QT 12/2/2025 Gen 37:12-22, The will of God cannot be thwarted

Genesis 37:12–22 (ESV) —

12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 15 And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16 “I am seeking my brothers,” he said. “Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17 And the man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.

18 They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.” 21 But when Reuben heard it, he rescued him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him”—that he might rescue him out of their hand to restore him to his father.

 

NOTE: At any one time, not all of the brothers are at the base camp. In order to watch the flock, I am sure they took shifts, and depending on the size, some could beyond eye sight. So the term "brothers" may not refer collectively to every one of the brothers. This is supported by verse 21, "But when Reuben heard it …," where he is clearly not involved in the initial discussions. In fact, his plan to rescue him later, puts him in a different group. In my mind, the four brothers of the two servant women were most likely the ring leaders. Potentially, Simeon and Levi, who were known for their violence, could possibly be added. Except for Judah, the two remaining brothers (not counting Benjamin) are younger and went along with the crowd. Reuben disagrees but does not really voice his disagreement. In the next passage, we see that Judah had second thoughts as well when he proposes selling him to a Midianite traveler.

 

God had a plan in this but God does not encourage sin. God uses the sin and brings about something good despite our sin. He is never caught off guard. The dreams of Joseph shared prior, show that God knew all along how things would work out.

 

What do we learn? "No one" does something to you that hurts you in a way that God does not know or will not use for your good. Yes, people do hurt us, but they cannot hurt the will of God. He will bring about good in any and every situation.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I blame others for my misfortune?
2. Am I looking to see how God can bring good out of the evil brought about on me?

 

PRAYER: Father, your plan cannot be shaken. Your will cannot be thwarted. It may take circuitous routes, but never out of your will. Help us to trust and obey, even when we seem defeated.