Genesis 37:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Reflect on the wise providence of God: although they planned to bring about His death, the One who orchestrates and governs all events allows various obstacles to arise, enhancing the glory of His martyrdom and ensuring that His purposes are realized.

Upon his arrival, he faced an unexpected onslaught. Jealousy had found a prime moment to implement its long-concocted scheme. The offspring of the handmaids, Bilhah and Zilpah, were resolved to take his life. Yet as they spotted him approaching, they mocked the young man, who was repugnant and detestable to them, declaring, “Behold, the dreamer comes” (Gen. 37:19). However, when they recognized the Beloved who had come in the flesh, the intellectual Joseph, as the esteemed Evangelist John noted, “Nevertheless, even among the rulers many believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him” (John 12:42). Likewise, upon recognizing Him, they were filled with fury against Him.

In a manner similar to Joseph's heartless siblings, who conspired against him when they noticed him approaching, despite his intent to bring them peace from their father, so too did the perpetually unyielding Jewish leaders conspire against the Savior upon recognizing Him. They declared, "Indeed, this is the heir; let us slay Him, and all will be ours" (Mark 12:7). When Joseph spotted his brothers from a distance, he approached them with joy, longing to embrace them. However, they prepared to attack him like ravenous beasts. Yet, Joseph, like a gentle lamb, was prepared to surrender himself to these fierce predators.

Joseph discovered his brothers in Dothan, a name that signifies ‘abandonment’. Where can one find the one who has turned away from God but in a state of forsakenness? It is not surprising that those who ignore the divine message find themselves in desolation: Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will rest you (Matt. 11:28). As Joseph approached Dothan, his brothers saw him from a distance, and before he could reach them, they conspired to take his life. Those who are spiritually distant often reside in a place of estrangement, conspiring against him because Christ had not drawn near to them. Had a figure of Christ approached them, they might have shown love for their brother; yet those who schemed against him were unable to be close.

Joseph approached his brothers, only to discover they had turned against him; similarly, Jesus arrived among his own people, yet they did not accept him (John 1:11).