Chapters 37-50: The Chiastic Structure Of Joseph In Genesis

Chiastic structure is a literary technique where the first set of ideas are reiterated by the second set of ideas but in reverse order, divided by the central idea. The median point may be used to identify a leading or main idea and generally contains the most important part of the structure because it is the emphasis of the passage. Because of the symmetrical structure, any break within the pattern, in this case the middle point, is distinguishable along the writing and holds implications of a deeper meaning. The chiastic structure of the narrative of Joseph in Genesis, chapters 37 to 50, shows a parallel storyline that peaks at an idea that is not explicitly said but instead revealed, that God is faithful in his promise to Abraham's descendants by continuing to fulfill this promise through Joseph and his story.
Throughout Genesis 37-50, the story of Joseph is unfolded. To begin with, Joseph had a dream or a prophecy that he would reign over his brothers and his family would bow down to him (Genesis …show more content…
With this understanding, the reader can make the connection between how God planned Joseph’s life and victories in a way that comes into a direct line with the descendents of Abraham. The chiastic structure is crucial because it emphasizes the necessity of Joseph becoming ruler over Egypt in order to be used by God. God fulfilled the promise of descendants through Joseph’s narrative and had Joseph not became this ruler, he would not been able to. Therefore, the chiastic structure allows for the pinpointing of the central idea - Joseph gaining authority over the land of Egypt - in order to lead the reader in the direction of comprehending the alignment between Joseph and God’s divine plan of multiplying Abraham’s