’s public and private actions display a profound amount of wisdom beyond his years.
After being sold off into slavery In Egypt he acquires a reputation as an interpreter of dreams (while in jail, having been falsely accused by Potiphar 's wife). He interprets …show more content…
But it also brings out the close interplay between the characters’ private lives, involving family relationships and individual emotions, and events in the public sphere.2 This provides the idea that Joseph has a greater purpose of continuing a theme of forgiveness and reconciliation throughout the book of Genesis. In Genesis it is shown time and time again that Yahweh is a very forgiving God and not only that but he expects his followers to be so as well. Right at the beginning we have God having to forgive Adam and Eve for taking a bite of the forbidden fruit. Betrayal, repentance, and forgiveness are three repeated steps throughout the book of Genesis and are carried out through the later books. And Joseph’s story fits right with the occurrences; first Joseph is betrayed by his brothers by being thrown into a pit with murderous intention, only later to just sell him into slavery. After attaining one of the highest ranks in Egypt his brothers come seeking food, Joseph soon reveals his identity to his family and his brothers show great remorse towards their actions. Lastly, Joseph forgives his brothers for what they have done, for God has brought good out of their actions. This action also demonstrates another dominant theme that reoccurs in Genesis and that’s God’s plan is realized through human intermediaries, who are tested and guided by God so that the people establish Israel just as God intended for it to be. This is why Joseph accepts his brothers because he knew God was testing him. However, one isn’t to say that was his only reasoning he did it but it was probably the main reason. Just imagine how Joseph must have felt, face to face with his brothers after everything he went through. To be the one in power and have the chance to get even with them, it’s to be expected the thought must have run through his mind. Joseph had to of