Now it fell out also that he told his brethren a dream, that he had dreamed: which occasioned them to hate him the more.
וַיַּחֲלֹ֤ם יוֹסֵף֙ חֲל֔וֹם וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאֶחָ֑יו וַיּוֹסִ֥פוּ ע֖וֹד שְׂנֹ֥א אֹתֽוֹ׃
7 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The remarkable Joseph, unaware of the wicked intentions of his siblings, welcomed them as family and shared with them his visions, in which God disclosed to him his impending exaltation and the eventual reverence of his brothers before him.
The insults and accusations stemming from a reckless and envious tongue were merely minor trials and the initial stirrings of evil intentions. However, these sentiments were intensified due to a significant reason: God had revealed to the young man that he would ultimately achieve greatness and become renowned beyond his siblings, adorned with the highest honors. This revelation, I believe, served as an encouragement for the young man to aspire toward righteousness. Just as trainers in athletics anoint young athletes with oil to instill in them immense courage, motivating them to bravely face challenges by informing them of the generous rewards waiting for victors, so too the Almighty observes a gifted spirit, one marked by a proven and luminous mind eager for excellence.
He calls such a soul to perform good deeds, anticipating its future and diligently fostering its readiness for virtue. Thus, a divine vision and message were bestowed upon this young man, Joseph, who, taken aback, later shared his experience with his brothers.
Clothed in virtuous attributes, this young man envisioned dreams that unveiled the divine intentions laid out for him by the Most High God.
Reflecting on the blessings bestowed by Jacob, I seek the favor of the Lord. Who among humanity can truly comprehend the spiritual wisdom unless heavenly insight guides them? Or who can discern the hidden messages spoken by the blessed prophets in parables without the Word serving as the interpreter? Prior to Israel, the truth was concealed within the law, much like a lamp hidden under a vessel (Matt. 5:15, Mark 4:21), revealing truth through the shadow, aiming to enlighten those justified by the law through circumcision. But now, it has been clearly revealed upon the cross, like a lamp placed among the seven golden candlesticks. This refers to the spiritual gifts of those who leaned upon Him, which He acknowledged, becoming visible in the Holy Church.
Within her, just as in the Temple of Jerusalem, stands a seven-branched lampstand to illuminate the shadows cast by the law, calling the nations from God toward salvation and His light. Thus, let the Word be present among us as the interpreter of His mysteries, enabling believers to grasp the visions of Joseph. The brothers did not merely label him a dreamer without a deeper insight into the Word residing within him. They said to one another, "Behold, here comes a dreamer; let us kill him, and see what becomes of his visions" (Gen. 37:19-20). O children of Jacob, what were these dreams? He proclaimed that he saw sheaves gathered in the field, with his sheaf standing tall while yours bowed down to it (Genesis 37:7). What wrong did Joseph commit by sharing the future with you? Why harbor jealousy against a righteous man and despise him when God has entrusted him with His secrets, revealing through visions what was destined to unfold?
Pure-hearted individuals adorn the crowns of royalty with their brilliance, illuminated in dreams. Trustworthy souls, take heed. God unveils their futures through visions... To realize the purpose of the anointed community, God presents in dreams the pathway of righteousness, juxtaposed with images of deceit and temptation. The Creator, always vigilant, inspires and educates, guiding those who are weary. He reveals what lies ahead... There is One Supreme Lord and Savior... Kontakion ‘The Fate of Joseph’. Ikos 1
In that moment, the Holy Spirit dwelling within Joseph started to disclose to him through visions, much like a prophet, all aspects of his forthcoming life. Joseph, not concealing anything, shared this revelation with his father and brothers.
Yet, he failed to grasp the hardship that had come upon them; his innocent spirit perceived them as pure and well-intentioned. He opened his heart to them with genuine trust. This unblemished heart had already been chosen by God as a vessel for profound revelations. The grace of the Holy Spirit, in harmony with Joseph's youthful years, began to reveal itself through significant dreams. Unusual visions were vividly inscribed by a mysterious hand in the virgin's mind. At the age of seventeen, Joseph experienced his first prophetic dream. With an honesty that harbored no suspicion, he shared it with his brothers; it was clear that the dream had left a profound mark on the young man's soul, one that called for understanding. He wished to gather and to hear this understanding from the mouths of his elder brothers.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS