Genesis 37:1 36, 39:1 6, 41:15 44, 41:53 57, 42:1 46:34 – The Story Of Joseph
Target year level: Prep
Scripture text
Genesis 37:1-36, 39:1-6, 41:15-44, 41:53-57, 42:1-46:34
Introduction
The texts, Genesis 37:1-36, 39:1-6, 41:15-44, 41:53-57, 42:1-46:34, are narratives related to the story of the biblical Patriarch, Joseph. These texts are situated in a section of the Book of Genesis related to the history of the Patriarchs. (Genesis 11:27-50:26). Genesis is numbered among the five books of the Old Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy that are collectively known as the Pentateuch or Torah. The content of the five books include stories, character portraits, sagas, laws, regulations, rituals and historical narratives all at the service of establishing the foundational identity of the People of Israel and the Covenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh their God. The texts of the Torah-Pentateuch are assembled from a variety of sources and historical periods and edited in their present form by a variety of authors.
World behind the text
Genesis chapters 38-50 focus on the story of Joseph and the connection between Canaan and Egypt. The literary background to Genesis 38-50, as with other books of the Pentateuch, is complex and debated.
Some scholars, using the methods of source criticism, detect in the Joseph story the influence of different Jahwist, Elohist and Priestly sources drawing on the so-called documentary hypothesis. Other scholars assert that the text of Genesis 38-50 has literary origins and a single author. For these scholars the narrative of Joseph is a single story rather than a compilation from a number of oral traditions.
Modern biblical scholars say that the Joseph story, as we have it in the biblical text, dates from the 5th century BCEPersian period. Go to Text analysis for further detail.
Some scholars assert that the Joseph story is solely a literary composition created to form a bridge between the Abraham-Isaac, Jacob texts in Genesis and the following story focused on Moses and the Exodus. In that case, the Joseph narrative also provides an explanation of how the Hebrew People, the People of God came from Canaan to dwell in Egypt. For further information on the world behind the text go to Fallon - Introduction to Genesis 37-50 (pdf).
World of the text
The texts narrate a number of stories related to the patriarch, Joseph, whose brothers sold into slavery and who eventually rises to prominence in Egyptian society. In the narratives that make up the story of Joseph are themes of jealousy and betrayal, salvation and empowerment and forgiveness and reconciliation. From a Christian perspective, the patriarch Joseph has been seen in relation to Christ. The themes and events that characterise the Joseph story are seen to prefigure similar themes and events in the life of Christ. A focused commentary on particular texts is indicated below. Fallon 201-202Joseph Dreams of Greatness (37:1-9); Joseph is Sold by his Brothers (37:12-36).Fallon 206 Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife (39:1-6.Fallon 211-212 Joseph and Pharaoh’s Dreams and Joseph’s’ Rise to Power (41:15-44).Fallon 213Famine in Egypt (41:53-57) Fallon 216-231 Narratives of Joseph, his brothers and his father Jacob (42:1-46:34).
World in front of the text
As one of the biblical patriarchs, Joseph is honoured in the Jewish tradition.
In the Christian tradition, Joseph is seen as a type of Christ in that he acted as a saviour of his People. In Islamic tradition Joseph is regarded as a prophet. A whole chapter of the Qur’an is devoted to the story of Joseph. In the Baha'i tradition there are numerous references to the story of Joseph. Joseph and the narratives associated with him have also impacted literature and culture. A notable example is the Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.